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

SCHEDULE 14A

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Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12



Covenant TransportationLogistics Group, Inc.
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[PRELIMINARY COPY – SUBJECT TO COMPLETION]

COVENANT TRANSPORTATIONLOGISTICS GROUP, INC.
400 Birmingham Highway
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419


NOTICE OF MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 201919, 2021


To Our Stockholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the 20192021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"“Annual Meeting”) of Covenant TransportationLogistics Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "Company"“Company”), to be held at our principal executive office, 400 Birmingham Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on Wednesday, May 8, 2019,19, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Company will be holding the Annual Meeting by teleconference only. Stockholders of record at the close of business as of the record date (Tuesday, March 30, 2021) may call into the Annual Meeting using the following instructions:

Beginning at 9:45 a.m., up until the start time 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, dial 310-372-7549 (participant code 124676) and request to join the Covenant Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Stockholders should be prepared to provide their name and personal identification number (personal identification number is the Control Number as provided in the voting material).

The Annual Meeting is being held for the following purposes:purposes, as more fully described in the accompanying Proxy Statement:

1.To consider and act upon a proposal to elect six (6)seven (7) directors;
  
2.To consider and act upon an advisory and non-binding vote on executive compensation;
  
3.To ratify the appointment of KPMGGrant Thornton LLP as the Company'sCompany’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2019;2021; and
  
4.To consider and act upon a proposal to amend the Company’s amended and restated articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock;
5.To consider and act upon the First Amendment to the Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “First Amendment to the Incentive Plan”); and
6.To consider and act upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournment thereof. *

The foregoing matters are more fully described in the accompanying Proxy Statement.

The Board has fixed the close of business on Monday, March 11, 2019, as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.  Shares of Class A and Class B common stock may be voted at the Annual Meeting only if the holder is present at the Annual Meeting in personby telephone or by valid proxy.  YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.  To ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting, you are requested to promptly date, sign, and return the accompanying proxy in the enclosed envelope.  You may also vote on the Internet by completing the electronic voting instruction form found at www.investorvote.com/CVTICVLG or by telephone using a touch-tone telephone and calling 1-800-652-8683.  Returning your proxy now will not interfere with your right to attend the Annual Meeting by telephone or to vote your shares personallyby telephone at the Annual Meeting, if you wish to do so.  The prompt return of your proxy may save us additional expenses of solicitation.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the
Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held on May 8, 201919, 2021

Pursuant to rules promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"(“SEC”), we have elected to provide access to our proxy materials both by: (i) sending you this full set of proxy materials, including a proxy card; and (ii) notifying you of the availability of our proxy materials on the Internet.  This Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement, and our Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, are available free of charge and may be accessed at www.edocumentview.com/CVTICVLG..

In accordance with SEC rules, we do not use "cookies"“cookies” or other software that identifies visitors accessing these materials on this website.  We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.

To obtain directions to the Annual Meeting, please call Theresa Ives at (423) 463-3335.

 
By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
/s/ David R. Parker
 
David R. Parker
 
Chairman of the Board

Chattanooga, Tennessee
April 8, 201916, 2021


Letter To
Stockholders
Governance
Executive
Compensation
EnvironmentalSocial
LETTER FROM OUR LEAD INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Dear Fellow Stockholders:
As Covenant’s Lead Independent Director, it has been my privilege to work alongside an accomplished and talented group of directors. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and investment, and to emphasize our Board’s continued commitment to independent oversight, strategic planning, strong corporate governance, and environmental and social stewardship.
We are dedicated to maintaining strong corporate governance practices and developing a Board with an appropriate composition of skills, backgrounds, and expertise. To that end, we are pleased to nominate all members of the Board for re-election at this year’s Annual Meeting, all of whom have served as public company officers or key employees. We believe our Board as it stands offers a compelling mix of talent and experience, including numerous directors with backgrounds in financial reporting, truckload industry, risk management, and technology, as well as experience with non-profit and community organizations.
The Board remains committed to providing meaningful strategic oversight and exceptional leadership. We have put in place a well-rounded leadership team consisting of Joey Hogan – President and Principal Financial Officer, Paul Bunn – Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, David Parker – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and John Tweed as a consultant providing support and leadership in sales and operations, a team that has proven its resilience and expertise through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and one which we believe is well-positioned to execute our strategic plans and lead the Company through all market cycles. As part of our strategic planning, we also believe it is important to align our executives’ interests with our stockholders’ interests. In furtherance of that philosophy, we have designed an executive compensation program that rewards the achievement of meaningful performance goals and encourages a long-term management perspective.
In adherence to our focus on strong corporate governance principles, we have in place a robust anti-hedging and anti-pledging policy for directors and senior executive officers that does not have a hardship exception. Our clawback policy and stock ownership guidelines for our directors and executive officers discourages placing too great a priority on short-term gains and encourages focusing on long-term value creation in our stockholders’ best interests. Our Board and committees participate in a rigorous annual self-assessment process through outside counsel involving written questionnaires with inquiries in risk, strategic planning, succession planning, independence, Board composition, general Board operations and administration, and other areas, and I provide management actionable feedback that we monitor. In addition, we have adopted proxy access procedures that will allow our stockholders who have retained and held a sufficient ownership position on our Company to include stockholder-nominated director candidates in our Annual Meeting proxy materials.

"The Board, which is composed of entirely independent committees and features more than two-thirds independent members, is actively involved in oversight of the Company’s strategy and risks. In 2020 we added a female to our Board and we look forward to further expanding our diversity. The role of Lead Independent Director was created in late 2017 to provide an effective balance of Company management and our stockholders’ best interests. As Lead Independent Director, I preside over all executive sessions of the independent directors and facilitate active, effective communication between the independent directors and management."
Robert E. Bosworth
Lead Independent Director



Letter To Stockholders
Governance
Executive Compensation
Environmental
Social

As one of the largest carriers in the industry, we have a critical responsibility to our environment, communities, and team members. We take these responsibilities very seriously and continue to focus on how we can most responsibly serve the environment and those around us. Environmental sustainability is one of our key emphases and we have doubled down on our commitment to invest in green initiatives and emerging technologies to better utilize our assets, meet compliance requirements, and reduce our impact on the environment. A strong commitment to the community is another critical focus and something that has been in our DNA since the beginning. As part of this initiative, we provide financial support to local charities, encourage employee volunteer work, and maintain an employee-funded benevolence fund to support co-workers in need. And recognizing that we are only as strong as the team members who make up our Company, we continue to make new investments in health, safety, diversity, and inclusion across the Company. In order to further embrace these core areas, we are implementing our first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report this year.
The Board continues to concentrate on its commitment to creating long-term value for our stockholders, upholding its governance duties and responsibilities, and strengthening social and environmental consciousness. Once again, we thank you for your continued support, welcome your feedback, and look forward to providing further updates on the Board’s activities moving forward.
Sincerely,
/s/ Robert E. Bosworth
Robert E. Bosworth
Lead Independent Director

 Letter To Stockholders
Governance
Executive Compensation
Environmental
Social

WHAT WE DO
The following summarizes our key governance features:
Lead Independent Director appointed
Proxy access
Corporate governance guidelines
All committees comprised solely of independent directors
Two-thirds of the Board comprised of independent directors
Limitation on number of outside public boards
Three members of our Audit Committee qualify as audit committee financial experts
Regular sessions of independent directors
Stock ownership guidelines for non-employee directors of five times annual cash retainer
✔             Independent Nominating Committee oversees information security
✔    Stock ownership guidelines for senior executive officers, with CEO at six times annual base salary
✔    Anti-hedging and anti-pledging guidelines for senior executive officers, with no hardship exception
✔    Majority vote policy for uncontested elections
✔    Annual Board and committee written self-assessment through outside counsel
✔    Annual Lead Independent Director written assessment through outside counsel
✔    Annual CEO written assessment through outside counsel
✔    Annual enterprise risk assessment
✔      Director orientation


Risk Assessment Overview Board of Directors We take a company-wide approach to risk management, and our full Board has overall responsibility for and oversees our risk management process on an ongoing basis. Our full Board: determines the appropriate risk for us as an organization; assesses the specific risks faced; and reviews the appropriate steps to be taken by management in order to manage those risks. While the full Board maintains the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, its committees oversee risk in certain specified areas. Primary Areas of Risk Assessment: financial and accounting risk legal and compliance risk technology and cyber security risk succession risk safety and security risk operational and strategic risk regulatory risks Committees Audit oversees assessment and management of financial risks responsible for overseeing potential conflicts of interests monitors and mitigates risks relating to our deployment of financial resources, the management of our balance sheet, and the investment of cash and other assets Compensation responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive and non-executive compensation policies and practices and the incentives created by our compensation policies and practices Nominating and Corporate Governance responsible for overseeing implementation of appropriate corporate governance procedures, monitoring and overseeing the management and mitigation of operating risks, and overseeing the management of risks associated with the independence of our Board reviews enterprise operating risks, other than financial and internal controls risks responsible for oversight of our plans, policies, and disclosures related to ESG matters Management Pursuant to the Board’s instruction, management regularly reports on applicable risks to the relevant committee or the full Board. As appropriate, additional review or reporting on risks are conducted as needed or as requested by our Board and its committees.

Letter To
Stockholders
GovernanceExecutive CompensationEnvironmentalSocial

KEY FEATURES OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM
The Company adheres to the following practices and policies with respect to our executive compensation programs:
✔ Conservative pay policy with total Named Executive Officer and director compensation positioned below the median
✔ Annual say-on-pay votes
✔ Stock ownership guidelines for senior executive officers, with CEO at six times annual base salary
✔ Anti-hedging and anti-pledging guidelines for senior executive officers, with no hardship exception
✔ Independent compensation consultant retained by the Compensation Committee to advise on executive compensation matters
✔ No tax gross-ups
✔ No excessive perquisites for executives
✔ Direct link between pay and performance that aligns business strategies with stockholder value creation
✔ No re-pricing or back-dating of stock options or similar awards
✔ No equity vesting periods of less than twelve months (except for the 5% of the share reserve as of the adoption of the Second Amendment to the Incentive Plan in July 2020 that are available for issuance under the Incentive Plan with no minimum vesting requirements)
✔ No payment of dividends on unvested equity awards granted after the adoption of the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan in May 2019
✔ No voting on unvested equity awards granted after the adoption of the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan in May 2019
✔ Double trigger change in control for equity awards beginning for awards granted in 2020 and for severance benefits. Additionally, equity awards granted under the Incentive Plan after adoption of the Second Amendment to the Incentive Plan in July 2020 are required to have a double trigger change in control
✔ No discretion under the Incentive Plan for the Compensation Committee to accelerate vesting, except in cases involving death or disability
✔ No cash vehicle allowance or company-provided cars effective starting 2021
✔ Clawback policy
Salary reductions of between 5% and 19% for our named executive officers and director annual retainer reduction of 15% between April 2020 and December 2020 in light of the uncertain impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations.
Messrs. Parker and Hogan did not receive equity awards during 2020, as the Compensation Committee desired to preserve equity under our Incentive Plan given stock price volatility during 2020, as well as their desire for more time to assess the impact of changes to our business during 2020, including the strategic repositioning of our enterprise around our Dedicated, Expedited, Managed Freight, and Warehousing business units and reduction of our fixed overhead and capital deployment in non-core businesses.


Letter To
Stockholders
GovernanceExecutive CompensationEnvironmentalSocial

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS
Currently we are developing a 10-year roadmap balancing new innovations in carbon-neutral fuel technologies like battery electric and hydrogen fuel cells with the long-haul requirements of our fleet.  We are working on software solutions for more efficient freight planning and avoiding congested areas - making significant impacts on decreasingCO2 output.  We are heavily involved with our largest truck vendors to test innovative new engine technologies, aerodynamic packages, and hybrid engine enhancements to reduce emissions.  And we are looking at autonomous driving platforms that augment our professional driver’s skills by making improvements in areas of safety and route optimization.
✔ Investing in a current fleet – with the average age of our trucks are 2.1 years we are lower than the industry average, which provides the latest fuel saving technologies available
✔ Working with a leading tire manufacturer on a nationwide test of a new low-rolling resistance tire made from recycled carbon black (RcB)
✔ Our initial results show an 8% fuel efficiency improvement and a 15% increased tread life, which would decrease our need to replace tires on our current maintenance schedules and decrease the number of tires we recycle annually
✔ Installing heaters on our tractors that runs on diesel from the fuel tank and can run up to 10 hours on a gallon of diesel, which is significantly more fuel efficient than running the truck engine and produces much less CO2
✔ Adopting the EPA's Smartway certification program - Covenant has consistently maintained full Smartway certification - Receiving the 2019 Smartway Excellence Award - which is only given to the top 2% of all carriers
✔ Expanding use of bio-fuel – during 2019, 64% of all fuel consumed by the Company was between 2% and 20% bio-fuel blend (26% of all purchased fuel was at least 20% bio-fuel)
✔ Optimizing all recycling programs involving tires, batteries, water, scrap metal, cleaning solvents, and diesel particulate filters
✔ Equipping our tractors and trailers with technology designed to increase aerodynamics and reduce emissions, including maximum length cab extenders, chassis side fairings, aerodynamic bumpers, and trailer aero skirts
✔ Utilizing direct drive automated transmissions and down sped rear axle ratios, which allow the engine to operate at lower RPMs while at cruise speeds
 Implementing our first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report this year

"Every day my team looks for ways to minimize our impact on the environment.
As we continue to modernize our fleet by taking advantages of the latest technologies designed for better fuel efficiency and safety, we are also exploring emerging technologies that we hope will allow us to deliver freight with zero emissions."
Dan Porterfield
SVP Maintenance


 Letter To Stockholders
Governance
Executive Compensation
Environmental
Social

SOCIAL AND DIVERSITY FOCUS
We are a group and culture made up of many different individuals.  Therefore, we believe in having respect for multiple views and beliefs.  The Company strives to create an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated in an ethical manner regardless of any legally protected characteristic.  We want every team member to feel they can be themselves so they can reach their potential and help us all achieve our business and strategic goals.  We encourage all team members to embrace the value that comes through the variety of individuals and perspectives employed in our organization.
One-third of our leadership team is female
Three Veteran Hiring Initiatives
New Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives for 2021
•   Revised Human Trafficking Initiatives
•  Additional participation in our Employee Benevolence Fund - a 100% employee funded program designed to help our employees during times of emergency
More options for our Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program - Company paid volunteer hours
Active participation in Chattanooga's Thrive Regional Partnership program - a public / private partnership to better facilitate the movement of both freight and people within a tri-state region
OUR ENTERPRISE-WIDE DIVERSITY GOALS
 Workforce Diversity
recruit from a diverse, qualified group of candidates to increase the diversity of thinking and perspective

Sustainability and Accountability
identify and breakdown systemic barriers to full inclusion by embedding diversity and inclusion in policies and practices and equipping leaders with the ability to manage diversity and be accountable for the results

Workplace Inclusion
foster a culture that encourages collaboration, flexibility and fairness to enable all team members to contribute to their potential and increase retention

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COVENANT TRANSPORTATIONLOGISTICS GROUP, INC.
400 Birmingham Highway
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419


NOTICE OF MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 201919, 2021


GENERAL INFORMATION

This Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement are furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Covenant TransportationLogistics Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation, to be voted at the 20192021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"“Annual Meeting”), which will be held at our principal executive office, 400 Birmingham Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on Wednesday, May 8, 2019,19, 2021, and any adjournment thereof. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Company will be holding the Annual Meeting by teleconference only. Stockholders of record at the close of business as of the record date (Tuesday, March 30, 2021) may call into the Annual Meeting using the following instructions:

Beginning at 9:45 a.m., up until the start time 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, dial 310-372-7549 (participant code 124676) and request to join the Covenant Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Stockholders should be prepared to provide their name and personal identification number (personal identification number is the Control Number as provided in the voting material).

The Proxy Statement, proxy card, and our 20182020 Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 20182020 (the "2018“2020 Annual Report"Report”), which collectively comprise our "proxy“proxy materials," were first mailed on or about April 8, 2019,16, 2021, to stockholders of record at the close of business on our record date of March 11, 201930, 2021 (the "Record Date"“Record Date”).  Except to the extent it is incorporated by specific reference, the enclosed copy of our 20182020 Annual Report is not incorporated into this Proxy Statement and is not to be deemed a part of the proxy solicitation material.

The terms "Company," "we," "us,"“Company,” “we,” “us,” and "our"“our” refer to Covenant TransportationLogistics Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.  The term "Board"“Board” refers to our Board of Directors.

Voting by Proxy

THE ENCLOSED PROXY IS SOLICITED BY OUR BOARD.  When a proxy is executed and returned (and not revoked) prior to the Annual Meeting, the proxy will be voted according to the instructions the stockholder made when granting the proxy.  Unless otherwise specified or if no choice is indicated on a proxy, all proxies received pursuant to this solicitation will be voted in accordance with the recommendations by our Board as follows:

"FOR"“FOR” Proposal 1:
The election of the six (6)seven (7) director nominees named below;below.
  
"FOR"“FOR” Proposal 2:
Advisory and non-binding vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officersNamed Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement;Statement.
  
"FOR"“FOR” Proposal 3:
Ratification of the appointment of KPMGGrant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019;
"FOR" Proposal 4:
Approval of the amendment to the Company’s amended and restated articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock; and
"FOR" Proposal 5:
Approval of the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan.2021.

Your executed proxy appoints the persons appointed to vote the proxies as your duly authorized attorney-in-fact and gives such persons the power to represent and vote at the Annual Meeting all shares of our outstanding Class A common stock, par value one cent ($0.01) per share (the "Class“Class A common stock"stock”), that you are entitled to vote as a stockholder.  Such persons will vote your shares as instructed by you on your proxy.  If you do not provide voting instructions on Proposals 1, 2, 3, 4, or 53 or for any other matters properly presented at the Annual Meeting, your proxy also gives such persons the discretionary authority to vote your shares represented thereby as recommended above by the Board and in accordance with any such person'sperson’s best judgment.  None of the proposals discussed in this Proxy Statement that are intended to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting are related to or conditioned upon the approval of any other matters.

Record Date and Voting Rights

The Record Date for the Annual Meeting is March 11, 2019.30, 2021.  Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, either in personby telephone or by valid proxy.  Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held.  Holders of Class B common stock, par value one cent ($0.01) per share (the "Class“Class B common stock"stock”), are entitled to two votes for each share held so long as David R. Parker or certain members of his immediate family beneficially own such shares.  In the event that any shares of our Class B common stock cease to be beneficially owned by Mr. Parker or certain of his immediate family members, such shares will be automatically converted into shares of our Class A common stock and will then be entitled to one vote per share.  Unless otherwise required by Nevada law, the Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class.  We have no other class of stock outstanding.  Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors.  On the Record Date, the closing market price of our Class A common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global Select MarketTM was $22.98$20.36 per share.

On the Record Date, there were issued and outstanding (i) 16,689,78414,660,339 shares of Class A common stock (including 671,271250,352 shares of restricted Class A common stock subject to certain performance vesting, time vesting, and holding provisions, which carry voting rights), entitled to cast an aggregate 16,689,78414,660,339 votes on all matters subject to a vote at the Annual Meeting and (ii) 2,350,000 shares of Class B common stock entitled to cast an aggregate 4,700,000 votes on all matters subject to a vote at the Annual Meeting, except with respect to the vote of Class A stockholders as a separate class for Proposal 4, as further described under the heading Required Vote below.Meeting.  The total number of shares of our common stock issued and outstanding on the Record Date was approximately 19,039,78417,010,339 and the holders of such shares are entitled to cast an aggregate of 21,389,78419,360,339 votes on all matters subject to a vote at the Annual Meeting, except with respect to the voteMeeting.  The number of shares of Class A stockholderscommon stock issued and outstanding as a separate class for Proposal 4, as further described underof the heading Required Vote below.Record Date excludes 1,797,556 Class A treasury shares which are considered issued but not outstanding. The Inspector of Elections will tabulate votes cast at the Annual Meeting, and the results of all items voted upon will be announced at the Annual Meeting.  We will also disclose the final voting results in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC in accordance with SEC rules.

Required Vote

Proposal NumberDescriptionBoard RecommendationVote Required for Approval
Effect of Abstentions(2)
Effect of Broker Non-Vote(3)
1Election of directorsFOR
Plurality of votes cast(1)
No effectNo effect
2Advisory and non-binding vote to approve Named Executive Officer compensationFORMajority of the voting power of the shares of Class A and Class B common stock represented at the meeting and entitled to vote, voting together as a single classSame effect as a vote “Against”No effect
3Ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021FORMajority of the voting power of the shares of Class A and Class B common stock represented at the meeting and entitled to vote, voting together as a single classSame effect as a vote “Against”Discretionary vote of broker

(1)The seven director nominees receiving the highest number of votes for their election will be elected. Any incumbent director who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from or voted “against” his or her election than are voted “for” such election (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes) shall be subject to the majority vote policy described under “Corporate Governance – The Board of Directors and Its Committees – Board of Directors – Majority Vote Policy.”
(2)“Abstentions” (or “withhold votes” in the case of the election of directors) are shares that are entitled to vote but that are not voted at the direction of the holder.
(3)“Broker non-votes” are shares that are not voted by a broker or other record holder due to the absence of instructions from the beneficial owner.
Quorum Requirement

In order to transact business at the Annual Meeting, a quorum must be present.  A quorum is present if the holders of a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock entitled to vote are represented at the Annual Meeting in personby telephone or by proxy.  Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.  "Abstentions" are shares that are entitled to vote but that are not voted at the direction of the holder.  "Broker non-votes" are shares that are not voted by a broker or other record holder due to the absence of instructions from the beneficial owner.

Required Vote

Directors are elected by an affirmative vote of a plurality of the total votes cast by stockholders entitled to vote and represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting, which means that with respect to Proposal 1, the six director nominees receiving the highest number of votes for their election will be elected.  Any director who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from or voted “against” his election than are voted “for” such election (excluding abstentions) shall be subject to the majority vote policy described under “Corporate Governance – The Board of Directors and Its Committees – Board of Directors – Majority Vote Policy.”

The approval of Proposals 2, 3, and 5 and the approval of any other matter submitted to stockholders each requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares of Class A and Class B common stock entitled to vote on the subject matter, voting together as a single class, and represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting.  The approval of Proposal 4 requires (i) the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the Class A stockholders and the Class B stockholders voting together as a single class and (ii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the Class A stockholders voting as a separate class. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast and thus will not be included in the vote totals for Proposal 1. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “against” for Proposals 2, 3, 4, and 5.  Broker non-votes will not be included in the vote totals for Proposals 2 and 5.  Broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote “against” for Proposal 4. A broker or other nominee may generally vote in their discretion on routine matters, and therefore no broker non-votes are expected in connection with Proposal 3.
Voting Instructions

Your type of stock ownership determines the method by which you may vote your shares.  If your shares are registered directly in your name in the stock register and stock transfer books of the Company or with our transfer agent (Computershare Investor Services), you are a "registered holder"“registered holder” and considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares.  If you hold your shares through a broker, rather than holding shares registered directly in your name, you are considered a "beneficial owner"“beneficial owner” of shares held in street name.  Beneficial owners have the right to instruct their broker how to vote the shares held in their account.

If you are a registered holder of record of our Class A common stock, you may vote your shares either (i) over the telephone by calling a toll-free number set forth in your proxy card for voting prior to the Annual Meeting, (ii) by using the Internet and visiting the designated website, (iii) by mailing your proxy card, or (iv) in personby telephone at the Annual Meeting by notifying and obtaining a ballot from the Inspector of Elections prior to the occurrence of any votes.  Registered holders of our Class B stock may vote either by (i) mailing your proxy card or (ii) attending the Annual Meeting by telephone and notifying and obtaining a ballot from the Inspector of Elections prior to the occurrence of any votes.  For 2019,2021, we have arranged for telephone and Internet-voting procedures to be used.  These procedures have been designed to authenticate your identity, to allow you to give instructions, and to confirm that those instructions have been recorded properly.  If you choose to vote by telephone or by using the Internet by accessing the designated website, please refer to the specific instructions on the proxy card.  The deadline for voting by telephone prior to the Annual Meeting or the Internet is 1:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.19, 2021.  If you wish to vote using the proxy card, please complete, sign, and date your proxy card and return it to us before the Annual Meeting.

Beneficial owners who hold their shares in street name will need to obtain a voting instruction form from the broker or institution that holds their stock and must follow the voting instructions given by that broker or institution.  A beneficial owner of shares may not vote in personby telephone at the Annual Meeting unless they obtain from their broker or institution a legal proxy that gives youthem the right to vote the shares.

Right to Attend Annual Meeting; Revocation of Proxy

Returning a proxy card now will not interfere with your right to attend the Annual Meeting by telephone or to vote your shares personallyby telephone at the Annual Meeting, if you wish to do so.  Stockholders who execute and return proxies may revoke them at any time before they are exercised during the call to vote by either (i) giving written notice of their revocation to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive office address, (ii) executing a subsequent proxy and delivering it to our Corporate Secretary, or (iii) attending the Annual Meeting by telephone and voting in person.at the Annual Meeting by telephone.  Attendance by telephone at the Annual Meeting, in and of itself, will not constitute a revocation of a proxy.

Costs of Solicitation

We will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies, which we expect to be nominal, and we will include reimbursements for the charges and expenses of brokerage firms and others for forwarding solicitation materials to beneficial owners of our outstanding Class A common stock.  Proxies will be solicited by mail, and may be solicited personally by directors, officers, and our regular employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for any such services.

Annual Report

The information included in this Proxy Statement should be reviewed in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, and other information included in our 20182020 Annual Report that was mailed on or about April 8, 2019,16, 2021, together with this Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement, to all stockholders of record as of the Record Date.  A copy of our 20182020 Annual Report is publicly available free of charge at www.edocumentview.com/CVTICVLGExcept to the extent it is incorporated by specific reference, our 20182020 Annual Report is not incorporated into this Proxy Statement and is not considered to be a part of the proxy-soliciting materials.
Important Information to Read with This Proxy Statement

Set forth below are the proposals to be considered by stockholders at the Annual Meeting, as well as important information concerning, among other things, our management and our Board; executive compensation; transactions between us and our officers, directors, and affiliates; the stock ownership of certain beneficial owners and management; the services provided to us by and fees of KPMG LLP, our former independent registered public accounting firm; and instructions for stockholders who want to make proposals at our 20202022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.  EACH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD READ THIS INFORMATION BEFORE VOTING.

PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders will elect sixseven directors to serve as the Board until our next Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.  Upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board (the "Nominating Committee"“Nominating Committee”), our Board has nominated for election as directors the following sixseven individuals:  David R. Parker, William T. Alt, Robert E. Bosworth, D. Michael Kramer, Bradley A. Moline, Rachel Parker-Hatchett, Herbert J. Schmidt, and W. Miller Welborn. Each nominee is presently serving as a director. The individual qualifications, skills, and experience of the director nominees are discussed in their respective biographies below.

Each proxy will be voted as directed on each proxy card; or in the absence of contrary instructions, each proxy will be voted for the election of all director nominees.  In the event any director nominee becomes unwilling or unable to serve as a director prior to the vote on Proposal 1 at the Annual Meeting, the shares represented by your proxy will be voted for any substitute nominee designated by the Board, unless you expressly withhold authority to vote your shares for the unavailable nominee or substitute nominee.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR"“FOR” EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES.

Nominees for Directorships

The table below provides information on the qualifications, skills, and experience of our nominees for directorships.

Mr. ParkerMr. Alt Mr. Bosworth
Mr. Kramer
Mr. Moline
Mr. MolineParkerMs. Parker-HatchettMr. SchmidtMr. Welborn
Public Company Officer or Key Employee
Financial Reporting
Industry
Environmental
Risk Management
Information Security   
Financial Reporting
Industry✓ 
Environmental
Risk Management

The lack of a “✓“✔” for a particular item does not mean that the director does not possess that qualification, skill or experience. We look to each director to be knowledgeable in these areas; however, the “✓“✔” indicates that the item is a specific qualification, skill or experience that the director brings to the Board.

Information concerning the names, ages, positions with us, tenure as a Company director, and business experience of the nominees standing for election as directors at the Annual Meeting, as well as the specific attributes qualifying each nominee for a directorship, is set forth below.  Family relationships between any directors and executive officers, if any, are noted in the relevant biographies.  All references to experience with us include positions with our operating subsidiaries and none of the other corporations or organizations referenced in the biographies is a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of the Company unless otherwise noted.  There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the director nominees and any other person pursuant to which any of the director nominees was selected as a nominee.  Each of the director nominees has also consented to being named as such in this Proxy Statement and has indicated hishis/her intention to serve as a director, if elected.
David R. Parker, 61,63, has served as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"(“CEO”) since 1994. From our founding in 1985 to February 2016 Mr. Parker served as our President.  Mr. Parker is a past director of the Truckload Carriers Association and currently serves on the board of directors of the American Trucking Associations.  From 2012 to October 2017, Mr. Parker served as a member of the Trade and Transportation Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.  Mr. Parker has also served as a director or in similar capacities of several religious and civic organizations and serves as general partner of the Parker Family Limited Partnership.  The Board believes Mr. Parker'sParker’s dedication, trucking experience, general business knowledge, significant leadership ability, and in-depth knowledge of the Company, qualify him for his continued service as CEO, and Chairman of our Board.  Additionally, the Board believes Mr. Parker'sParker’s knowledge of the industry continues to be a competitive strength for the Company.
William T. Alt, 82, has served as a director since 1994 and currently serves as Chair of our Nominating Committee and as a member of the Compensation Committee.  Mr. Alt holds degrees in engineering and law.  He has engaged in the private practice of law since 1962 and served as the President of the professional corporation for which he has practiced, William T. Alt., P.C., where he also was responsible for compensation decisions.  Mr. Alt has supervised as many as twelve attorneys engaged in litigation and securities work for brokers, private companies going public, and SEC reporting companies.  In addition, Mr. Alt has served as a trial attorney in various commercial matters.  Mr. Alt also has experience advising companies, including other interstate trucking companies, in public offerings, stock exchange listings, SEC reporting, accounting issues concerning public companies, and various other commercial matters.  Mr. Alt served as outside counsel to the Company from 1986 to 2003, has served as legal counsel for other multistate trucking firms, and has gained an in-depth understanding of the risks facing the Company and the transportation industry.  The Board believes Mr. Alt's legal experience and familiarity with securities laws and the transportation industry qualify Mr. Alt to serve on the Board and benefit the Company.  Specifically, the Board believes Mr. Alt's legal background allows Mr. Alt to advise the Board regarding best practices and strategies to help inform the Board's decision-making, particularly in the area of risk assessment.  Additionally, the Board believes Mr. Alt's past leadership positions and executive experience qualifies Mr. Alt to serve in his current capacity as the Chair of the Nominating Committee.Ms. Parker-Hatchett.

Robert E. Bosworth, 71,73, has served as a director since 1998 and currently serves as Chair of our Audit Committee, a member of our Audit and our Compensation Committee, andas well as our Lead Independent Director.  Mr. Bosworth served as a director of Chattem, Inc., a consumer products company from 1986 to 2010 and served on its audit committee from 1998 to 2005 and on its compensation committee from 2002 to 2005.  From September 2005 until his retirement in July 2012, Mr. Bosworth served as the President and Chief Operating Officer ("COO"(“COO”) of Chattem, Inc.  Mr. Bosworth has also held directorships with several for-profit and non-profit organizations, as well as served as Vice President of Hamico, Inc.  Mr. Bosworth holds an M.B.A. in finance.  The Board believes Mr. Bosworth'sBosworth’s services on the Chattem, Inc. board and on the boards of several other organizations have provided him with significant insight into board processes, functions, exercise of diligence, and oversight of management, and this knowledge benefits the Board.  The Board also believes Mr. Bosworth'sBosworth’s financial background, including his experience handling all financial functions of Chattem, Inc. and his familiarity and experience with applicable laws and regulations governing the preparation of financial statements filed with the SEC from when Chattem, Inc. was publicly traded, adds value to the Company'sCompany’s Audit Committee and Board.  The Board believes Mr. Bosworth'sBosworth’s extensive executive, director, business, and financial reporting experience make him highly qualified to serve as our Lead Independent Director.

D. Michael Kramer, 63, has served as a director since July 2020 and currently serves as the Chair of our Audit Committee and as a member of our Compensation Committee. Mr. Kramer has served as the Executive Chairman of Southeastern Trust Company since 2018.  Additionally, since 2019, Mr. Kramer has served as Chief Executive Officer of Peak Financial, LLC; a Fintech start-up company.  Mr. Kramer served as the Vice Chairman of Midsouth Bancorp, Inc. from May 2018 until Midsouth’s merger with Hancock Whitney Corporation (NASDAQ: HWC) in September 2019.  Mr. Kramer served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Atlantic Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: ACBI) from November 2015 to December 2017, and was also a member of the Board of Directors of Atlantic Capital from November 2015 to October 2017.  Prior to that, he served as Chief Executive Officer and President of First Security Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSGI) and its primary banking subsidiary, FSGBank, N.A. from 2011 through 2015, as Managing Director of Ridley Capital Group from 2010 to 2011, as Director, Chief Executive Officer and President of Ohio Legacy Corporation (NASDAQ: OLCB) from 2005 to 2010, and as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer of Integra Bank Corporation from 1999 to 2004.  Mr. Kramer serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Covenant College Foundation, and the University of Chattanooga Foundation.  Mr. Kramer has a Bachelors Degree from Grove City College and a Masters in Business Administration from Western Governors University. The Board believes that Mr. Kramer’s extensive experience in leadership in the banking industry qualifies him to serve as a member of our Board and as Chair of theour Audit Committee.

Bradley A. Moline, 52,54, has served as a director since 2003 and currently serves as a member of our Audit Committee and Nominating Committee. Since October 2002, Mr. Moline has been President and CEO of ALLO Communications, LLC, a telecommunications company and majority owned subsidiary ofwith significant minority equity interests held by Nelnet, Inc. (NYSE:NNI), since October 2002. and SDC Capital Partners, LLC.  He also serves on the board of directors of ALLO Communications, LLC.  In 2018, Mr. Moline joined the board of National Cable Television Cooperative, Inc., a Kansas nonprofit corporation and the University of Nebraska Foundation investment committee. Mr. Moline also has been the owner, President, and CEO of Imperial Super Foods and NECO Grocery, with grocery operations in Nebraska and Colorado, since 2002.  From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Moline was our Treasurer and chief financial officerChief Financial Officer (“CFO”).  Mr. Moline also served as CFO of Birch Telecom Inc., a telecommunications company, when the company'scompany’s debt securities were publicly traded and previously worked for Ernst & Young, where he was formerly licensed as a CPA.  Mr. Moline holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting.  In his roles with the Company, Birch Telecom, and Ernst & Young, Mr. Moline gained experience overseeing financial matters and reviewing documents filed with the SEC.  The Board believes Mr. Moline's extensive financial and executive experience add significant value to our Audit Committee and make Mr. Moline a valued member of our Board.  The Board also believes Mr. Moline'sMoline’s wide array of executive experiences, including from his service as the Company'sCompany’s CFO, has prepared him well to respond to complex financial and operational challenges.  The Board further believes that Mr. Moline’s experience as an executive officer of a public company and a company with publicly traded debt allows him to bring unique and valuable perspective to governance issues as a memberChair of our Nominating Committee.
Rachel Parker-Hatchett, 37, has served as a director since July 2020. Ms. Parker-Hatchett held numerous positions within Covenant Transport between September 2006 and July 2020.  After graduating from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) with a B.S. in Business Management, she started with the Company as a Management Trainee working in multiple departments.  Ms. Parker-Hatchett began as a Marketing Intern before transferring to Operations in September 2007, where she ultimately spent the majority of her career.  Ms. Parker-Hatchett held the position of Customer Service Intern from September 2007 to January 2008, Fleet Manager Intern from January 2008 to June 2008, and Ops Intern from June 2008 to October 2008.  She then transferred to the Safety Department and held the position of Log Clerk from October 2008 to February 2010, when she was promoted to Operations Director for Covenant Solutions.  Again, in March 2015, Ms. Parker-Hatchett was promoted to Director of Solutions and was in charge of training and development, all personnel, overseeing change initiatives and Lead Measures, coordinating all daily meetings, and maintaining visibility to all new customers and their success within Solutions.  Ms. Parker-Hatchett served as Director of Solutions until March 2019. In February 2015, she participated in a year-long Executive Education Program conducted by UTC, where she met and coordinated with various leaders from the community once a month.  In 2019, she was named Women of Covenant Director, a position she held until July 2020.  Ms. Parker-Hatchett is also involved with many local non-profits and served on the board of a local non-profit, First Things First, from 2011 to 2013.  The Board believes that Ms. Parker-Hatchett’s extensive experience within the Company, our industry, and specific experience and expertise in our operations adds significant value to the Board. Ms. Parker-Hatchett is the daughter of Mr. Parker.

Herbert J. Schmidt, 63,65, has served as a director since 2013 prior to January 2017 servedand serves as a member of our Nominating Committee, and prior to July 2016 served as a member of our Compensation Committee. Additionally, Mr. Schmidt previously provided consulting services to the Company and SRT in particular. Mr. Schmidt previously served as the Executive Vice President (“EVP”) of Con-way Inc. and President of Con-way Truckload, both freight transportation providers, from 2007 until his retirement in 2012.  Prior to the merger of Contract Freighters, Inc. ("CFI"(“CFI”), another freight transportation provider, with Con-way Inc. in 2007, Mr. Schmidt held positions at CFI as President and CEO from 2005 to 2007 and President from 2000 to 2005.  Prior to his becoming President and CEO in 2005, he was employed in a series of progressively more responsible positions at CFI where he gained extensive knowledge in risk management, as well as leading the sales and operations functions as Senior Vice President of Operations.  Mr. Schmidt also served as a member of the Board of Directors of formerly publicly traded Empire District Electric Company 2010 through January 2017, including membership on the Compensation, Executive, and Strategic Projects Committees, and as a member of the Board of Directors of Daylight Transport, LLC, a privately held less-than-truckload carrier, since September 2013, including membership on the Compensation and M&A Committees.  The Board believes Mr. Schmidt'sSchmidt’s extensive industry, operations, sales, risk management, and leadership experience adds significant value to the Board.Board and to the Nominating Committee.
W. Miller Welborn, 60,62, has served as a director since 2017 and currently as Chair of our Compensation Committee and as a member of our Audit Committee.Committee. Mr. Welborn has been Chairman of SmartFinancial, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMBK), a publicly traded holding company of SmartBank with over $2.0$3.3 billion in assets since 2015. From 2009 to 2015 Mr. Welborn served as Chairman of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc., which was the publicly traded parent company of Cornerstone Community Bank prior to the bank’s merger with SmartBank in 2015, where he served on the Asset-Liability (ALCO), Loan, Governance, Nominating, Audit, and Compensation Committees. Mr. Welborn has also served as President of Welborn & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in transportation logistics, since 2000.  He previously served as managing partner of Transport Capital Partners, LLC, another transportation advisory and consulting firm that he founded,cofounded, from 2001 to 2014.  Prior to foundingcofounding Transport Capital Partners, LLC, Mr. Welborn served in several executive and ownership capacities of various trucking companies, including as President, CEO, and a director of Boyd Bros Transportation, President and Chairman of Welborn Transport, Inc., a company he cofounded, and President of Cummings Trucking Co., Inc.  From 2010 to 2015 Mr. Welborn served as a partner of Lamp Post Group, Inc., a venture capital company with a portfolio of investments ranging from start-up level to over $600 million in annual revenue.  Mr. Welborn currently serves on multiple non-profit boards. Mr. Welborn is expected to become our Lead Independent Director at the upcoming Annual Meeting. The Board believes that Mr. Welborn’s over three decades of business experience, including experience in transportation consulting, executive roles at trucking companies, and serving on the boards of publicly traded companies, provides us with invaluable perspective and experience.experience and qualifies him to serve as our Lead Independent Director. The Board also believes Mr. Welborn'sWelborn’s knowledge of executive compensation practices, including his prior service on the compensation committee of Cornerstone Bancshares, Inc., qualifies him to serve as Chair of our Compensation Committee.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board of Directors and Its Committees

The following summarizes our key governance features:

 What We Do
Lead Independent Director appointed
Proxy access
Corporate governance guidelines
All committees comprised solely of independent directors
Two-thirds of the Board comprised of independent directors
Limitation on number of outside public boards
Three members of our Audit Committee qualify as audit committee financial experts
Regular sessions of independent directors
Stock ownership guidelines for non-employee directors of five times annual cash retainer
Stock ownership guidelines for senior executive officers, with CEO at tensix times annual base salary
Anti-hedging and anti-pledging guidelines for senior executive officers, with no hardship exception
Majority vote policy for uncontested elections
Annual Board and committee written self-assessment through outside counsel
Annual Lead Independent Director written assessment through outside counsel
Annual CEO written assessment through outside counsel
Annual enterprise risk assessment
Director orientation
Independent Nominating Committee oversees information security

Board of Directors

Meetings.  Our Board held ten23 meetings during the year ended December 31, 2018.2020.  Each current member of the Board attended at least 75% of the aggregate of all meetings of the Board and of all committees on which he served.  We encourage the members of our Board to attend our Annual Meeting of Stockholders, although we do not have a formal policy regarding director attendance at such meetings.  All of our then-current directors attended the 20182020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Director Independence.  Our Class A common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select MarketTM.  Therefore, we are subject to the listing standards embodied in applicable NASDAQ Stock Market ("NASDAQ"(“NASDAQ”) listing standards and the rules and regulations of the SEC, including those relating to corporate governance.  The Board has determined that the following directors and director nominees are "independent"“independent” under NASDAQ Rule 5605(a)(2):  Messrs. Bosworth, Alt,Kramer, Moline, Schmidt (effective April 1, 2020) and Welborn.  The Board has also determined that with respect to each of our three Board committees, each member and committee composition satisfies the applicable committee independence and membership requirements of NASDAQ and the SEC.  Given SRT’s improved performance, the Company’s consulting arrangement with Mr. Schmidt ended in January 2019. Absent any future consulting arrangements with Mr. Schmidt and consideringConsidering the consulting payments paid to Mr. Schmidt during 2018 we expect that he will beand 2019, Mr. Schmidt became “independent” under NASDAQ Rule 5605(a)(2) in March 2021.on April 1, 2020. In accordance with NASDAQ Rule 5605(b)(2), in 2018,2020, our independent directors held four10 special meetings of independent directors, without the presence of management. Additionally, in 2020, our outside directors held 10 special meetings of outside directors, without the presence of management.

Our Nominating Committee reviewed (i) the SEC regulatory and NASDAQ listing standards for assessing the independence of our directors and director nominees, (ii) the criteria for determining each such individual'sindividual’s independence specifically for purposes of serving on the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating Committee, and as an "audit“audit committee financial expert," and (iii) each such individual'sindividual’s professional experience, education, skills, ability to enhance differences of viewpoint and other qualities among our Board membership.  After concluding its review, the Nominating Committee submitted its independence recommendations to our Board.  Our Board then made its independence determinations based on the committee'scommittee’s recommendations.
Board Oversight of Risk Management.  The Board has overall responsibility for risk oversight, which involves evaluating any material risks concerning us, as well as management'smanagement’s decisions and efforts to identify, manage, and monitor such risks.  This oversight also includes understanding and determining what constitutes an appropriate level and tolerance of risk for the Company.  The Board addresses this responsibility as part of its periodic Board meetings.  The primary areas of risk assessment include financial and accounting risk, legal and compliance risk, technology and cyber security risk, succession risk, safety and security risk, operational and strategic risk, and regulatory risk. The Board has delegated oversight responsibility to each of the Board committees according to its respective area of responsibilityresponsibility. The Audit Committee oversees assessment and assignedmanagement of financial risks, is responsible for overseeing potential conflicts of interest, and monitor and mitigates risks relating to our deployment of financial resources, the assessmentmanagement of our balance sheet and the Board's reviewinvestment of enterprise riskcash and other assets. The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive and non-executive compensation policies and practices and the incentives created by our compensation policies and practices. The Nominating Committee is responsible for overseeing implementation of appropriate corporate governance procedures, monitoring and overseeing the management and mitigation of operating risks, and overseeing the management of risks associated with the independence of our Board, reviewing enterprise operating risks, other than financial riskand internal control risks, and overseeing of our plans, policies, and disclosures related to the Audit Committee, and compensation-related risk to the Compensation Committee.ESG matters.  In its risk oversight role, our Board considers and confers with management about risk administration.  Typically, management identifies, measures, and analyzes risks inherent to our business, operations, and industry.  Management then reportsPursuant to the appropriate Board committee, which then evaluates management's risk assessment andBoard’s instruction, management regularly reports on applicable risks to the relevant committee or the full Board. As appropriate, additional review or reporting on risks are conducted as needed or as requested by our Board and its committees  Additionally, the Board conducts an annual risk assessment. The Board'sBoard’s role in risk oversight has not affected the Board'sBoard’s leadership structure.

Board Leadership Structure; Lead Independent Director.  The Board is responsible for overseeing our overall corporate governance and the competent and ethical management and operation of our business and in late 2017 designated the position ofbusiness. The Board elects our Lead Independent Director.Director each year. Mr. Bosworth was appointedhas served as our Lead Independent Director in Februarysince 2018 to provide forand provides an effective balance for the management of the Company and our stockholders’ best interests. Mr. Welborn is expected to become our Lead Independent Director at the upcoming Annual Meeting.   Mr. Parker currently serves as our Chairman of the Board and CEO.  The Board elects our Chairman of the Board and CEO annually.  Mr. Parker was elected by our Board in May 2018 to servehas served as our Chairman of the Board and CEO until his successor is duly elected or until his earlier death, resignation or removal, pursuant to our Third Amended and Restated Bylaws.since 1994.

Our independent directors and outside directors regularly meet without the presence of management.  These executive sessions are typically conducted before or after any Board or Board committee meeting at which a majority of the independent directors or outside directors are present or by holding special meetings of the independent directors or outside directors. We believe that the appointment of a Lead Independent Director starting in February 2018 has contributed to the efficiency and functionality of the full Board. The Lead Independent director presides over executive sessions and acts as a liaison between the between our independent directors and the Board.

The Board believes our leadership structure with Mr. Parker serving as Chairman of the Board and CEO and Mr. Bosworth as Lead Independent Director is appropriate and suitable for proper and efficient Board functioning and communication.  We believe the combination of Mr. Parker'sParker’s leadership positions is effective for us given Mr. Parker'sParker’s in-depth knowledge of and experience in our business and industry. Further, his large beneficial stockholdings and long-standing service in senior leadership positions demonstrate to our stockholders Mr. Parker'sParker’s commitment to our growth and success.  As the CEO, Mr. Parker is also intimately involved in the Company'sCompany’s routine operations and is in a position to elevate critical business issues to the Board and senior management because he reports to the Board as the CEO with the other executive officers and participates in the meetings as a director.  The Board has determined the Chairman of the Board and CEO combination, together with a successful governance structure that includes the exercise of key oversight responsibilities by independent directors, provides an effective balance for the management of the Company and our stockholders'stockholders’ best interests. Additionally, our Lead Independent Director provides for an effective balance for the management of the Company and our stockholders’ best interests. Our Board has the flexibility to modify our leadership structure in the future, as the Board deems appropriate or necessary.
Proxy Access. Eligible stockholders who have continuously owned at least 3% of the issued and outstanding Class A common stock for at least three years and who otherwise meet the requirements set forth in our Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws may have their director nominees included in our proxy materials. Eligible stockholders may aggregate up to 20 stockholders to reach the 3% ownership threshold. The number of director nominees nominated by an eligible stockholder or a group of eligible stockholders may not be more than 20% of the total number of directors of the Company, but not less than two. Notice of nominations must be received no earlier than 150 days and no later than 120 days prior to the anniversary of the date the Company mailed its proxy for the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders.

Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, which, along with our articles of incorporation, bylaws, and the charters of the Board’s Committees, form the framework of governance of the Company. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on our website, www.covenanttransport.com, under the “Governance” tab of the “Investors” menu.

Overboarding Policy. The Board approved an overboarding policy that prohibits Mr. Parker, as CEO and Chairman of the Board, from serving on more than three public company boards in total (including service on the Company’s Board), and prohibits the other board members from serving on more than five public company boards in total (including service on the Company’s Board.) This is to ensure that our directors devote adequate time for preparation and attendance at Board and Committee meetings, including the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. None of our directors serve on more than one public company board (excluding the Company).

Majority Vote Policy. Our Board’s majority vote standard requires that, for directors to be elected (or reelected) to serve on the Company’s Board, they must receive support from holders of a majority of shares voted. A director who is subject to an uncontested election at any stockholder meeting shall promptly tender his or her resignation for consideration by the Nominating Committee, if such director receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from or voted “against” his or her election than are voted “for” such election, excluding abstentions.  The Nominating Committee will promptly consider the tendered resignation and will recommend to the Board whether to accept the tendered resignation or to take some other action, such as rejecting the support from the holders of a majority of shares voted in the election of directors. In making this recommendation, the Nominating Committee will consider all factors deemed relevant by its members including, without limitation, the underlying reasons why stockholders voted against the director (if ascertainable), the length of service and qualifications of the director whose resignation has been tendered, the director’s contributions to the Company, whether by accepting such resignation the Company will no longer be in compliance with any applicable laws, rules, regulations, or governing documents, and whether or not accepting the resignation is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Board will act on the Nominating Committee’s recommendation no later than at its first regularly scheduled meeting following certification of the stockholder vote, but in any case, no later than 120 days following the certification of the stockholder vote. In considering the Nominating Committee’s recommendation, the Board will consider the factors considered by the Nominating Committee and such additional information and factors the Board believes to be relevant. The Company will promptly publicly disclose the Board’s decision and process in a periodic or current report filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any director who tenders his resignation pursuant to the majority vote policy will not participate in the Nominating Committee recommendation or Board consideration regarding whether or not to accept the tendered resignation. However, such director shall remain active and engaged in all other committee and Board activities, deliberations, and decisions during the Nominating Committee and Board process.

Anti-Hedging and Pledging Policy. Our anti-hedging and pledging policy prohibits our CEO, President, and CFOCOO, as well as our directors, from (i) hedging their ownership positions in Class A or Class B common stock (including, but not limited to, short-selling, options, puts and calls, as well as derivatives such as swaps, forwards, and futures), (ii) pledging owned Class A or Class B common stock as collateral for loans, and (iii) purchasing our Class A common stock on margin. Hedging activities shall include hedging our Class A and Class B common stock.  There is no hardship exception to our exception to our anti-hedging and pledging policy.

Stock Ownership Guidelines. Our stock ownership guidelines require our CEO, President, CFO,and COO, and non-employee directors to build or maintain certain stock ownership over time through equity grants. The stock ownership guidelines for our CEO are tensix times annual base salary. The stock ownership guidelines for our President and our CFOSenior EVP are one times annual base salary. The stock ownership guidelines for our non-employee directors are five times annual cash retainer.

Director Retirement Policy. In accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines, each director will resign as a director immediately prior to the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders first falling after the director attains 75 years of age. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board has authority to waive mandatory retirement in individual cases, if in the judgement of the Board the best interests of the Company and the stockholders would be served by such waiver.
Stockholder Communications with the Board of Directors. Our Board has adopted procedures by which our stockholders may communicate with our Board regarding matters of substantial importance to us.  Information concerning the manner in which stockholders can communicate with the Board is set forth in our Stockholder Communications Procedures available on our website, www.covenanttransport.com, under the “Governance” tab of the “Investors” menu. Our Stockholder Communications Procedures, which was adopted by the Board, describes the process for sending communications and determining which communications will be relayed to directors.  Please note that we reserve the right not to forward any abusive, threatening or otherwise inappropriate materials.

Committees of the Board of Directors

The Audit Committee

Functions, Composition, and Meetings of the Audit Committee.  Our Board has established a separately designated standing Audit Committee in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") to oversee our accounting and financial reporting policies and processes in accordance with applicable SEC rules and NASDAQ listing standards. The primary responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in the Audit Committee Report, which appears below, and are further described in the Audit Committee charter. During 2018, ourOur Audit Committee wasis comprised of Messrs. Bosworth, Moline,Kramer, and Welborn. Prior to May 18, 2018,During 2020, Mr. Alt alsoBosworth served as a memberChair of the Audit Committee. In March 2021, Mr. Bosworth servesKramer was appointed as Chair of the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee met nine14 times during 2018.2020.

Audit Committee Independence. Each member of the Audit Committee satisfies the independence and Audit Committee membership criteria set forth in NASDAQ Rule 5605(c)(2)(A).  Specifically, each member of the Audit Committee:

is independent under NASDAQ Rule 5605(a)(2);

meets the criteria for independence set forth in Rule 10A‑3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act;

did not participate in the preparation of our financial statements or the financial statements of any of our current subsidiaries at any time during the past three years; and

is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including our balance sheet, statement of operations, and statement of cash flows.

Audit Committee Charter.  Our Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written charter detailing its purpose, powers, and duties.  The Audit Committee reviews and reassesses the adequacy of its formal written charter on an annual basis and recommends changes to the Board when appropriate.  The charter is publicly available free of charge on our website, www.covenanttransport.com, under the “Governance” tab of the “Investors” menu.

Audit Committee Financial Experts.  The Board has determined that the three members of the Audit Committee, Messrs. Bosworth, MolineKramer, and Welborn, qualify as "audit“audit committee financial experts"experts” under Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.  In the judgment of the Board, each such individual (i) meets the Audit Committee member independence criteria under applicable SEC rules; (ii) is independent, as independence for Audit Committee members is defined under applicable NASDAQ listing standards; and (iii) has sufficient knowledge, experience and sophistication in financial and auditing matters under relevant SEC and NASDAQ rules.  The satisfaction of these factors results in each such individual'sindividual’s financial sophistication under NASDAQ Rule 5605(c)(2)(A) and qualifies each such individual as an "audit“audit committee financial expert," under Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.  The Board has designated Mr. Bosworth as our Audit Committee financial expert.

Financial Reporting. The Company has always received an unqualified opinion from its auditor, has never restated its financials, and has never been untimely in its financial disclosure filings.

Report of the Audit Committee.  In performing its duties, the Audit Committee, as required by applicable rules of the SEC, issues a report recommending to the Board that our audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and determines certain other matters, including the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm.  The Report of the Audit Committee for 20182020 is set forth below.

The Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be "soliciting material"“soliciting material” or to otherwise be considered "filed"“filed” with the SEC, nor shall this report be subject to Regulation 14A or Regulation 14C (other than as indicated) or to the liabilities set forth in Section 18 of the Exchange Act.  This Audit Committee Report also shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any prior or subsequent filing with the SEC made by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"“Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, notwithstanding any general statement contained in any such filings incorporating this Proxy Statement by reference, except to the extent we incorporate such report by specific reference or treat it as soliciting material.
Report of the Audit Committee

The primary purpose of the Audit Committee of the Board of Covenant TransportationLogistics Group, Inc. (the "Company"“Company”) is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the quality and integrity of the Company'sCompany’s financial reports, financial reporting processes, and systems of internal control over financial reporting.  The Audit Committee does not prepare financial statements or perform audits, and its members are not auditors or certifiers of the Company'sCompany’s financial statements. Rather, the Company'sCompany’s management has primary responsibility for the preparation, consistency, integrity, and fair presentation of the Company'sCompany’s financial statements and the overall reporting process, including maintenance of the Company'sCompany’s system of internal controls. The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, evaluation, compensation, retention, and oversight of the work of the Company’s independent registered accounting firm. Grant Thornton LLP (“Grant Thornton”) was the Company’s independent registered accounting firm KPMG LLP. KPMG LLP isfor the year ended December 31, 2020.  Grant Thornton was responsible for conducting independent quarterly reviews and an independent annual audit of the Company'sCompany’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"(“PCAOB”) and issuing a report thereon.

For the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, the Audit Committee has (i) reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements, management'smanagement’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting with management and KPMG LLP;Grant Thornton; (ii) discussed with KPMG LLPGrant Thornton the matters required to be discussed pursuant to Auditing Standard No. 1301 (Communications with Audit Committees) issued by the PCAOB; (iii) received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from KPMG LLPGrant Thornton required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding KPMG LLP’sGrant Thornton’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence; and (iv) discussed with KPMG LLPGrant Thornton its independence as the Company'sCompany’s independent registered public accounting firm and auditor. The Audit Committee, in issuing this report, has relied upon the responses and information provided to the Audit Committee by management and KPMG LLP.Grant Thornton. The Audit Committee met in periodic executive sessions with each of KPMG LLP,Grant Thornton, management, and the internal audit department during 2018.2020.

Based on the foregoing reviews and meetings, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company'sCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, for filing with the SEC.

 Audit Committee:
 Robert E. Bosworth,D. Michael Kramer, Chair
 Bradley A. MolineRobert E. Bosworth
 W. Miller Welborn

The Compensation Committee

Functions, Composition, and Meetings of the Compensation Committee. As more fully outlined in the Compensation Committee charter, the primary functions of the Compensation Committee of our Board are to aid our Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to the compensation of our executive officers, including the CEO; evaluate and approve our compensation plans, policies, and programs for executive officers; produce an annual report on executive compensation; make recommendations to the Board on matters of Chairman of the Board, CEO, and President succession; and perform such other duties as may be assigned to it by our Board or imposed by applicable laws or regulations.  In furtherance of its duties, the Compensation Committee reviews and approves the elements of the compensation of our executive officers and our overall executive compensation strategy to ensure such components align with our business objectives, responsible corporate practices, and our stockholders'stockholders’ interests.  The Compensation Committee also makes recommendations on other compensation matters to the full Board.  The Compensation Committee has the authority to carry out the foregoing responsibilities under its charter, and may delegate such authority to subcommittees of the Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee is comprised of Messrs. Welborn, Bosworth, and Alt.Kramer. Mr. Welborn has served as Chair of the Compensation Committee since May 18, 2018. Prior to May 18, 2018, Mr. Bosworth servedserves as Chair of the Compensation Committee. William T. Alt served as a member of the Compensation Committee during 2020, prior to his retirement from our Board effective as of our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Compensation Committee met eight15 times during 2018.2020.
Compensation Committee Independence.  While serving on the Compensation Committee, each member satisfied the independence and Compensation Committee membership criteria set forth in NASDAQ Rule 5605(d)(2)(A) and applicable SEC regulations.  In determining the independence of our Compensation Committee members, the Board considered several relevant factors, including but not limited to each director'sdirector’s source of compensation and affiliations. Specifically, while serving on the Compensation Committee, each member of the Compensation Committee:

was independent under NASDAQ Rule 5605(a)(2);

met the criteria for independence set forth in Rule 10C-1(b)(1) under the Exchange Act;

did not directly or indirectly accept any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from the Company; and

as determined by our Board, was not affiliated with the Company, any Company subsidiary, or any affiliate of a Company subsidiary, and did not have any other relationship, which would impair each respective member'smember’s judgment as a member of the Compensation Committee.

Compensation Committee Charter.  Our Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a written charter detailing its purpose, powers, and duties.  The Compensation Committee periodically reviews and reassesses the adequacy of its formal written charter on an annual basis and recommends changes to the Board when appropriate.  The charter is publicly available free of charge on our website, www.covenanttransport.com, under the “Governance” tab of the “Investors” menu.menu.

Report of the Compensation Committee.  In performing its duties, the Compensation Committee, as required by applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, issues a report recommending to the Board that our Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement. The Report of the Compensation Committee for 20182020 follows.

The Report of the Compensation Committee shall not be deemed to be "soliciting material"“soliciting material” or to otherwise be considered "filed"“filed” with the SEC, nor shall this report be subject to Regulation 14A or Regulation 14C (other than as indicated) or to the liabilities set forth in Section 18 of the Exchange Act.  This Compensation Committee Report also shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any prior or subsequent filing with the SEC made by us under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, notwithstanding any general statement contained in any such filings incorporating this Proxy Statement by reference, except to the extent we incorporate such report by specific reference or treat it as soliciting material.

Report of the Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Covenant TransportationLogistics Group, Inc. (the "Company"“Company”) has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section (as required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) contained in this Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 8, 2019.19, 2021. Based on that review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference into the Company'sCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2020.

 Compensation Committee:
 W. Miller Welborn, Chair
 William T. AltRobert E. Bosworth
 Robert E. BosworthD. Michael Kramer

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Messrs. Welborn, Alt,Bosworth, and BosworthKramer served on the Compensation Committee during 2018.2020. Messrs. Welborn, Alt,Bosworth, and BosworthKramer were not officers or employees of the Company at any time during 20182020 or as of the date of this Proxy Statement, nor was any such individual a former officer of the Company. In 2018,2020, no member of our Compensation Committee had any relationship or transaction with the Company that would require disclosure as a "related“related person transaction"transaction” under Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K in this Proxy Statement under the section entitled Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
During 2018,2020, none of our executive officers served as a member of the board of directors or Compensation Committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Compensation Committee.  Additionally, during 2018,2020, none of our executive officers served as a member of the Compensation Committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a member of our Board or Compensation Committee.

See Certain Relationships and Related Transactions for a description of certain transactions between us and our other directors, executive officers, or their affiliates, and Executive Compensation – Director Compensation for a description of compensation of the members of the Compensation Committee.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Functions, Composition, and Meetings of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  Our Nominating Committee recommends to the Board potential director nominee candidates for election to the Board and makes recommendations to the Board concerning issues related to corporate governance, as further detailed in the Nominating Committee charter discussed below. During 2018,Our Nominating Committee is also responsible for overseeing our information security. Our Nominating Committee is comprised of  Messrs. AltMoline and Schmidt. Mr. Moline serves as chair of the Nominating Committee. Mr. Alt served as a member of the Nominating Committee with Mr. Alt servingduring 2020, prior to his retirement from our Board effective as Chair.of our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. All current members of the Nominating Committee are independent, as independence for Nominating Committee members is defined under applicable SEC regulations and NASDAQ listing standards.  The Nominating Committee met four3 times in 2018.2020.  In selecting the slate of directors for 2021, the Nominating Committee considered the skillsets and qualifications of the current directors, particularly in the areas of technology, industry experience, and diversity. The Nominating Committee has recommended that the Board nominate Messrs. Parker, Alt, Bosworth, Kramer, Schmidt, Moline, and Welborn, and Ms. Parker-Hatchett, for election at the Annual Meeting, each of whom is currently serving as a director.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter. Our Nominating Committee operates pursuant to a written charter detailing its purpose, powers, and duties.  The Nominating Committee periodically reviews its formal written charter, as well as those of our Board committees, to ensure each charter reflects a commitment to effective corporate governance and recommends changes to the Board when appropriate. A copy of the charter (which includes Exhibit A (Criteria for Board of Directors) to such charter, as mentioned below) is available free of charge on our website, www.covenanttransport.com, under the “Governance” tab of the “Investors” menu.

Process for Identifying and Evaluating Director Nominees. Director nominees are chosen by the entire Board, after considering the recommendations of the Nominating Committee.  The members of the Nominating Committee review the qualifications of various persons to determine whether they are qualified director nominee candidates for membership on the Board.  The Nominating Committee will review all such candidate recommendations, including those properly submitted by stockholders, in accordance with the requirements of its charter, SEC regulations, and NASDAQ listing standards.  Upon identifying and selecting qualified director nominee candidates, the Nominating Committee then submits its director nominee selections to our Board for consideration. We do not pay a fee to any third party to identify or evaluate or assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominees.

Desirable Traits for Director Nominees. With regard to specific qualities and skills of potential director nominees, the Nominating Committee believes it is necessary that: (i) at least a majority of the members of the Board qualify as "independent"“independent” under NASDAQ Rule 5605(a)(2); (ii) at least three members of the Board satisfy the Audit Committee membership criteria specified in NASDAQ Rule 5605(c)(2)(A); (iii) at least one member of the Board eligible to serve on the Audit Committee has sufficient knowledge, experience, and training concerning accounting and financial matters so as to be financially sophisticated under NASDAQ Rule 5605(c)(2)(A) and qualifies as an "audit“audit committee financial expert"expert” within the meaning of Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K; and (iv) at least two members of the Board satisfy the Compensation Committee membership criteria specified in NASDAQ Rule 5605(d)(2)(A).  In addition to these specific requirements, the Nominating Committee takes into account all factors it considers appropriate, which may include, but are not limited to, an individual'sindividual’s experience, accomplishments, education, understanding of our business and the industry in which we operate, specific skills, general business acumen, and personal and professional integrity.  Exhibit A (Criteria for Board of Directors) of the Nominating Committee charter also sets forth various factors and criteria used for selecting director nominees (such factors and criteria are not absolute prerequisites for any such nominee). Generally, the Nominating Committee will first consider current Board members as potential director nominees because they meet the criteria listed above and possess knowledge of our history, strengths, weaknesses, goals, and objectives.
Annual Board Self-Assessment. The Nominating Committee is responsible for developing and implementing a director evaluation program to measure the individual and collective performance of directors and the fulfillment of their responsibilities to our stockholders, including an assessment of the Board'sBoard’s compliance with applicable corporate governance requirements and identification of areas in which the Board might improve its performance.  The Nominating Committee also is responsible for developing and implementing an annual self-evaluation process for the Board designed to assure that directors contribute to our corporate governance and to our performance.  These tasks are accomplished in part through our written annual Board evaluation questionnaire in which our outside directors assess and comment on various issues concerning the Board'sBoard’s and each committee’s performance, oversight, resources, composition, culture, and committees. Questionnaire responses are anonymously compiled and summarized in a report distributed to the Board by outside counsel. The responses are analyzed by the Nominating Committee and discussed with the Board. Outside counsel monitors resulting action items, to ensure that identified issues are addressed by the Board or the appropriate committee of the Board. The Nominating Committee periodically reviews the self-assessment process. We believe thisthe self-assessment process provides valuable constructive feedback that contributes to the Board'sBoard’s overall effectiveness, functionality, and oversight.

Board Diversity. In recommending director nominee candidates for the Board, the Nominating Committee considers Board diversity along with the various other factors discussed above.  Our Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity, but considers it desirable if potential nominees complimentcomplement and contribute to the Board'sBoard’s overall diversity and composition.  Pursuant to the Nominating Committee'sCommittee’s charter, such consideration includes each individual candidate'scandidate’s ability to enhance differences of viewpoint, professional experience, education, skills, and other individual qualities among the members of the Board. Diversity is not limited solely to gender, race and ethnicity distinctions, and we interpret diversity to encompass an individual'sindividual’s ability to positively contribute to the chemistry and collaborative nature of our Board, as well as such person'sperson’s personal and professional experiences, aptitude, and expertise relevant to our industry. The Nominating Committee periodically reviews and assesses the effectiveness of the Committee'sCommittee’s policies with respect to its consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees.

Stockholder Director Nominee RecommendationsItOutside of the proxy access provision of our Bylaws, described above, it is generally the policy of the Nominating Committee to consider stockholder recommendations of proposed director nominees if such recommendations are serious, timely received, and comply with SEC rules and regulations setting forth the requirements for the inclusion of stockholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials, specifically Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act.  To be timely, recommendations must be received in writing by Joey B. Hogan at our principal executive office at least 120 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the mailing date of our proxy statement for the prior year'syear’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders. For our 20202022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, all stockholder recommendations of proposed director nominees must be received in writing by Joey B. Hogan no later than the close of business on December 10, 2019.17, 2021. Such stockholder recommendations should be addressed and sent to Joey B. Hogan, President and COO;President; Covenant TransportationLogistics Group, Inc.; 400 Birmingham Highway; Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419. In addition, any stockholder director nominee recommendation must include the following information:

the proposed director nominee'snominee’s name and qualifications and the reason for such recommendation;

the name and record address of the stockholder(s) proposing such nominee;

the number of shares of our Class A and/or Class B common stock that are beneficially owned by such stockholder(s) and the dates indicating how long such stock has been held by such stockholder(s);

a description of any financial or other relationship between the stockholder(s) and such director nominee or between the director nominee and us or any of our subsidiaries;

appropriate biographical and other information equivalent to that required of all other director nominee candidates; and

any other information such stockholder(s) must provide pursuant to and as required under Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act or any other applicable rules.

Oversight over Information Security. The Nominating Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors, has oversight over our information security. The Board receives regular updates from senior executives on technology initiatives.  We believe Messrs. Kramer and Moline have relevant experience in information security. Mr. Kramer previously served as the Chief Technology Officer of Integra Bank Corporation. Mr. Moline has served in senior leadership roles at various telecommunications companies. Highlights of our information security include:

we follow the CIS20 standard for information security and utilize security platforms to scan and monitor our systems;

we perform penetration testing every 12 to 18 months;

we maintain an information security risk insurance policy in the amount of $30.0 million;

we have not experienced any information security breaches in the past three years; and

we have not incurred any expenses, penalties, or settlements related to information security breaches in the last three years.
Our Executive Officers

Set forth below is certain information regarding our current executive officers (other than our CEO, Mr. Parker, for whom information is set forth above under Proposal 1 – Election of Directors), as well as other members of senior management. All executive officers are elected annually by the Board.  Family relationships between any directors and executive officers, if any, are noted in the relevant biographies.  All references to experience with us include positions with our operating subsidiaries and none of the other corporations or organizations referenced in the biographies is a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of the Company unless otherwise noted.  There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the executive officers and any other person pursuant to which any of the executive officers was or is to be selected as an officer.  Each of the executive officers also has consented to being identified as such in this Proxy Statement and has indicated his intention to serve in his respective office, if elected by the Board.

Joey B. Hogan, 57, has59, was appointed as our President and Principal Financial Officer (“PFO”) in April 2021. Previously, Mr. Hogan served as our Co-President and Chief Administrative Officer (“CAO”) from April 2020 to April 2021 and as our President and COO sincefrom February 2016.2016 to April 2020. From May 2007 to February 2016 Mr. Hogan served as our Senior Executive Vice PresidentEVP and COO, as well as President of CTI.Covenant Transport, Inc. (“CTI”). Mr. Hogan was our CFO from 1997 to May 2007, our Executive Vice PresidentEVP from May 2003 to May 2007, and a Senior Vice President (“SVP”) from December 2001 to May 2003. From joining us in August 1997 through December 2001, Mr. Hogan served as our Treasurer. Mr. Hogan served as a director and on the Audit Committee of Chattem, Inc., a consumer products company, from April 2009 through March 2010.

Richard B. CribbsM. Paul Bunn, 47, has43, was appointed as our Senior EVP and COO in April 2021.Mr. Bunn previously served as our Executive Vice PresidentEVP, CFO, and CFO since February 2016. From May 2008Secretary form April 2020 to February 2016April 2021, our EVP from April 2019 to April 2020, our Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer from January 2012 to April 2020, and our SVP from 2017 to April 2019. Previously, Mr. CribbsBunn served as our Senior Vice President and CFO.  Mr. Cribbs served as our Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer ("CAO") from May 2007 to May 2008 and Corporate Controller from May 2006July 2009 to May 2007.January 2012. Prior to joining the Company,that, Mr. Cribbs was the Corporate Controller, Assistant Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer for Tandus, Inc., a commercial flooring company, from May 2005 to May 2006.  Mr. Cribbs also previouslyBunn served as CFO of Modern Industries, Inc.,an Audit Senior Manager for Ernst & Young, LLP, a tier two automotive supply company, from December 1999 to May 2005.  Mr. Cribbs serves as a member of the Accounting Advisory Board of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.global professional services provider.

Samuel “Sam” F. Hough, 53,55, has been the Executive Vice Presidentour EVP - Expedited Operations since September 2020. Mr. Hough served as our EVP - Highway Services between April 2020 and September 2020. Previously Mr. Hough served as EVP and COO of Covenant Transport, Inc. ("CTI")CTI since joining us in February 2013. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hough served as Vice President of Sales from 2010 – 2013, Vice President of Regional Operations from 2009 - 2010, and Vice President of Revenue Management from 2006 - 2009 for Conway Truckload, Inc,Inc., a freight transportation provider operating in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

James “Jim” F. Brower, Jr.Lynn Doster, , 61,55, has served as the Executive Vice Presidentbeen our EVP - Dedicated Operations since March 2021 and COOwas our SVP of Star Transportation, Inc. ("Star") since February 2016.  From 1983Operations from April 2020 to February 2016 Mr. Brower served as President of Star.  Star2021. Ms. Doster joined the Company as onein July 2018 following our acquisition of our subsidiariesLandair and previously was the SVP, Operations at Landair, a position she held since joining the organization in 2006.

Paul T. Newbourne, 64, has served as the Executive Vice President and COO of Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC (“Solutions”) since October 2016. Mr. Newbourne plans to retire in the spring of 2019.2013. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Newbourne was PresidentMs. Doster achieved increasing levels of operational responsibilities in her 14 year career with Penske Logistics, Project Consulting, LLC, a supply chain consulting firm, from August 2016 to October 2016. Mr. Newbourne also served as Senior Vice President – Operationsglobal third-party logistics provider, four of Armada Supply Chain Solutions, LLC, a privately held third party logistics company from April 2006 to July 2016.

R.H. Lovin, Jr., 67, haswhich she served in several senior management positions since joining us in 1986.  Mr. Lovin has been our Executive Vice President and the Executiverole of Vice President of Administration of CTI since May 2007 and Corporate Secretary since August 1995. Previously, Mr. Lovin served as our Vice President–Administration from May 1994 to February 2003, Senior Vice President – Administration from February 2003 to May 2007, CFO from 1986 to 1994, and as one of our directors from May 1994 to May 2003.

M. Paul Bunn, 41, has been our CAO and Treasurer since January 2012 and our Senior Vice President since 2017.  Previously, Mr. Bunn served as our Corporate Controller from July 2009 to January 2012.  Prior to that, Mr. Bunn served as an Audit Senior Manager for Ernst & Young, LLP, a global professional services provider.  Mr. Bunn is registered as a Certified Public Accountant with the State of Tennessee.

James “Jamie” Heartfield, 54, has served as our General Counsel since April 2009 and our Chief Human Resources Officer since 2012. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Heartfield was an attorney with the law firm of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C., from 1989 to 1997 and the law firm of Heartfield & Duggins, P.C., from 1997 to 2009.

William “Billy” J. Cartright, 40, has been Executive Vice President and COO of SRT since July 2017 and served as Vice President of Administration of SRT from November 2016 to July 2017. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Cartright served as Sr. Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Safety and Recruiting from 2015-2016 at USA Truck, Inc. (NASDAQ: USAK) and Senior Director of Operations from 2013-2015 at Conway Truckload, Inc. a freight transportation provider operating in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

T. Ryan Rogers, 43, has been Chief Transformation Officer since January 2018.  Prior to joining CTI, Mr. Rogers worked as a Supply Chain & Transportation Executive at Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), an e-commerce company, in 2017 and as Chief Operating Officer of U.S. Xpress Logistics, a division of U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc., a freight transportation provider from 2012 to 2015.  Mr. Rogers has also served as a Mentor at Dynamo Accelerator and Fund, a logistics, supply chain, and transportation accelerator program and early stage fund, since 2016, and as a Strategic Advisor for Trucker Path, a Silicon Valley-based transportation navigation technology company, since 2015.Operations.

John A. Tweed53,55, was appointed as the Advisor to the CEO in April 2021. Co-President and Chief Operating Officer in April 2020. Mr. Tweed joined the Company in July 2018 following our acquisition of Landair Holdings Inc. (“Landair”). Mr. Tweed is and was the EVP and COO of Landair.Landair from July 2018 to April 2020 and our Co-President and COO from April 2020 to April 2021. Prior to the Company’s acquisition of Landair (the “Landair Acquisition”), Mr. Tweed served as the CEO of Landair since 2000. Prior to becoming CEO of Landair, Mr. Tweed held various positions at Landair, including vice president of sales and special-projects manager. Mr. Tweed is an active committee and board member for several industry associations and community organizations. Mr. Tweed is the first cousin of Ms. Ballard.

Matthew "Matt" T. Anderson, 57, has been our SVP, Sales & Marketing since April 2020. Mr. Anderson joined the Company in July 2018 following our acquisition of Landair and previously was the SVP, Sales & Marketing at Landair, a position he held since joining the organization in 2012. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Anderson served as Vice President of Sales from 2009 - 2012, and Vice President of Customer Experience from 2006 - 2009 for Penske Logistics, a global third-party logistics provider.
Joey Ballard, 46, has been our SVP of Talent Management since April 2019. Ms. Ballard joined the Company in July 2018 following the Landair Acquisition and previously was the Senior Director of Talent Management at Landair. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Ballard served in various roles at Landair since 1999. Ms. Ballard is a board member of Greeneville Community Hospital (Ballard Health) and actively involved in other community organizations. Ms. Ballard is the first cousin of Mr. Tweed.

James “Tripp” S. Grant, 42, joined the Company as the Corporate Controller in July 2019 and was promoted to Chief Accounting Officer in September 2020.  Mr. Grant has served as the Company’s principal accounting officer since August 2019. Previously, Mr. Grant worked at Chattem, Inc., from August 2007 to June 2019, during which time he served in the following roles: Director, Corporate Projects, Corporate Controller and Assistant Controller.  Prior to Chattem, Mr. Grant served as a Senior Internal Auditor at Electric Power Board of Chattanooga, an electric power distribution and telecommunications company from January 2006 to August 2007, and a Senior Accountant at Neal, Scouten & McConnell, P.C. from August 2002 to January 2006.

Brande N. Tweed, 46, was appointed our SVP of Financial Improvement in September 2020. Ms. Tweed joined the Company in July 2018 following the Landair Acquisition and previously was the Vice President of Accounting of Landair. Prior to the Landair Acquisition, Ms. Tweed served as the VP of Accounting of Landair since 2012. Prior to becoming VP of Accounting of Landair, Ms. Tweed held various positions at Landair, including staff accountant and Controller. During her tenure at Landair, Ms. Tweed was accountable for all accounting functions, asset and non-asset procurement, information technology, contract administration, risk management and claims, budgeting, financial improvement, continuous improvement, maintenance, and financial performance. Ms. Tweed has been with Landair since 1998.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting ComplianceReports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own (directly or indirectly) more than 10% of our Class A common stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC.  Officers, directors, and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.  Based solely on a review of the copies of such reports (including any amendments thereto) filed with the SEC during 20182020 and written representations that no other reports were required during the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, we believe that all of the Company's executive officers, directors, and greater than 10% beneficial owners complied with applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements during the year ended December 31, 2018.2020, except Ms. Parker-Hatchett filed a late Form 3 amendment on January 27, 2021 to report shares of Class A common stock owned by her spouse as of her election as a director in July 2020.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

Our Board has adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors, officers, and employees, whether with us or one of our subsidiaries.  The Code of Conduct and Ethics includes provisions applicable to our CEO, CFO, CAO, controller, or persons performing similar functions and that collectively constitute a "code“code of ethics"ethics” within the meaning of Item 406(b) of SEC Regulation S‑K.  A copy of the Code of Conduct and Ethics is publicly available free of charge on our website, www.covenanttransport.com, under the “Governance” tab of the “Investors” menu.

Pursuant to SEC regulations and NASDAQ listing standards, we will disclose amendments to or waivers of our Code of Conduct and Ethics in a press release, on our website, www.covenanttransport.com, or in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, whichever disclosure method is appropriate. To date, we have not granted any waivers from our Code of Conduct and Ethics to the CEO, CFO, CAO, Controller, or any person performing similar functions.

Neither the Company, nor any of its directors and officers, is currently under investigation by a regulatory body.  Further, no regulator has taken action against a director or officer of the Company in the past two years.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This Proxy Statement section identifies our Named Executive Officers (as designated below) and explains how our executive compensation programs, policies and decisions are formulated, applied, and operate with respect to the Named Executive Officers.  In the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we also discuss and analyze our executive compensation program, including each component of compensation awarded under the program, and the corresponding compensation amounts for each Named Executive Officer.

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the Summary Compensation Table (including the related tabular and narrative discussions) and the Committees of the Board of Directors – The Compensation Committee section contained in this Proxy Statement.  As noted in that section, our Compensation Committee, which for 20182020 was comprised only of directors who satisfy applicable SEC and NASDAQ independence requirements, oversees and administers our executive compensation policies and practices.

Executive Summary

Courage, resilience, selflessness, and confidence were on display during 2020 as our people faced down the challenges of a global pandemic, an internal restructuring, and a wholesale change of leadership.

During 2020, we exited approximately 23% of our total assets, including two business units – solo refrigerated and factoring.  We unified our branding and marketing effort, converted several information technology systems, reduced our non-driving personnel by 15%, and cut overhead across the enterprise.  We also flattened our senior management structure and installed new leadership in a majority of the remaining roles.  Our leadership team had been working toward these goals, but the pandemic and customer supply chain disruptions in the first half of 2020 accelerated the timeframe dramatically.

Also, in 2020 we reduced invested capital by over $262 million, improved our leverage ratio to the lowest level in decades, and improved adjusted earnings per share versus 2019. By the end of the year, we reported one of the better fourth quarters in the Company’s 34-year history.

With all of the changes during 2020, the Compensation Committee took a conservative approach to our compensation structure. The Compensation Committee reduced the salaries of our Named Executive Officers between 5% and 19% and reduced the director annual retainer by 15% between April 2020 and December 2020 in light of the uncertain impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations. Messrs. Parker and Hogan did not receive equity awards during 2020, as the Compensation Committee desired to preserve equity under our Incentive Plan given stock price volatility during 2020, as well as their desire for more time to assess the impact of changes to our business during 2020, including the strategic repositioning of our enterprise around our Dedicated, Expedited, Managed Freight, and Warehousing business units and reduction of our fixed overhead and capital deployment in non-core businesses. The short-term cash incentive plan for 2020 was designed around goals related to saftey, financial planning and analysis, accountability, deleveraging, and reducing costs, and target bonus payouts were set at half the amount of historical targets.

Key Features of Executive Compensation Program

The Company adheres to the following practices and policies with respect to our executive compensation programs:

Conservative pay policy with total Named Executive Officer and director compensation positioned below the median

Annual say-on-pay votes
Stock ownership guidelines for senior executive officers, with CEO at tensix times annual base salary
Anti-hedging and anti-pledging guidelines for senior executive officers, with no hardship exception

Independent compensation consultant retained by the Compensation Committee to advise on executive compensation matters

No tax gross-ups

No excessive perquisites for executives
Elimination of payment of split-dollar policy for our CEO effective April 1, 2018
No severance obligations to Named Executive Officers
Direct link between pay and performance that aligns business strategies with stockholder value creation

No re-pricing or back-dating of stock options or similar awards
In addition, the proposed First Amendment to the Incentive Plan would do the following:

ProhibitNo equity vesting periods of less than twelve months on future awards(except for the 5% of the share reserve as of the adoption of the Second Amendment to the Incentive Plan in July 2020 that are available for issuance under the Incentive Plan with no minimum vesting requirements)
ProhibitNo payment of dividends on unvested futureequity awards granted after the adoption of the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan in May 2019
Prohibit tax gross-ups
ProhibitNo voting on unvested futureequity awards granted after the adoption of the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan in May 2019
Double trigger change in control for equity awards beginning for awards granted in 2020 and for severance benefits. Additionally, equity awards granted under the Incentive Plan after adoption of the Second Amendment to the Incentive Plan in July 2020 are required to have a double trigger change in control
No discretion under the Incentive Plan for the Compensation Committee to accelerate vesting, except in cases involving death or disability
No cash vehicle allowances or company-provided cars effective January 1, 2021
Clawback policy
Named Executive Officers

For the year ended December 31, 2020, our named executive officers (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”) were as follows:

Name
Position
David R. Parker
Chairman of the Board and CEO
Joey B. Hogan
President and PFO(1)
M. Paul Bunn
Senior EVP and COO(1)
Samuel F. Hough
EVP - Expedited Operations(1)
John A. Tweed
Advisor to the CEO(1)
Richard B. Cribbs
Former SVP of Strategy & Investor Relations, Treasurer(1)

(1)Between January 1, 2020 and April 23, 2020, Mr. Hogan served as our President and COO, Mr. Bunn served as our EVP, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, Mr. Hough served as our EVP and COO of CTI, Mr. Tweed served as the EVP and COO of Landair, and Mr. Cribbs served as our EVP and CFO. Between April 24, 2020 and April 6, 2021, Mr. Hogan served as our Co-President and CAO, Mr. Bunn served as our EVP, CFO, and Secretary, and Mr. Tweed served as our Co-President and COO.  Between April 24, 2020 and September 23, 2020, Mr. Hough served as our EVP - Highway Services.

Overview and Philosophy of Compensation

The Compensation Committee of our Board oversees all of our executive officer compensation arrangements.  The Compensation Committee has the specific responsibility to (i) review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our CEO, (ii) evaluate the performance of our CEO in light of those goals and objectives, and (iii) determine and approve the compensation level of our CEO based upon that evaluation. The Compensation Committee also has the responsibility to review annually the compensation of our other executive officers and to determine whether such compensation is reasonable under existing facts and circumstances. In making such determinations, the Compensation Committee seeks to ensure that the compensation of our executive officers aligns the executive officers'officers’ interests with the interests of our stockholders.  The Compensation Committee also reviews and approves all forms of deferred compensation and incentive compensation, including annual cash bonuses, stock option grants, stock grants, and other forms of incentive compensation granted to our executive officers.  The Compensation Committee takes into account the recommendations of our CEO and our President in reviewing and approving the overall compensation of the other executive officers (but not with respect to their own compensation).

The Compensation Committee has the authority under its charter to retain outside consultants as it deems appropriate.  In accordance with this authority, the Compensation Committee engaged Willis Towers Watson in 20162019 and again in 20172020 to provide independent and unbiased external advice and expertise regarding executive compensation and to provide a competitive market pay analysis for our Named Executive Officers.  The Compensation Committee used this advice and information as a guide in reviewing our executive compensation program in 20162019 and 2017,2020, including with respect to the setting of base salaries and grants of equity awards to our executive officers. In 2018, the Compensation Committee did not meaningfully change our executive compensation and therefore did not believe the retention of a compensation consultant was warranted.
The Compensation Committee has engaged Willis Towers Watson to perform an analysis of the equity portion of our executive compensation and competitive market pay analysis during 2019.18

At the most senior level, including our Named Executive Officers, we seek to attract, motivate, and retain executive officers who are capable of evaluating, building, and managing multiple businesses, and who we believe will create long-term value for our stockholders. In this regard, we use a mix of compensation designed to provide overall compensation levels that (i) are sufficient to attract and retain talented executive officers and to motivate those executives to achieve superior results, (ii) align executives'executives’ interests with our corporate strategies, our business objectives, and the performance of specific business units to the extent applicable, (iii) enhance executives'executives’ incentives to increase our stock price and focus on the long-term interests of our stockholders, and (iv) are consistent with our goal of controlling costs. In many instances we build our compensation elements around long-term retention and development together with annual rewards based on financial performance.

Named Executive Officers

The following discussion summarizes the compensation elements we used to attract, motivate, and retain our CEO, CFO, and three other most highly compensated executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2018 (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers").  Our five Named Executive Officers are as follows:

NamePosition
1.David R. ParkerChairman of the Board and CEO
2.Joey B. HoganPresident and COO
3.Richard B. CribbsExecutive Vice President and CFO
4.T. Ryan RogersChief Transformation Officer
5.John A. TweedEVP and COO of Landair
Elements of Compensation

Our compensation program for senior executive officers has two major elements, fixed compensation and incentive compensation. The total compensation for senior executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers, consists of the following five components:

base salary;

annual incentive compensation, which may include performance-based annual cash and/or equity awards;

long-term equity incentive awards (in recent years, such equity awards have been in the form of restricted stock grants that were performance-based and/or time-based as to vesting);awards;

other compensation, including specified perquisites; and

employee benefits, which are generally available to all of our employees.

Compensation Determination Process

The Compensation Committee has the responsibility to make and approve changes in the total compensation of our executive officers, including the mix of compensation elements. In making decisions regarding an executive officer'sofficer’s total compensation, the Compensation Committee considers whether total compensation:

is fair and reasonable to us;

is internally appropriate based upon our culture, goals, initiatives, and the compensation of our other employees; and

is within a reasonable range of the compensation afforded by other opportunities.

The Compensation Committee also takes into consideration the following:

overall economic conditions;

changes in responsibility;

our recent and expected financial performances;

the Compensation Committee'sCommittee’s assessment of the executive officer'sofficer’s leadership, integrity, individual performance, prospect for future performance, years of experience, skill set, level of commitment, contributions to our financial results and the creation of stockholder value; and

current and past compensation.

In determining the mix of compensation elements, the Compensation Committee considers the effect of each element in relation to total compensation.  Consistent with our need to control costs and our desire to recognize our executive officers'officers’ performance where such recognition is warranted, the Compensation Committee has attempted to weight overall compensation toward incentive and equity based compensation. Accordingly, a substantial part of the compensation package for each executive officer is at risk and is only earned if our performance and the performance of the executive officer so warrants. Moreover, the entire amount of the equity-based incentive is subject to fluctuations in our stock price, in alignment with the exposure of our stockholders, so our executives experience both upside and downside exposure. The Compensation Committee specifically considers whether each particular element provides an appropriate incentive and reward for performance that sustains and enhances long-term stockholder value. The Compensation Committee also takes into account the tax and accounting consequences associated with each element of compensation.
In determining whether to increase or decrease an element of compensation, we rely upon the business experience of the members of the Compensation Committee, the Compensation Committee'sCommittee’s general understanding of compensation levels of public companies, the historical compensation levels of the executive officers and, in certain years, information provided by compensation consultants. We generally do not rely on rigid formulas, other than performance measures under our annual bonus program, or short-term changes in business performance when setting compensation, nor do we have a formal policy regarding the percentage allocated between cash and non-cash compensation or current versus long-term compensation.  Rather, the Compensation Committee adjusts these factors as our needs and goals change.
Base Salary

We pay base salaries at levels that reward executive officers for ongoing performance and that enable us to attract and retain highly qualified executive officers.  Base pay is a critical element of our compensation program because it provides our executive officers with stability. Compensation stability allows our executive officers to focus their attention and efforts on creating stockholder value and on our other business objectives.  In determining base salaries, we consider:

the executive officer'sofficer’s current base salary;

recent economic conditions and our financial results; and

the executive officer'sofficer’s qualifications and experience, including but not limited to, the executive'sexecutive’s length of service with us, the executive'sexecutive’s industry knowledge, and the quality and effectiveness of the executive'sexecutive’s leadership, integrity, scope of responsibilities, dedication to us and our stockholders, past performance, and current and future potential for providing value to our stockholders.

The base salaries of our executive officers will differ based upon these factors.  Market adjustments to executive officer base salaries may also be made when a significant change occurs to an executive officer'sofficer’s position or responsibilities or if comparative market data indicates a significant deviation compared to market salary practices. See Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Paid to Our Named Executive Officers for details regarding temporary salary reductions put in place during 2020 in light of the uncertain impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations. The total base salaries earned by each of our Named Executive Officers in 20182020 are disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table.

Incentive Compensation

Long-Term Incentives

The Covenant TransportationLogistics Group, Inc. Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Incentive Plan"“Incentive Plan”), is a broad-based cash and equity incentive plan that was most recently approved by our stockholders at the 2013 Annual Meeting. The First Amendment to the Incentive Plan would, among other things, increase the number of shares available for grant under the Incentive Plan and implement changes to comply with certain stockholder advisory group guidelines and best practices.plan. Long-term incentives under the Incentive Plan are typically granted as equity awards.  We use equity awards, among other things, to:

provide annual incentives to executive officers in a manner designed to reinforce our performance goals;

attract, motivate, and retain qualified executive officers by providing them with long-term incentives; and

align our executive officers'officers’ and stockholders'stockholders’ long-term interests by creating a strong, direct link between executive compensation and stockholder return (in this Proxy Statement, the terms "stockholder return"“stockholder return” and "stockholder value"“stockholder value” generally refer to the percentage increase in the value of our stockholders'stockholders’ Company shares).

The Incentive Plan allows the Compensation Committee to link compensation to performance over a period of time by using equity-based awards (which often value a company'scompany’s long-term prospects), requiring holding periods for equity grants, and granting awards that have multiple-year vesting schedules. Awards with multiple-year vesting schedules, such as restricted stock grants, provide balance to the other elements of our compensation program that otherwise link compensation to annual performance. Awards with multiple-year vesting schedules create incentive for executive officers to increase stockholder value over an extended period of time because the value received from such awards is based on the growth of the stock price.  Such awards also incentivize executive officers to remain with us over an extended period of time, which enables us to retain experienced executive talent. Thus, we believe our Incentive Plan is an effective way of aligning the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders.

Awards under our Incentive Plan may be paid in cash, shares of our Class A common stock, a combination of cash and shares of Class A common stock, or in any other permissible form, as the Compensation Committee determines.  All equity awards granted under the Incentive Plan are evidenced by an award notice that specifies the type of award granted, the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying the award, if applicable, and all terms governing the award.  Payment of awards may include such terms, conditions, restrictions, and limitations, if any, as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, including, in the case of awards paid in shares of Class A common stock, restrictions on transfer of such shares and provisions regarding the forfeiture of such shares under certain circumstances. The Incentive Plan authorizes the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance units, performance awards, any other form of award established by the Compensation Committee that is consistent with the Incentive Plan's purpose, and any combination of the foregoing. Historically, recipients of restricted shares have been entitled to vote such restricted shares. Going forward, however, recipients of restricted shares granted on or after the effective date of the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan will not be able to vote such restricted shares unless and until such restricted shares vest.
In determining our long-term incentive compensation, our Compensation Committee evaluates which award vehicles achieve the best balance between providing appropriate long-term incentive compensation and creating long-term stockholder value. The Compensation Committee considers several factors when determining long-term incentive awards to be granted to our executive officers, including:

the recommendations of our CEO and our President;

how the achievement of certain performance goals will help us improve our financial and operating performance and add long-term value to our stockholders;

the value of the award in relation to other elements of total compensation, including the number of options or restricted stock currently held by the executive officer, and the number of stock options or restricted stock granted to the executive officer in prior years;

the executive officer'sofficer’s position, scope of responsibility, ability to affect our financial and operating performance, ability to create stockholder value, and historical and recent performance;

the expected impact of awards on executive officer retention;

the tax deductibility of certain awards; and

the impact of the awards on our earnings, cash flows, and diluted share count.

Messrs. Parker and Hogan did not receive equity awards during 2020, as the Compensation Committee desired to preserve equity under our Incentive Plan given stock price volatility during 2020, as well as their desire for more time to assess the impact of changes to our business during 2020, including the strategic repositioning of our enterprise around our Dedicated, Expedited, Managed Freight, and Warehousing business units and reduction of our fixed overhead and capital deployment in non-core businesses. Please refer to the Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for further details regarding long-term incentives awarded to our Named Executive Officers.

Performance-Based Annual Cash Bonuses

The Compensation Committee uses performance-based annual cash bonuses to provide motivation for the executives to produce positive results in the expected business environment for the year. The Compensation Committee selects performance measures that are consistent with the Company's short-term objectives. As set forth in the Incentive Plan, our Compensation Committee may choose from a range of defined performance measures.  Recently,These performance-based annual cash bonuses have included performance targetsare based on diluted earnings per share (“EPS”), adjusted to exclude the impactexecutives’ completion of certain extraordinary, one-time, non-recurring, or similar items (“adjusted EPS”).annual bonus targets established by the Compensation Committee. Performance-based annual cash bonuses typically encourage and reward executive officers for performance during the fiscal year and on a short-term basis.  We believe our performance-based bonuses also contribute to our long-term success because such bonuses motivate and reward achievement of strategic and financial goals that are judged by the Compensation Committee to reflect desirable targets. The key terms of our performance-based bonuses for 2018 and 2019 are described in additional detail below.

When calculating the cash bonus earned by an executive officer under the Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee may, in its sole judgment, exercise negative discretion to eliminate or reduce the size of a bonus if the Compensation Committee determines such action is appropriate, but may not increase a bonus above the executive'sexecutive’s maximum cash bonus actually earned based on achievement of the objective performance criteria. Further, the Compensation Committee is required to certify, prior to payment of a cash bonus under the Incentive Plan, that the respective performance targets underlying the cash bonus were achieved.

In February 2018,The short-term cash incentive plan for 2020 was designed around goals related to safety, financial planning and analysis, accountability, deleveraging, and reducing costs, and target bonus payouts were set at half the Compensation Committee approved performance-based annualamount of historical targets. Our short-term cash bonus opportunitiesincentive plan for the Company's senior management group (the "2018 Bonus Program") under the Incentive Plan, including certain of our Named Executive Officers. Under the 2018 Bonus Program and consistent with the objectives of the Incentive Plan, certain employees, including the Messrs. Parker, Hogan, Cribbs, and Rogers, were eligible to receive incremental bonuses upon satisfaction of 2018 adjusted EPS targets.  The 2018 Bonus Program2020 is described in more detail under Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Paid to Our Named Executive Officers – 20182020 Bonus Program.
Prior to the Landair Acquisition, Landair approved a bonus program (the “Landair Bonus Program”) under which certain of Landair’s employees, including Mr. Tweed, were eligible to earn incremental cash bonuses based on performance relative to certain Landair performance targets. In the Landair Acquisition, the Company adopted the Landair Bonus Program. The Landair Bonus Program is described in more detail under Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Paid to Our Named Executive Officers – Landair Bonus Program.

Other Compensation

We provide our Named Executive Officers with certain other benefits, which include perquisites, that we believe are reasonable, competitive, and consistent with our overall executive compensation program. The costs of these benefits constitute only a small percentage of each executive'sexecutive’s total compensation.  In 2018, the Compensation Committee discontinued payments related to Mr. Parker’s split-dollar policy. In setting the amount of these benefits, the Compensation Committee considers each executive'sexecutive’s position and scope of responsibilities and all other elements comprising the executive'sexecutive’s compensation. The aggregate incremental cost of perquisites and other benefits provided to our Named Executive Officers is shown in the "All“All Other Compensation"Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table and detailed in the All Other Compensation Table.

Employee Benefits

Our executive officers are eligible to participate in all of our employee benefit plans, such as our 401(k) plan and medical, dental, and group life insurance plans, in each case on the same basis as our other employees.  We believe our benefits are competitive compared to those offered by similar companies in our general transportation industry and other comparable publicly traded truckload carriers.

2018 Executive Compensation Highlights

The following graphs illustrate the allocation of the primary compensation elements for our CEO and for our other Named Executive Officers' target compensation in 2018.  Performance-Based Equity and Cash reflect the actual cash bonus earned for 2018 and the value of performance-vesting restricted stock calculated by multiplying the number of restricted shares awarded by the closing price on the grant date, and does not reflect the grant date fair value of such shares computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.  See Summary Compensation Table, Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table, and the footnotes thereto for additional detail.


The Compensation Committee believes the Company's executive compensation program aligns the interests of management with the long-term interests of our stockholders by rewarding the achievement of meaningful annual goals and encouraging a long-term management perspective, which discourages executives from taking unnecessary or excessive risks.  Each element of the Company's compensation program is described in more detail below.

Compensation Paid to Our Named Executive Officers

Compensation Paid to Our Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Parker founded Covenant Transport, Inc. in 1985 with 25 tractors and 50 trailers and has been our chief executive since our inception.  We have achieved considerable growth in revenue since our inception and now serve as the holding company for several transportation providers that in the aggregate operate approximately 3,1542,461 tractors and 6,9505,647 trailers (as of December 31, 2020) and offer premium transportation services for customers throughout the United States.  Mr. Parker, our CEO, along with Joey Hogan, our President and COO, are responsible for managing the performance of our business units.

During 2018,2020, Mr. Parker was eligible for the following compensation:

an annualized base salary of $590,000, which$675,000 (Mr. Parker’s annualized base salary was increasedtemporarily reduced to $640,000, effective$573,750 between April 1, 2018,6, 2020 and to $675,000, effective July 2, 2018 withDecember 31, 2020, in light of the Landair Acquisition;uncertain impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations);

participation in the 20182020 Bonus Plan,Program, as described in more detail under the heading 20182020 Bonus PlanProgram below;

participation in the 2018 restricted stock plan (the “2018 RSP”), as described in more detail under the heading 2018 RSP below;
a grant of Class A restricted stock equal to $100,000 (3,262 shares), one-half of which will vest if the Compensation Committee unanimously certifies that Landair has been successfully integrated by July 3, 2019, and one-half which will vest if Landair’s revenue is equal to or greater than $175.0 million for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2020, subject to certain continued employment, acceleration, and forfeiture provisions;
a cash vehicle allowance, use of our corporate travel agency to arrange personal travel, use of our administrative personnel for personal services, certain of his club fees and dues and Company contributions to his 401(k) account;

use of a corporate aircraft for personal use, subject to reimbursement at the higher of certaintwo times fuel expense or the Standard Industry Fare Level rate, and an allowance of his life insurance premiums, which practice was discontinued effective April 1, 2018;50 aggregate hours for personal use of the aircraft by Messrs. Parker, Hogan, Tweed, and Bunn (“Corporate Aircraft Use”); and

medical, dental, and group life insurance.

Compensation Paid to Our Other Named Executive Officers

For all Named Executive Officers, other than our CEO and President and COO,In 2020, the form and amount of compensation for our Named Executive Officers was recommended by our CEOMessrs. Parker and PresidentHogan, provided that Messrs. Parker and COO.  For our President and COO, theHogan did not recommend their own compensation.  The form and amount of compensation for Mr. Hogan was recommended by our CEO.Mr. Parker. As discussed above, the Compensation Committee relied on the business experience of its members, the historical compensation levels of the Named Executive Officers, and its general understanding of compensation levels at public companies, and the report of Willis Towers Watson, to determine that the CEO's and President and COO'ssuch recommendations with respect to the compensation levels and forms were appropriate for 2018.2020.

Mr. Hogan

During 2018,2020, Mr. Hogan our President and COO, was eligible for the following compensation:

an annualized base salary of $425,000,$475,000, which was increased to $475,000,$500,000 in connection with his appointment as our Co-President and CAO, effective July 2, 2018 withApril 26, 2020 (Mr. Hogan’s annualized base salary was temporarily reduced to $403,750 between April 6, 2020 and December 31, 2020, in light of the Landair Acquisition;uncertain impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations);

participation in the 20182020 Bonus Plan,Program, as described in more detail under the heading 20182020 Bonus PlanProgram below;

a cash vehicle allowance, use of our corporate travel agency to arrange personal travel, Corporate Aircraft Use (during 2020, Mr. Hogan did not use the aircraft), disability insurance, and Company contributions to his 401(k) account; and

medical, dental, and group life insurance.
Mr. Bunn

During 2020, Mr. Bunn was eligible for the following compensation:

an annualized base salary of $270,000, which was increased to $325,000 in connection with his appointment as our EVP, CFO, and Secretary, effective April 26, 2020 (Mr. Bunn’s annualized base salary was temporarily reduced to $243,000 between April 6, 2020 and April 25, 2020 and to $292,500 between April 26, 2020 and December 31, 2020, in light of the uncertain impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations);

participation in the 2018 RSP,2020 Bonus Program, as described in more detail under the heading 2018 RSP 2020 Bonus Programbelow;

a grant of 10,000 shares of Class A restricted stock equal to $100,000 (3,262 shares), one-halfin recognition of which will vest ifhis appointment as our EVP, CFO, and Secretary, as described in more detail under the Compensation Committee unanimously certifies that Landair has been successfully integrated by July 3, 2019, and one-half which will vest if Landair’s revenue is equal to or greater than $175.0 million for the trailing twelve months ended heading June 30, 2020 subject to certain continued employment, acceleration, and forfeiture provisions;Restricted Stock Grants below.

a grant of 180,288 performance-based options to purchase the Company’s Class A common stock, as described in more detail under the heading November 2020 Option Grantsbelow;

a cash vehicle allowance, use of our corporate travel agency to arrange personal travel, Corporate Aircraft Use (during 2020, Mr. Bunn did not use the aircraft), disability insurance, and Company contributions to his 401(k) account; and

medical, dental, and group life insurance.

Mr. Hough

During 2020, Mr. Hough was eligible for the following compensation:

an annualized base salary $332,800 (Mr. Hough’s annualized base salary was temporarily reduced to $299,520 between April 6, 2020 and December 31, 2020, in light of the uncertain impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations);

participation in the 2020 Bonus Program, as described in more detail under the heading 2020 Bonus Program below;

a grant of 60,096 performance-based options to purchase the Company’s Class A common stock, as described in more detail under the heading November 2020 Option Grants below;

a cash vehicle allowance, use of our corporate travel agency to arrange personal travel, disability insurance, and Company contributions to his 401(k) account; and

medical, dental, and group life insurance.
Mr. CribbsTweed

During 2018,2020, Mr. Cribbs, our Executive Vice President and CFO,Tweed was eligible for the following compensation:

an annualized base salary of $275,000,$370,000, which was increased to $310,000,$500,000 in connection with his appointment as our Co-President and COO, effective July 2, 2018 withApril 26, 2020 (Mr. Tweed’s annualized base salary was temporarily reduced to $333,000 between April 6, 2020 and April 25, 2020 and to $403,750 between April 26, 2020 and December 31, 2020, in light of the Landair Acquisition;uncertain impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations);

participation in the 20182020 Bonus Plan,Program, as described in more detail under the heading 20182020 Bonus PlanProgram below;

participationa grant of 100,000 shares of Class A restricted stock in the 2018 RSP,recognition of his appointment as our Co-President and COO, as described in more detail under the heading 2018 RSPJune 2020 Restricted Stock Grants below;below.

$8,333 per month for housing and travel costs related to travel between Greenville, Tennessee where Landair is headquartered and the Company’s headquarters in Chattanooga, Tennessee where Mr. Tweed was to manage additional business units and have additional housing;

a cash bonusvehicle allowance, use of $40,000 relatedour corporate travel agency to arrange personal travel, Corporate Aircraft Use, disability insurance, and Company contributions to his efforts on the Landair Acquisition;401(k) account; and

medical, dental, and group life insurance.
Mr. Cribbs

Prior to his resignation on September 15, 2020, Mr. Cribbs was eligible for the following compensation:

an annualized base salary $335,000, which was reduced to $292,500 in connection with his appointment as our SVP of Strategy & Investor Relations, Treasurer, effective July 1, 2020 (Mr. Cribb’s annualized base salary was reduced to $301,500 between April 6, 2020 and June 30, 2020 and to $277,875 between July 1, 2020 and September 15, 2020, in light of the uncertain impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s operations);

participation in the 2020 Bonus Program, as described in more detail under the heading 2020 Bonus Program below;

a cash vehicle allowance, use of our corporate travel agency to arrange personal travel, disability insurance, and Company contributions to his 401(k) account; and

medical, dental, and group life insurance.

See “—Separation Agreements” for details regarding severance benefits Mr. Cribbs received upon his resignation.

Mr. Rogers2020 Bonus Program

Mr. Rogers joinedOn May 22, 2020, the Company as Chief Transformation Officer in January 2018. During 2018, Mr. Rogers was eligibleCompensation Committee approved performance-based bonus opportunities for the Company's senior executive officers, including our Named Executive Officers (the “2020 Bonus Program”).  In designing the 2020 Bonus Program, the Compensation Committee considered, among other things, the realignment of our executive team, our redesigned organizational structure, and the acceleration of the implementation of our strategic plan. Such events informed the Compensation Committee as they set the following compensation:goals under the 2020 Bonus Program (collectively, the “2020 Performance Goals”):

an annualized base salary of $250,000, which was increased to $255,000 effective July 2, 2018 with the Landair Acquisition;
participation in the 2018 Bonus Plan, as described in more detail under the heading 2018 Bonus Plan below;
a cash bonus of $30,000 related to his efforts on the Landair Acquisition;
participation in the 2018 RSP, as described in more detail under the heading 2018 RSP below;
a grant of 10,000 shares of Class A restricted stock, vesting in four equal installments on each of January 8, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, subject to certain continued employment, acceleration, and forfeiture provisions;
a special grant of 11,030 shares of Class A restricted stock, eligible for vesting upon achieving two consecutive fiscal years during fiscal 2018 through fiscal 2022, inclusive, where (i) the Company’s consolidated annual freight revenue (defined as total revenue less fuel surcharge revenue) is at least $900 million and (ii) the Company’s consolidated net income margin is 4.0% or greater (the “Full Vesting Criteria”).  Subject to the terms of the award notice, an incremental amount of shares is eligible for vesting upon achieving two consecutive fiscal years during fiscal 2018 through fiscal 2022, inclusive, where the Company’s consolidated annual net income margin is 4.0% or greater (the “Incremental Vesting Criteria”).  The incremental number of shares eligible for vesting for Mr. Rogers is 6,618. If the incremental number of shares vest, the remainder of the shares underlying the Special Grant will remain eligible for vesting upon achievement of the Full Vesting Criteria.  Upon the Compensation Committee certifying that the Full Vesting Criteria or Incremental Vesting Criteria, as applicable, have been achieved, 50% of the shares eligible for vesting will vest, subject to the recipient’s continued employment through the vesting date.  The remaining 50% of the shares eligible for vesting will vest on December 31 of the year in which the Compensation Committee’s certification occurs, subject to the recipient’s continued employment through such date;
a cash vehicle allowance, use of our corporate travel agency to arrange personal travel, disability insurance, and Company contributions to his 401(k) account; and
medical, dental, and group life insurance.
Mr. Tweed

Mr. Tweed joined the Company as EVP and COO of Landair in July 2018 following the Landair Acquisition. During 2018, Mr. Tweed was eligible for the following compensation:

an annualized base salarySafety – Completion of $324,730;long-term restructuring to include alignment around driver/fleet manager interaction and enterprise compliance systems with a lower cost by December 1, 2020.

participation inFinancial Planning and Analysis – Completion of strategic plan by August 2020 and the Landair Bonus Program, as described in more detail under the heading Landair Bonus Program below.2021 budget and tactical plan by December 1, 2020.

a grant
Accountability – Completion of 11,250 shares of Class A restricted stock, vesting in three equal installments on each of July 3, 2019, 2020,job descriptions, key performance indicators and tactics to deliver the 2021 subject to certain continued employment, acceleration, and forfeiture provisions;budget by December 1, 2020.

a cash vehicle allowance, use
Deleverage – Reduction of our corporate travel agencyleverage ratio(1) (2) for the second half of 2020 to arrange personal travel, disability insurance, and Company contributionsless than or equal to his 401(k) account; and2.6x without the sale of Transport Financial Solutions (“TFS”) or less than or equal to 1.5x with the sale of TFS(3).

medical, dental, and group life insurance.
Reduce Costs – Achievement of a permanent cost reduction of $10.5 million of fixed costs for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2020(2).

2018 Bonus Program

Under the 2018 Bonus Program and consistent with the objectives of the Incentive Plan, certain employees, including certain of our Named Executive Officers, were eligible to receive incremental cash bonuses upon satisfaction of consolidated adjusted EPS targets (the “2018 EPS Targets”). The performance period was from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. The 2018 EPS Targets were as follows:

 Minimum Target Maximum
2018 EPS Targets(1)
$1.24 $1.60 $2.08

(1)The 2018 EPS Targets must be met after accounting for an accrualLeverage ratio is defined as net indebtedness divided by annualized EBITDAR for the relatedsecond half of 2020. EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, depreciation, amortization, and rents.
(2)The financial targets exclude the impact of any accrued or actual short-term or long-term cash bonus expense and payroll taxes relating to the payment of cash bonuses earned by such achievement.equity compensation expense.

(3)The sale of TFS was completed in July 2020, therefore the leverage ratio goal was less than or equal to 1.5x.
When establishing the 2020 Performance Goals and determining the potential cash payouts under the 2020 Bonus Program, the Compensation Committee also reviewed: (i) the impact of COVID-19, (ii) the magnitude of each participant’s ability to impact corporate performance based on the executive's responsibilities at the time the targets were set, (iii) the composition of each participant’s total compensation package, (iv) our financial goals, and (v) information provided by Willis Towers Watson. The Compensation Committee set a targetnew annual bonus amount,targets, expressed as a percentage of year-end annualized base salary, (the “Target Bonus”), for certaineach of our Named Executive Officers as follows:follows, provided that the 2020 Bonus Program would be calculated based on 50% of such targets given the continuing effects of COVID-19:

Named Executive Officer 
Target Bonus(1)
David R. Parker 70.0%100.0%
Joey B. Hogan 65.0%100.0%
M. Paul Bunn60.0%
Samuel F. Hough55.0%
John A. Tweed100.0%
Richard B. Cribbs 50.0%
T. Ryan Rogers40.0%

The Target Bonus is multiplied by the level of achievement of the 2018 EPS Targets. For our Named Executive Officers, 100% of the bonus opportunity is based on achievement of the 2018 EPS Targets. Minimum achievement would result in payment of 25% of Target Bonus, target achievement would result in payment of 100% of Target Bonus, and maximum achievement would result in payment of 200% of Target Bonus. The Compensation Committee also created specific parameters for awarding bonuses within certain incremental ranges of achievement of the 2018 EPS Targets.

The Compensation Committee also provided that calculated achievement level for the 2018 EPS Targets would be adjusted upward or downward by 10.0%, depending on a comparison of our year-over-year net income margin percent improvement/decline to that of five peer companies (PAM Transportation Services, Inc., USA Truck, Inc., Marten Transport, Ltd, Schneider National, Inc., and Werner Enterprises, Inc.) (the “Peer Adjustment”). If we were in the top two of the six companies, then the percentage would be increased by 10.0%. If we were in the middle two of the six companies, then no adjustment would be made. If we were in the bottom two of the six companies, then the percentage would be decreased by 10.0%. For example, if the 2018 EPS Target were achieved at the maximum level and we were in the top two of the six companies, then the level of achievement attributable to the 2018 EPS Targets would be 210% of the Target Bonus.
The total cash bonus achievable (represented as a percentage of year-end annualized base salary) for our Named Executive Officers is set forth in the table below:

  
Potential Cash Payments
(as a % of Year-End Annualized Base Salary)(1)
Named Executive Officer Minimum Target Maximum
David R. Parker 17.5% 70.0% 140.0%
Joey B. Hogan 16.25% 65.0% 130.0%
Richard B. Cribbs 12.5% 50.0% 100.0%
T. Ryan Rogers 10.0% 40.0% 80.0%

(1)Does not includeThe Compensation Committee determined that the 2020 Bonus Program would be calculated based on 50% of such targets given the continuing effects of the potential upward or downward adjustment due to the Peer Adjustment.COVID-19.

InUnder the 2020 Bonus Program, the participants were eligible to receive annual cash bonuses up to 50% of their respective target set forth above (each a “2020 Bonus Opportunity”), based on upon the satisfaction of the 2020 Performance Goals. If three of the 2020 Performance Goals were achieved, each participant would receive 60% of their 2020 Bonus Opportunity. If four of the 2020 Performance Goals were achieved, each participant would receive 80% of their 2020 Bonus Opportunity. If all five of the 2020 Performance Goals were achieved, each participant would receive 100% of their 2020 Bonus Opportunity. If two or fewer of the 2020 Performance Goals were achieved, the participant would not receive a bonus under the 2020 Bonus Program.

On February 2019,17, 2021, the Compensation Committee assessed performance under the 2018 Bonus Program and determined that all five of the 2018 EPS Targets2020 Performance Goals were achieved, atincluding a leverage ratio of 0.8x for the 200% level,second half of 2020 and permanent reduction of approximately $12 million in costs for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2020, resulting in the following payouts:payouts under the 2020 Bonus Program:

Named Executive Officer Actual PayoutsPayout
David R. Parker $945,000337,500
Joey B. Hogan $617,500250,000
Richard B. CribbsM. Paul Bunn $310,00097,500
T. Ryan RogersSamuel F. Hough $204,00091,520
John A. Tweed$250,000

Mr. Cribbs resigned on September 15, 2020, therefore he did not receive any payout under the 2020 Bonus Plan.

The Compensation Committee also determined that we were in the middle two of the six companies for the Peer Adjustment, therefore no adjustment was made for the Peer Adjustment.June 2020 Restricted Stock Grants

2018 RSP

In May 2018, under the 2018 RSP and consistent with the objectives of the Incentive Plan,On June 5, 2020, the Compensation Committee grantedapproved a grant of 10,000 shares of Class A restricted stock to Mr. Bunn and a grant of 100,000 shares of Class A restricted stock to Mr. Tweed (collectively, the “June 2020 Restricted Stock Grants”), in recognition of their promotions in April 2020. One-half of the shares vest on December 31, 2023, subject to continuous employment through December 31, 2023, provided that if Mr. Bunn or Mr. Tweed is terminated for any reason other than Cause (as defined in their respective Severance Agreement) after July 1, 2021, but before December 31, 2023, then one-half of his shares will vest on the date of such termination. The other one-half of the shares would vest upon the closing price of our Class A common stock exceeding $15.00 per share for at least 20 consecutive trading days before December 31, 2023, but in no event sooner than June 5, 2021 (the “Restricted Stock Performance Goal”), subject to continuous employment through the vesting date. The Restricted Stock Performance Goal was achieved on August 5, 2020, therefore, one-half of the shares will vest on June 5, 2021, subject to continuous employment.
November 2020 Option Grants

On November 11, 2020, the Compensation Committee approved grants of performance-based and time-based conditionsoptions to purchase the Company’s Class A common stock (“Options”) to certain of our Named Executive Officersthe Company’s management team, including Messrs. Bunn and Hough. Messrs. Bunn and Hough received the following Options:

Named Executive Officer Market Condition Options Performance Condition Options
M. Paul Bunn 45,072 135,216
Samuel F. Hough 15,024 45,072

The Market Condition Options will vest if the closing price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock exceeds $30.00 for at least 20 consecutive trading days before December 31, 2023, but in no event sooner than November 11, 2021.

The Performance Condition Options will vest as follows:

Named Executive Officer Performance-Based Restricted Shares Time-Based Restricted Shares
David R. Parker 3,391 6,886
Joey B. Hogan 2,826 5,739
Richard B. Cribbs 1,583 3,213
T. Ryan Rogers 848 1,721
One-third if the Company achieves at least $900 million of freight revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023;

One-third if the Company achieves a cumulative three-year adjusted earnings per share, adjusted to exclude the impact of certain extraordinary, one-time, non-recurring, or similar items (“adjusted EPS”), of $4.00 per share for the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, provided that the adjusted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2023 cannot be less than $1.00 per share; and

One-third if the Company achieves a cumulative three-year adjusted EPS of $4.75 per share for the three-year period ended December 31, 2023.

The performance-based restricted shares vest upon attainment of adjusted EPS for the period beginning January 1, 2019, and ending December 31, 2019, equal to the greater of (i) adjusted EPS for fiscal 2018, multiplied by 115%, and (ii) adjusted EPS of $2.20.  The time-based restricted shares will vest as follows: (i) approximately 49% on December 31, 2020 and (ii) approximately 51% of the on December 31, 2021. The vesting of the performance-based restricted shares and the time-based restricted sharesOptions is subject to certain continued employment, acceleration, and forfeiture provisions.  The Options have an exercise price equal to $15.77 per share (the closing market price of our Class A common stock on the grant date) and a 10-year term.

Restricted Stock Results Based on 2020 PerformanceLandair Bonus Program

Under the Landair Bonus Program, certain of Landair’s employees, including Mr.In July 2019, Messrs. Parker, Hogan, Bunn, Hough, and Tweed were eligibleawarded 15,411, 12,415, 4,281, 5,822, and 6,850, shares of restricted stock, respectively (the “2019 Performance Shares”), subject to earn incremental cash bonusesperformance-based vesting based on consolidated adjusted EPS for fiscal 2020 being greater than or equal to the lesser of (i) consolidated adjusted EPS for fiscal 2019, multiplied by 115%, and (ii) consolidated adjusted EPS of $2.00. Consolidated adjusted EPS for fiscal 2019 was $0.57, therefore, the performance relative to Landair earnings before income taxes targets (the “Landair EBIT Targets”). The performance periodgoal was consolidated adjusted EPS of $0.66 for the Landair Bonus Program was January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018.fiscal 2020. In the Landair Acquisition, the Company adopted the Landair Bonus Program. For Mr. Tweed, the Landair EBIT Targets and corresponding potential cash payment, expressed as a percentage of Mr. Tweed’s base salary, were as follows:

  Minimum (20% of base salary) Target (50% of base salary) Maximum (100% of base salary
Landair EBIT Targets $8,779,946 $9,494,719 $10,274,438

The Landair Bonus Program also included specific parameters for awarding bonuses within certain incremental ranges of achievement of the Landair EBIT Targets.  In February 2019,March 2021, the Compensation Committee assessed performance underdetermined that the Landair Bonus Programconsolidated adjusted EPS for fiscal 2020 was $1.08, therefore, the 2019 Performance Shares vested.

In August 2018, Messrs. Parker and Hogan each received a grant of 3,262 shares of restricted stock, one-half of which would vest if Landair’s revenue was equal to or greater than $175.0 million for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2020. In August 2020, the Compensation Committee determined that the Landair EBIT Targetsrevenue goal for such shares was not met, therefore, such shares were achievedforfeited.

Separation Agreement

On August 20, 2020, in connection with Mr. Cribbs’ resignation effective September 15, 2020, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, and Mr. Cribbs entered into a separation agreement (the “Separation Agreement”).

Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Mr. Cribbs is entitled to receive: (i) six months’ salary continuation, totaling $167,500, payable in thirteen (13) equal bi-weekly installments, (ii) if Mr. Cribbs has not secured employment consistent with his professional experience and with an annualized base salary of at maximum, resultingleast $167,500 prior to the last salary continuation installment, Mr. Cribbs will receive additional separation pay of up to $258,000, payable in twenty-six (26) equal bi-weekly installments, continuing only so long as Mr. Cribbs is unable to secure such employment, (iii) payment of COBRA premiums for a period not to exceed eighteen (18) months, and (iv) additional severance payments in the payoutamount $144,000, payable in thirteen (13) equal bi-weekly installments. Under the Separation Agreement, Mr. Cribbs agreed to certain confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, and cooperation covenants and granted a general release of $324,730 toclaims in favor of the Company, its subsidiaries, and its affiliates. All outstanding equity awards held by Mr. Tweed.Cribbs were forfeited upon his resignation from the Company.

Compensation Decisions with Respect to 20192021

The Compensation Committee annually reviews and considers adjustments to the base salaries of our Named Executive Officers, as well as grants of annual cash incentives and equity awards to each Named Executive Officer.

In February 2019,Effective January 1, 2021, the Compensation Committee approved performance-based bonus opportunitiesthe following for our Named Executive Officers: (i) elimination of the Company's senior management group includingCOVID-19 salary reductions previously put in place, (ii) setting of new base salaries, and (iii) elimination of cash vehicle allowances and company-provided cars. As of January 1, 2021, the annualized base salaries of our Named Executive Officers (the "2019 Bonus Program").  The percentage of 2019 salary assigned to each Named Executive Officer was determined by the Compensation Committee, based on an evaluation of (i) the magnitude of each Named Executive Officer's ability to impact corporate performancewere as follows:

Named Executive OfficerAnnualized Base Salary
David R. Parker$708,600
M. Paul Bunn$337,000
Joey B. Hogan$513,200
Samuel F. Hough$344,800
John A. Tweed$512,000

In April 2021, based on the executive's responsibilities atsuccessful execution of our strategic plan during 2020 and the timerate of improvement in 2021, we accelerated the targets were set, (ii)planned evolution of our management team. Effective April 6, 2021, we created the composition of each Named Executive Officer's total compensation package, (iii) our financial goals, and (iv) information previously provided by Willis Towers Watson.

Under the 2019 Bonus Program, the Named Executive Officers, may receive annual cash bonuses upon satisfaction of 2019 consolidated adjusted EPS targets (the "2019 EPS Targets") and, for Mr. Tweed, the satisfaction of 2019 operating income and operating ratio targets established for Landair (the “2019 Landair Targets”, and collectively with the 2019 EPS Targets, the “2019 Performance Targets”).  Each applicable 2019 Performance Target corresponds to a percentage bonus opportunity for the employee that is multiplied by the employee's 2019 year-end annualized base salary to determine the employee's bonus.  Pursuant to the 2019 Bonus Program, our Named Executive Officers may receive performance-based bonuses as follows: (i) Mr. Parker may receive between 20.0% and 160.0% of his 2019 year-end annualized base salary depending on the level of 2019 EPS Targets that is achieved, if any, (ii) Mr. Hogan may receive between 18.75% and 150.0% of his 2019 year-end annualized base salary depending on the level of 2019 EPS Targets that is achieved, if any, (iii) Mr. Cribbs may receive between 15.0% and 120.0% of his 2019 year-end annualized base salary depending on the level of 2019 EPS Targets that is achieved, if any, (iv) Mr. Rogers may receive between 10.0% and 80.0% of his 2019 year-end annualized base salary depending on the level of 2019 EPS Targets that is achieved, if any, and (v) Mr. Tweed may receive between 6.875% and 55.0% of his 2019 year-end annualized base salary depending on the level of 2019 EPS Targets that is achieved, if any, and between 6.875% and 55.0% of his 2019 year-end annualized salary depending on the 2019 Landair Targets that is achieved, if any. 

As with the performance targets established in prior years, the Compensation Committee created specific parameters for awarding bonuses within certain incremental ranges of achievementOffice of the performance targets. The performance targets established in connection withCEO and the 2019 Bonus Program do not reflect any opinion or projectionBoard appointed certain of management concerning earnings expectations for the year.  The Compensation Committee believes that the 2019 Performance Targets represent aggressive, yet achievable goals for the Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee has not addressed salary or equity incentive compensation for our Named Executive Officers to datenew positions as follows:

Named Executive OfficerNew Title
Joey B. HoganPresident and PFO
M. Paul BunnSenior EVP and COO
John A. TweedAdvisor to the CEO

In April 2021, the Compensation Committee approved grants of performance-based Options to Messrs. Parker and Bunn to further align their compensation with the Company’s performance, as well as to recognize Mr. Bunn’s promotion. Mr. Parker received 400,000 Options and Mr. Bunn received 50,000 Options. The Options vest (i) 25% if the average closing price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock exceeds a certain level over any 90 day period before December 31, 2023, but in 2019.no event sooner than April 6, 2022, (ii) 25% if the Company achieves a certain level of freight revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, (iii) 25% if the Company achieves certain adjusted EPS goals for the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, along with a minimum adjusted EPS goal for the year ended December 31, 2023, and (iv) 25% if the Company achieves certain other adjusted EPS goals for the three-year period ended December 31, 2023. The vesting of the Options is subject to certain continued employment, acceleration, and forfeiture provisions.

Mr. Parker did not receive an equity award during 2020. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the Committee does not expect to make additional equity awards to Mr. Parker for 2021, 2022, or 2023.

In April 2021, the Compensation Committee approved a grant of 150,000 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Hogan to vest in installments of 50,000 shares on each of April 6, 2022, December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2023, subject to certain continued employment, acceleration, and forfeiture provisions.

Mr. Hogan did not receive an equity award during 2020. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the Committee does not expect to make additional equity awards to Mr. Hogan for 2021, 2022, or 2023.

Also, in recognition of his promotion in April 2021, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Bunn’s annualized base salary from $337,000 to $400,000 and approved a grant of 16,667 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Bunn subject to vest on January 1, 2025, subject to certain continued employment, acceleration, and forfeiture provisions. The Compensation Committee also amended Mr. Bunn’s Severance Agreement to be consistent with those of Messrs. Parker and Hogan, as described under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

In April 2021, the Compensation Committee approved a short-term cash incentive plan for Messrs. Parker, Hogan, and Bunn (the “2021 Senior Executive Bonus Program”). Under the 2021 Senior Executive Bonus Program, the bonus targets, expressed as a percentage of year-end annualized base salary, were the same as under the 2020 Bonus Program for Messrs. Parker and Hogan at 100% and Mr. Bunn’s bonus target was changed from 60% to 80% of year-end annualized base salary in recognition of his promotion.  Under the 2021 Senior Executive Bonus Program, participants are eligible to earn 100% of their target bonus upon the attainment of a certain adjusted EPS goal for fiscal year 2021. Additionally, if the adjusted EPS goal is met, participants are eligible to earn up to additional 100% of their bonus target as follows: (i) 32% of the bonus target for achieving a goal related to leadership structure, (ii) 34% of the bonus target for achieving certain goals related to safety, and (iii) up to 34% for achieving certain goals related to productivity.
In April 2021, the Compensation Committee approved a short-term cash incentive plan for Mr. Hough (the “2021 Hough Bonus Program”). Mr. Hough’s bonus target is 50% of year-end annualized base salary. Under the 2021 Hough Bonus Program, Mr. Hough is eligible to earn up to 200% of his bonus target for achievement of goals related to Expedited gross margin (weighted at 75%) and adjusted EPS (weighted at 25%).

In February 2021, the Compensation Committee approved a grant of 5,384 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Hough in recognition of his role in the wind-down of certain of the Company’s terminal operations throughout 2020.   The shares will vest on February 17, 2022, subject to certain continued employment, acceleration, and forfeiture provisions.

In January 2021, we announced that Mr. Tweed will transition to a consulting role effective July 3, 2021. In connection with the transition, the Company entered into an amended and restated executive severance agreement (the “Amended Severance Agreement”) with Mr. Tweed, as well as a short-term consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”). Mr. Tweed’s final day of employment is expected to be July 3, 2021 and the Consulting Agreement is to be effective July 4, 2021.

The Amended Severance Agreement provides for (i) certain benefits in the case of Mr. Tweed’s termination before July 3, 2021, consistent with the terms of his original Severance Agreement discussed below, (ii) certain non-competition and non-solicitation provisions, which remain unchanged from his original Severance Agreement, effective during the term of Mr. Tweed’s employment and continuing until the earlier of July 4, 2021 or the effectiveness of the Consulting Agreement, and (iii) an award of 50,000 shares of Class A restricted stock, to vest on the earlier of January 25, 2022 or the date his employment or engagement by the Company is terminated in connection with a change-in-control of the Company.

Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, (i) Mr. Tweed will provide certain consulting services to the Company from July 4, 2021 through December 31, 2022, unless the Consulting Agreement is earlier terminated by the Company as provided in the Consulting Agreement (the “Consulting Term”), (ii) during the Consulting Term, the Company will pay to Mr. Tweed $128,000 per quarter for Mr. Tweed being available to provide consulting services for a minimum of 25 days per quarter, and (iii) Mr. Tweed agreed to certain non-solicitation provisions during the Term and through the earlier of June 30, 2023 or one year following the termination of the Consulting Agreement.

Benchmarking Compensation

We reviewed peer company performance for purposes of the potential 10% adjustment to the 2018 Bonus Program discussed above. The peer adjustment is not a feature of the 2019 Bonus Program.  Additionally, we do not formally benchmark our executive compensation against the executive compensation of any other particular company or competitive peer group of companies.  The Compensation Committee, from time to time, has considered the forms and levels of compensation disclosed by other comparable publicly traded truckload carriers, certain other transportation companies, and companies of similar size and market capitalization generally in order to obtain a broad understanding of such companies'companies’ compensation practices.
Other Policies and Considerations

Risk Considerations Regarding Compensation

We believe our compensation policies and practices for executive and non-executive employees create appropriate and meaningful incentives for our employees and avoid excessive or inappropriate risks. Our Compensation Committee assesses the risks that could arise from such policies and practices by reviewing the various elements and aspects of our compensation, including base salaries, incentive compensation (which includeshas historically included long-term equity awards and performance-based annual bonuses), perquisites, employee benefits, and other compensation. Upon concluding such assessment, the Compensation Committee determined that our compensation policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a materially adverse impact on the Company. In making this determination, our Compensation Committee primarily considered the following factors:

Our general compensation structure utilizes a combination of short-term (such as base salary and performance-based annual bonuses) and long-term (equity awards) elements.  This balanced mix aligns our compensation with the achievement of short- and long-term Company goals, promotes short- and long-term executive decision-making, and does not encourage or incentivize excessive or unreasonable risk-taking by employees in pursuit of short-term benefits.

Equity awards are limited by the terms of our Incentive Plan to a fixed maximum and are subject to staggered or long-term vesting schedules, which aligns the interests of our executive officers and employees with those of our stockholders.

Variable compensation elements for our CEO, President/COO, and CFO areNamed Executive Officers were based on performance metrics for the consolidated group, not individual or departmental goals, which reflects an alignment of Company performance with incentive compensation.
The Compensation Committee is comprised of only independent directors who review and make compensation decisions based on objective measurements and payment methodologies.

Base salaries for our employees are competitive and generally consistent with salaries paid for comparable positions in our industry.  The Compensation Committee also from time to time reviews trucking and general industry compensation data compiled and provided by a compensation consultant to help determine salary compensation.

Our internal controls over financial reporting, audit practices and corporate codes of ethics and business conduct were implemented to reinforce the balanced compensation objectives established by our Compensation Committee.

Our Clawback Policy, which provides that in the event of a material financial misstatement after the effective date of the Clawback Policy, we will require, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that an employee who was subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act forfeit or reimburse us for the amount by which  incentive-based compensation (including cash- and equity-based incentive compensation) paid or granted to such employee at any time during the performance period relating to the applicable incentive-based compensation exceeds the amount of such incentive-based compensation that would have been paid or granted if it had been determined based on the material misstatement, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board. The Clawback Policy has a three-year look-back period.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in ControlEmployment and Severance Agreements

Each of our Named Executive Officers is employed at will and does not have an employment agreement.  The Company may elect to subject the Named Executive Officers to certain noncompetition restrictions for up to 6 months after termination of employment by making salary continuation payments.  See Summary Compensation Table for 2018 salary information.

Potential Payments Upon TerminationMessrs. Parker, Hogan, Bunn, Hough, and Tweed are each party to a severance agreement (each a “Severance Agreement”). As of December 31, 2020, upon a qualifying severance event, subject to employment, release, and other customary provisions, including a non-compete through 12 months post-termination (or 3 months post-termination in the case of Mr. Hough), the Severance Agreements provided for the following benefits:

Named Executive OfficerSalary ContinuationManagement Incentive Cash BonusCOBRA Reimbursement
Messrs. Parker, Hogan, and Tweed24 MonthsIf earned at or above minimum, then the target cash bonus for the year of termination, prorated for partial year of service24 Months
Messrs. Bunn(1) and Hough
18 Months(2)
If earned at or above minimum, then the target cash bonus for the year of termination, prorated for partial year of service18 Months

(1)In connection with his promotion in April 2021, Mr. Bunn’s Severance Agreement was amended to be consistent with those of Messrs. Parker and Hogan.

(2)Mr. Hough is eligible for 9 months guaranteed salary continuation, plus an additional 9 months of salary continuation so long as he has not secured employment consistent with his professional experience and/or skillset and paying an annualized base salary at least equal to his annualized base salary at the time of termination.
If a qualifying severance event occurred on December 31, 2020, Messrs. Parker, Bunn, Hogan, Tweed, and Hough would be entitled to the following aggregate payments:

Named Executive OfficerAggregate Payments
David R. Parker$1,647,702
Joey B. Hogan$1,243,354
M. Paul Bunn$596,953
Samuel F. Hough$604,931
John A. Tweed$1,243,354

As of December 31, 2021, upon a qualifying change in control event only when the recipient is terminated without “cause” or Changeis subject to a “constructive termination,” in Controleach case, between  execution of a definitive agreement in contemplation of a change in control and continuing through 24 months following a change in control, subject to employment, release, and other customary provisions, including a non-compete through 12 months post-termination (or 3 months post-termination in the case of Mr. Hough), the Severance Agreements provide for the following benefits:

Named Executive OfficerLump Sum Severance Payment (as a % of Annualized Base Salary)Management Incentive Cash BonusCOBRA Reimbursement
Messrs. Parker, Hogan, and Tweed300%Target cash bonus for the year of termination36 Months
Messrs. Bunn(1) and Hough
200%Target cash bonus for the year of termination24 Months

(1)In connection with his promotion in April 2021, Mr. Bunn’s Severance Agreement was amended to be consistent with those of Messrs. Parker, Hogan, and Tweed.

If a qualifying change in control event together with a qualifying termination occurred on December 31, 2020, Messrs. Parker, Bunn, Hogan, Tweed, and Hough would be entitled to the following aggregate payments:

Named Executive OfficerAggregate Payments
David R. Parker$2,336,553
Joey B. Hogan$1,765,031
M. Paul Bunn$769,938
Samuel F. Hough$782,170
John A. Tweed$1,765,031

Additionally, in connection with the Severance Agreements, the Board reviewed restrictive covenant obligations applicable to Mr. Tweed in connection with our purchase of Landair, and approved conforming the scope of such restrictive covenants to be consistent with the Severance Agreements.

Under certain circumstances in which there is a change ofin control, certain outstanding unvested restricted stock and stock options granted to recipients, including Named Executive Officers, under the Incentive Plan and our predecessor plans may become vested upon the occurrence of such event, notwithstanding that such restricted shares or stock options may not have otherwise been fully vested.  InThe Second Amendment to the future, stock options could beIncentive Plan requires that equity awards granted with similar terms.after the effectiveness of the amendment in July 2020 include a double trigger provision, which provides for the payment, or acceleration of vesting following a change in control only when the recipient is terminated without “cause” or is subject to a “constructive termination” during the 24 months following a change in control.

Generally speaking, and as qualified by the terms of the relevant agreements, plans, and award notices, a "change in control" occurs if: (i) someone acquires 50% or more of the combined voting power of our stock, unless after the transaction more than 75% of the acquiring company is owned by all or substantially all of those persons who were beneficial owners of our stock prior to such acquisition; (ii) a majority of our directors is replaced, other than by new directors approved by existing directors; (iii) we consummate a reorganization, merger, or consolidation where, following such transaction, all or substantially all of those persons who were beneficial owners of our stock immediately prior to the transaction do not own, immediately after the transaction, more than 75% of the outstanding securities of the resulting corporation; (iv) we consummate a transaction subject to Rule 13e-3 of the Exchange Act in which David or (iv)Jacqueline Parker or their siblings, children, or grandchildren or a trust, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, or other entity controlled by the foregoing, are the beneficial owners of more than 50% of the outstanding securities of the resulting corporation ordinarily having the right to vote in the election of directors, or (v) we sell or liquidate all or substantially all of our assets.
The estimated value of restricted stock that would have vested for our Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 20182020 under the acceleration scenarios described above is set forth in the table below.  The value for the accelerated restricted stock was calculated by multiplying the closing market price of our stock on December 31, 20182020 ($19.20)14.81) by the number of shares of accelerated restricted stock.  As of December 31, 2020, the stock options that would have vested under the acceleration scenarios described above were out of the money, and therefore are not included in the table below. For additional information on the number of currently unvested restricted stock and stock options that may immediately vest in the event of a change in control, please refer to the Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End Table.

Named Executive Officer Value of Accelerated Restricted StockEquity
David R. Parker
 $1,892,4081,497,780
Joey B. Hogan
 $1,587,4551,235,480
Richard B. Cribbs
M. Paul Bunn
 $853,883442,449
T. Ryan Rogers
Samuel F. Hough
 $453,101542,920
John A. Tweed
 $216,0002,263,664
Richard B. Cribbs
-

Consideration of Say-on-Pay Vote Results

The Company currently provides its stockholders with an annual advisory vote to approve our executive compensation, commonly referred to as a "say-on-pay"“say-on-pay” resolution, pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act.  At the Company's 2018Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, our stockholders approved our executive compensation, with approximately 99.6%98.5% of the votes cast on the say-on-pay resolution voted in favor of the resolution.  The Compensation Committee believes the voting results affirmed our stockholders'stockholders’ support of the Company'sCompany’s executive compensation program and policies and therefore did not significantly change its approach in 2018.policies. The Compensation Committee will continue to consider the results of the Company'sCompany’s advisory votes on executive compensation when making future compensation decisions for our Named Executive Officers.
Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the total compensation for the year 20182020 awarded to, earned by, or paid to those persons who were, at December 31, 2018,2020, (i) our CEO, (ii) our CFO, (iii) our former CFO who was no longer employed at December 31, 2020, and (iii)(iv) our three other most highly compensated executive officers with total compensation exceeding $100,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018.2020.

Name and
Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Stock
Awards(2)
($)
Option Awards
($)(3)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation ($)(4)
All Other
Compensation(5)
($)
Total
($)
David R. Parker,
CEO and Chairman of the Board
2020626,970---337,500106,4951,070,965
2019675,002-224,230--54,310953,542
2018641,850-311,758-945,00069,4771,968,085
Joey B. Hogan,
President and PFO(1)
2020441,831---250,00024,093715,924
2019475,010-180,624--23,697679.331
2018448,735-276,487-617,50023,6751,366,397
M. Paul Bunn
Senior EVP and COO(1)
2020294,996-133,4001,309,34297,50019,1721,854,410
Samuel F. Hough, EVP - Expedited Operations(1)
2020321,280--436,44891,52020,894870,142
2019328,600-84,710--25,198438,508
John A. Tweed,
Advisor to the CEO(1)
2020397,697-1,334,000-250,000109,3762,091,073
2019348,118-99,653-203,50020,668671,939
2018162,665-349,088-324,7304,500840,983
Richard B. Cribbs,
Former SVP of Strategy & Investor Relations, Treasurer(1)
2020242,231----592,169834,400
2019314,388-97,165--22,173433,762
2018291,42540,00098,800-310,00022,461762,686
Name and
Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Stock
Awards(2)
($)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
All Other
Compensation(6)
($)
Total
($)
David R. Parker,
CEO and Chairman of the Board
2018641,850-
311,758(3)
945,000(4)
69,4771,968,085
2017590,000-278,623103,250127,7261,099,599
2016590,000-132,883-131,476854,359
Joey B. Hogan,
President and COO
2018448,735-
276,487(3)
617,500(4)
23,6751,366,397
2017425,000-232,18669,06322,717748,966
2016375,000-110,742-23,410509,152
Richard B. Cribbs,
EVP and CFO
2018291,425
40,000(1)
98,800(3)
310,000(4)
22,461762,686
2017275,000-130,02134,37518,352457,748
2016275,000-62,010-17,223354,233
T. Ryan Rogers,
Chief Transformation Officer
2018235,365
30,000(1)
504,598(3)
204,000(4)
14,707988,670
John A. Tweed,
EVP and COO of Landair
2018162,665-
349,088(3)
324,730(5)
4,500840,983

(1)
Represents a cash bonus related to
Between January 1, 2020 and April 23, 2020, Mr. Hogan served as our President and COO, Mr. Bunn served as our EVP, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, Mr. Hough served as our EVP and COO of CTI, Mr. Tweed served as the recipient's efforts on theEVP and COO of Landair, Acquistion.and Mr. Cribbs served as our EVP and CFO. Between April 24, 2020 and April 6, 2021, Mr. Hogan served as our Co-President and CAO, Mr. Bunn served as our EVP, CFO, and Secretary, and Mr. Tweed served as our Co-President and COO.  Between April 24, 2020 and September 23, 2020, Mr. Hough served as our EVP - Highway Services.

(2)
The amounts included in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards granted to each Named Executive Officer in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.  For additional information on the valuation assumptions with respect to the grants, refer to Note 3, Stock-Based Compensation, of our consolidated financial statements as provided in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the SEC.  This fair value does not represent cash received by the executive, but potential earnings contingent on continued employment and/or our future performance.  Because such awards add value to the recipient when stockholders benefit from stock price appreciation, we believe such awards further align management's interest with those of our stockholders.

The dollar amount2020, represents the grant date fair value of the time-vesting and certain of the performance-based restricted stock granted to the Named Executive Officer in 2018, using the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on the grant date.
The shares of restricted stock granted to Messrs. Parker, Hogan, Cribbs, and Rogers on May 15, 2018 were 67% time-based and 33% performance-based, as follows:  Mr. Parker 6,886 time-based and 3,391 performance-based; Mr. Hogan 5,739 time-based and 2,826 performance-based; Mr. Cribbs 3,213 time-based and 1,583 performance-based; and Mr. Rogers 1,721 time-based and 848 performance-based. The 3,262 shares of restricted stock granted to each of Messrs. Parker and Hogan on August 20, 2018 are subject to performance vesting conditions. The 10,000 shares of restricted stock granted to Mr. Rogers on February 6, 2018 and the 11,250 shares of restricted stock granted to Mr. Tweed on July 3, 2018 are subject to time-vesting conditions. The grant date fair value of the performance-based shares granted on May 15, 2018 calculatedcomputed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, was zero, becauseas set forth in the performance measures were not probable“Grants of being achieved as ofPlan-Based Awards Table” below.

(3)
For 2020, represents the grant date. The grant date value of the performance-based shares received by each Named Executive Officer on May 15, 2018, assuming the highest level of performance is achieved and as calculated using the closing price of our Class A common stock on the grant date ($30.75), is $104,273 for Mr. Parker, $86,900 for Mr. Hogan, $48,677 for Mr. Cribbs, and $26,076 for Mr. Rogers.
The 3,262 shares of restricted stock granted to each of Messrs. Parker and Hogan on August 20, 2018 were performance-based. The grant date fair value of such shares calculatedoptions to purchase Class A common stock computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, was determined by taking the maximum number of shares that could be earned for such grant times the closing price of our Class A common stock on the grant date ($30.66).
The 11,030 shares of restricted stock granted to Mr. Rogers on February 6, 2018 were performance-based. The grant date fair value of such shares calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 was determined by taking the target number of shares that could be earned for such grant times the closing price of our Class A common stock on the grant date ($27.18). On the grant date, the performance measures were considered probable of being achieved at the target level. The grant date value of the 11,030 shares received by Mr. Rogers, assuming the highest level of performance is achieved and as calculated using the closing price of our Class A common stock on the grant date is $299,795.
For additional information on the valuation assumptions with respect to the grants, refer to Note 3, Stock-Based Compensation, of our consolidated financial statements as providedset forth in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the SEC.
“Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” below.

(4)
RepresentsFor 2020, represents the cash payouts under the 20182020 Cash Bonus Program. See Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis for additional detail with respect to the 20182020 Bonus Program.


(5)
Represents the cash payout under the Landair Bonus Program. See Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis for additional detail with respect to the Landair Bonus Program.
(6)
See the All Other Compensation Table for additional information.
All Other Compensation Table

The following table describes each component of the "All Other Compensation" column in the Summary Compensation Table.

NameYear
Perquisites and Other Personal
Benefits
($)
Insurance
Premiums
($)
Total
($)
Year
Perquisites and Other Personal
Benefits
($)
Total
($)
David R. Parker2018
49,977(1)
19,500(3)
69,4772020
106,495(1)
106,495
Joey B. Hogan2018
23,675(2)
-23,6752020
24,093 (2)
24,093
M. Paul Bunn
2020
19,172(2)
19,172
Samuel F. Hough
2020
20,894 (2)
20,894
John A. Tweed
2020
109,376 (3)
109,376
Richard B. Cribbs2018
22,461(2)
-22,4612020
592,169(4)
592,169
T. Ryan Rogers2018
14,707(2)
-14,707
John A. Tweed2018
4,500(2)
-4,500

(1)
During 2018,2020, we provided Mr. Parker with certain other benefits in addition to his salary, including $55,742 value related to personal use of a $33,600private aircraft, a $34,892 cash vehicle allowance, use of our corporate travel agency to arrange personal travel, use of our administrative personnel for personal services, certain club fees and dues, and Company contribution to his 401(k) account.

(2)
During 2018,2020, we provided each Named Executive Officerof Messrs. Hogan, Bunn, and Hough with certain other benefits in addition to his base salary, including a cash vehicle allowance, use of our corporate travel agency to arrange personal travel, and Company contributions to his 401(k).  None of the personal benefits provided to the Named Executive Officer exceeded the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of the personal benefits he received during 2018.2020.

(3)We paid
During 2020, we provided Mr. ParkerTweed with certain other benefits in addition to his salary, including a $75,000 cash housing allowance, $55,742 value related to personal use of a private aircraft, a cash vehicle allowance, use of our corporate travel agency to arrange personal travel, use of our administrative personnel for personal services, certain club fees and dues, and Company contribution to his 401(k) account.

(4)During 2020, we provided Mr. Cribbs with certain benefits in addition to his salary, including a cash vehicle allowance, use of our corporate travel agency to arrange personal travel, and Company contributions to his 401(k), none of which exceeded the valuegreater of certain life insurance premiums, as a result of arrangements entered into during a time when split-dollar insurance policies were common.  Subsequent to adoption$25,000 or 10% of the Sarbanes-Oxley Acttotal amount of 2002, we converted the policy to a company-paid policy to honorpersonal benefits he received during 2020. This amount also includes the pre-existing obligation tofollowing amounts payable under the Mr. Parker.  TheCribb’s Separation Agreement: (i) $425,500 in salary continuation payments (of which, $103,077 was paid in 2020), (ii) $144,000 in additional severance payments (of which, $88,615 was paid in 2020), and (iii) $6,322 in COBRA continuation payments paid by the Company ceased paying these insurance premiums effective April 1, 2018.during 2020.

Narrative to the Summary Compensation Table

See Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a complete description of our compensation plans pursuant to which the amounts listed under the Summary Compensation Table were paid or awarded and the criteria for such award or payment.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

The following table sets forth information concerning each grant of an award made to our Named Executive Officers during 2018.2020.

NameGrant Date
Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(1)
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(2)
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units(3)
(#)
Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards(4)
($)
Grant Date
Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(4)
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units
(#)
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh)
Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($)
Threshold
($)
Target
($)
Maximum
($)
Threshold
(#)
Target
(#)
Maximum
(#)
Threshold
($)
Target
($)
Maximum
($)
Threshold
(#)
Target
(#)
Maximum
(#)
David R. Parker05/15/18----3,391-6,886211,745-202,500270,000337,500------
08/20/18---1,6311,6313,262-100,013
-70,875472,500992,250----
Joey B. Hogan05/15/18----2,826-5,739176,474-150,000200,000250,000------
08/20/18---1,6311,6313,262-100,013
-46,313308,750648,375----
Richard B. Cribbs05/15/18----1,583-3,21398,800
-23,250155,000325,500----
T. Ryan Rogers02/06/18---6,6186,61811,030-179,877
02/06/18------10,000271,800
05/15/18----848-1,72152,921
-15,300102,000214,200----
M. Paul Bunn
06/05/20 (1)
----5,000-5,000-133,400
11/11/20 (2)
----45,072--15.77220,853
11/11/20 (3)
---45,07290,144135,216-15.771,088,489
-58,50078,00097,500------
Samuel F. Hough
11/11/20 (2)
----15,024--15.7773,618
11/11/20 (3)
---15,02430,04845,072-15.77362,830
-54,91273,21691,520------
John A. Tweed07/03/18------11,250349,088
06/05/20 (1)
----50,000-50,000-1,334,000
-64,946162,365324,730-----150,000200,000250,000------
Richard B. Cribbs-43,87558,50073,125------

(1)
For Messrs. Parker, Hogan, Cribbs,Represents the June 2020 Restricted Stock Grants, 50% of which were performance-based and Rogers, these columns represent the approximate value of potential payouts under the 2018 Bonus Program. Under the 2018 Bonus Program, the percentages of target bonus earned with respect to our consolidated performance are subject to a 10% upward or downward adjustment based on performance relative to five peer companies. Accordingly, the bonus threshold set forth above includes a 10% downward adjustment related to our consolidated performance and the bonus maximum set forth above includes a 10% upward adjustment related to our consolidated performance. For Mr. Tweed, these columns represent the approximate value of potential payouts under the Landair Bonus Program.50% were time-based. The amount earned by Mr. Tweed under the Landair Bonus Program was paid by the Company. See Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis for additional detail with respect to the 2018 Bonus Program and the Landair Bonus Program.
(2)
This column represents the potential number of shares to be awarded to the Named Executive Officer based upon the performance-based vesting requirements that were established by the Compensation Committee for each tranche of awards and as discussed in more detail in Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
(3)
This column represents the potential number of shares to be awarded to the Named Executive Officer based upon the time-based vesting requirements that were established by the Compensation Committee for each tranche of awards and as discussed in more detail in Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
(4)
The dollar amount represents the grant date fair value of the time-vesting and certain of the performance-based restricted stock granted to the Named Executive Officer in 2018, using the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on the grant date.
The shares of restricted stock granted to Messrs. Parker, Hogan, Cribbs, and Rogers on May 15, 2018 were 67% time-based and 33% performance-based, as follows:  Mr. Parker 6,886 time-based and 3,391 performance-based; Mr. Hogan 5,739 time-based and 2,826 performance-based; Mr. Cribbs 3,213 time-based and 1,583 performance-based; and Mr. Rogers 1,721 time-based and 848 performance-based. The 3,262 shares of restricted stock granted to each of Messrs. Parker and Hogan on August 20, 2018 are subject to performance vesting conditions. The 10,000 shares of restricted stock granted to Mr. Rogers on February 6, 2018 and the 11,250 shares of restricted stock granted to Mr. Tweed on July 3, 2018 are subject to time-vesting conditions. TheFASB ASC Topic 718 grant date fair value of the performance-based and time-based shares granted on May 15, 2018 calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 was zero, because the performance measures were not probable of being achieved as of the grant date. The grant date value of the performance-based shares received by each Named Executive Officer on May 15, 2018, assuming the highest level of performance is achieved and as calculated using the closing price of our Class A common stock on the grant date ($30.75), is $104,273 for Mr. Parker, $86,900 for Mr. Hogan, $48,677 for Mr. Cribbs,13.34). The material terms of the June 2020 Restricted Stock Grants are discussed in more detail under the heading “June 2020 Restricted Stock Grants” in the Compensation Discussion and $26,076 for Mr. Rogers.Analysis.

(4)
(2)
Represents the Market Condition Options. The 3,262 shares of restricted stock granted to each of Messrs. Parker and Hogan on August 20, 2018 were performance-based. TheFASB ASC Topic 718 grant date fair value of such sharesthe Market Condition Options of $4.90 per share was calculated in accordanceusing a Monte Carlo simulation, which considered the likelihood of achieving the vesting condition, with FASB ASC Topic 718 was determined by taking the maximum numberfollowing assumptions: risk-free interest rate of shares that could be earned for such grant times the closing price0.66%, expected life of our Class A common stock on the grant date ($30.66)6.5 years, expected volatility of 52.9%, and dividend yield of 0%.
The 11,030 shares of restricted stock granted to Mr. Rogers on February 6, 2018 were performance-based. The grant date fair value of such shares calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 was determined by taking the target number of shares that could be earned for such grant times the closing price of our Class A common stock on the grant date ($27.18). On the grant date, the performance measures were considered probable of being achieved at the target level. The grant date valuematerial terms of the 11,030 shares received by Mr. Rogers, assumingMarket Condition Options are discussed in more detail under the highest level of performance is achievedheading “November 2020 Option Grants” in the Compensation Discussion and as calculated using the closing price of our Class A common stock on the grant date is $299,795.
Analysis. For additional information on the valuation assumptions with respect to the grants, refer to Note 3, 4, Stock-Based Compensation,, of our consolidated financial statements as provided in theour Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed2020.

(3)
Represents the Performance Condition Options. The FASB ASC Topic 718 grant date fair value of the Performance Condition Options of $8.05 per share was calculated using the Black-Scholes model, with the SEC.following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 0.66%, expected life of 6.5 years, expected volatility of 52.9%, and dividend yield of 0%. The FASB ASC Topic 718 grant date fair value of the Performance Condition Options reported in this table assumes achievement at maximum. The material terms of the Performance Condition Options are discussed in more detail under the heading “November 2020 Option Grants” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. For additional information on the valuation assumptions with respect to the grants, refer to Note 4, Stock-Based Compensation, of our consolidated financial statements as provided in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

(4)
These columns represent potential payouts under the 2020 Bonus Program.  The material terms of the 2020 Bonus Program, along with the payouts under the 2020 Bonus Program, are discussed in more detail under the heading “2020 Bonus Program” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Mr. Cribbs resigned on September 15, 2020, therefore he did not receive any payout under the 2020 Bonus Plan.

Narrative to Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

See Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a complete description of the performance targets for payment of incentive awards.
Stock Vested Table

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the values realized upon vesting of restricted stock during 2018.2020.

2018 STOCK VESTED TABLE
2020 STOCK VESTED TABLE2020 STOCK VESTED TABLE
Name
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting
(#)
Value Realized on Vesting(1)
($)
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting
(#)
Value Realized on Vesting(1)
($)
David R. Parker4,26481,8699,071134,342
Joey B. Hogan3,41165,4917,558111,934
M. Paul Bunn
2,26833,589
Samuel F. Hough
4,23462,706
John A. Tweed
3,75052,313
Richard B. Cribbs1,70532,736--
T. Ryan Rogers--
John A. Tweed--

(1)
Determined by multiplying the number of shares acquired upon vesting on July 3, 2020 by $13.95 (the closing price on July 2, 2020, the next preceding trading day) and December 31, 20182020 by $19.20$14.81 (the closing price on December 31, 2018)2020). In accordance with SEC rules, the 2019 Performance Shares will be included in the Stock Vested Table for the year ended December 31, 2021, as the shares did not vest until the Compensation Committee certified achievement in March 2021.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End Table

The following table sets forth information concerning all stock option grants and stock awards held by our Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2018.2020.  All outstanding equity awards are in shares of our Class A common stock. All options and restricted shares that have not vested are subject to certain continued employment, acceleration, and forfeiture provisions.

 Stock Awards
NameGrant Date
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested
(#)
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested(6)
($)
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other Rights That
Have Not Vested
(#)
Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: Market or
Payout Value of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other
Rights That
Have Not Vested(6)
($)
David R. Parker05/18/16
7,016(1)
134,707--
 07/14/17
11,192(2)
214,886--
 07/14/17--
66,816(7)
1,282,867
 05/15/18
6,886(3)
132,211
3,391(8)
65,107
 08/20/18--
3,262(9)
62,630
Joey B. Hogan05/18/16
5,847(1)
112,262--
 07/14/17
9,326(2)
179,059--
 07/14/17--
55,680(7)
1,069,056
 05/15/18
5,739(3)
110,189
2,826(8)
54,259
 08/20/18--
3,262(9)
62,630
Richard B. Cribbs05/18/16
3,274(1)
62,861--
 07/14/17
5,223(2)
100,282--
 07/14/17--
31,180(7)
598,656
 05/15/18
3,213(3)
61,690
1,583(8)
30,394
T. Ryan Rogers02/06/18--
11,030(7)
211,776
 02/06/18
10,000(4)
192,000--
 05/15/18
1,721(3)
33,043
848(8)
16,282
John A. Tweed07/03/18
11,250(5)
216,000--
Stock OptionsStock Awards
NameGrant Date
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options
(#)
Option Exercise Price
($)
Option Expiration Date
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested
(#)
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested(8)
($)
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other Rights That
Have Not Vested
(#)
Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: Market or
Payout Value of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other
Rights That
Have Not Vested(8)
($)
David R. Parker07/14/17-----
66,816(9)
989,545
05/15/18---
3,495(3)
51,761--
07/08/19---
15,411(4)
228,237--
07/08/19---
15,411(5)
228,237--
Joey B. Hogan07/14/17-----
55,680(9)
824,621
05/15/18---
2,913(3)
43,142--
07/08/19---
12,414(4)
183,851--
07/08/19---
12,415(5)
183,866--
M. Paul Bunn07/14/17-----
10,440(9)
154,616
05/15/18---
873(3)
12,929--
07/08/19---
4,281(4)
63,402--
07/08/19---
4,281(5)
63,402--
06/05/20---
10,000(6)
148,100--
11/11/20
45,072(1)
15.7711/11/30----
11/11/20
135,216(2)
15.7711/11/30----
Samuel F. Hough07/14/17-----
23,385(9)
346,332
05/15/18---
1,630(3)
24,140--
07/08/19---
5,822(4)
86,224--
07/08/19---
5,822(5)
86,224--
11/11/20
15,024(1)
15.7711/11/30----
11/11/20
45,072(2)
15.7711/11/30----
John A. Tweed07/03/18---
3,750(7)
55,538--
07/08/19---
6,849(4)
101,434--
07/08/19---
6,850(5)
101,449--
09/19/19-----
35,398(9)
524,244
06/05/20---
100,000(6)
1,481,000--
Richard B. Cribbs(10)
--------

(1)
Represents the Market Condition Options. The material terms of the Market Condition Options are discussed in more detail under the heading “November 2020 Option Grants” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

(2)
Represents the Performance Condition Options. The material terms of the Performance Condition Options are discussed in more detail under the heading “November 2020 Option Grants” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

(3)
Subject to the terms of the award notice, the restricted shares will vest automatically on December 31, 2019.2021.

(2)
(4)
Subject to the terms of the award notice, approximately 49% of the restricted shares will vest automatically on December 31, 2019 and approximately 51% of the restricted shares will vest automatically on December 31, 2020.
(3)Subject to the terms of the award notice, approximately 49% of the restricted shares will vest automatically on December 31, 2020 and approximately 51% of the restricted shares will vest automatically on December 31, 2021.
(4)On January 8, 2019, one-fourth of the restricted shares vested. Subject to the terms of the award notice, one-fourth50% of the restricted shares will vest automatically on each of January 8, 2020,December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022.

(5)
Represents the 2019 Performance Shares, which vested in March 2021 after the Compensation Committee determined performance relative to a consolidated adjusted EPS for fiscal 2020. The 2019 Performance Shares are discussed in more detail under the heading “Restricted Stock Results Based on 2020 Performance” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

(6)
Represents the June 2020 Restricted Stock Grants. 50% of the shares vest on December 31, 2023, subject to continuous employment through December 31, 2023, provided that if Mr. Bunn or Mr. Tweed is terminated for any reason other than Cause (as defined in their respective Severance Agreement) after July 1, 2021, but before December 31, 2023, then 50% of his shares will vest on the date of such termination. The other 50% will vest on June 5, 2021, subject to continuous employment through the vesting date, as the Restricted Stock Performance Goal was achieved on August 5, 2020. The material terms of the June 2020 Restricted Stock Grants are discussed in more detail under the heading “June 2020 Restricted Stock Grants” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
(7)
Subject to the terms of the award notice, one-third of the restricted shares will vest automatically on each of July 3, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

(6)
(8)
The market value was calculated by multiplying the closing market price of our stock on December 31, 2018,2020, which was $19.20,$14.81, by the number of restricted shares that have not vested.

(7)
(9)
Subject to the terms of the award notice, all of the restricted shares are eligible for vesting upon achieving two consecutive fiscal years during fiscal 2018 (or fiscal 2020 for Mr. Tweed’s award) through fiscal 2022, inclusive, where (i) the Company’s consolidated annual freight revenue (defined as total revenue less fuel surcharge revenue) is at least $900 million and (ii) the Company’s consolidated net income margin is 4.0% or greater (the “Full Vesting Criteria”).  Subject to the terms of the award notice, an incremental amount of shares is eligible for vesting upon achieving two consecutive fiscal years during fiscal 2018 (or fiscal 2020 for Mr. Tweed’s award) through fiscal 2022, inclusive, where the Company’s consolidated annual net income margin is 4.0% or greater (the “Incremental Vesting Criteria”).  The incremental number of shares eligible for vesting for each recipient is as follows: 50,112 for Mr. Parker, 41,760 for Mr. Hogan, 23,3856,264 for Mr. Cribbs, and 6,618Bunn, 15,590 for Mr. Rogers. Hough, and 26,549 for Mr. Tweed. If the incremental number of shares vest, the remainder of the shares underlying the grant will remain eligible for vesting upon achievement of the Full Vesting Criteria.  Upon the Compensation Committee certifying that the Full Vesting Criteria or Incremental Vesting Criteria, as applicable, have been achieved, 50% of the shares eligible for vesting will vest, subject to the recipient’s continued employment through the vesting date.  The remaining 50% of the shares eligible for vesting will vest on December 31 of the year in which the Compensation Committee’s certification occurs, subject to the recipient’s continued employment through such date.

(8)Subject to the terms of the award notice, the restricted shares will vest upon attainment of adjusted EPS for the period beginning January 1, 2019, and ending December 31, 2019, equal to the greater of (i) adjusted EPS for fiscal 2018, multiplied by 115%, and (ii) adjusted EPS of $2.20.
(9)
(10)
Subject to the termsAll of the award notice, one-half of theMr. Cribbs’ unvested restricted shares will vest if the Compensation Committee unanimously certifies that Landair has been successfully integrated by July 3, 2019, and  one-half will vest if Landair’s revenue is equal to or greater than $175.0 million for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2020, as described in more detail in Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis.stock awards were forfeited upon his resignation.

Pay Ratio Disclosure

Pay Ratio Disclosure

We provide fair and equitable compensation to our employees through a combination of competitive base pay, incentives, retirement plans, and other benefits. We are disclosing the following pay ratio and supporting information, which compares the annual total compensation of our employees other than Mr. Parker (including full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary employees) and the annual total compensation of Mr. Parker, our CEO, as required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.Act. The pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K.

For 2018,2020, our last completed fiscal year:

The median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees (other than our CEO) was $42,986;$48,090; and

The annual total compensation of our CEO, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement, was $1,968,085.$1,070,965.

Based on this information, the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of all other employees was 4622.3 to 1.1.
Our median employee was originally determined as of December 31, 2017.2019. For 2018,2020, we used the same median employee, as there has been no change in our employee population or employee compensation arrangements that we believe would significantly impact the pay ratio disclosure. In determining that our employee population had not materially changed, we omitted the approximately 975 employees that became our employees as a result of the Landair Acquisition.
We calculated theour median employee’s annual total compensation for 2018 for the median employee2020 in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K, resulting in that employee’s annual total compensation of $42,986.$48,090. The median employee’s annual total compensation includes salary and overtime pay, as well as incentive payments, retirement plan benefits, company matching contributions to the 401(k) employee savings plan, and the cost of health and other benefits. Median employee compensation reflects that, as of December 31, 2018,2020, approximately 3.9%5% of our employees were student drivers, which had the effect of lowering our median employee compensation.
Director Compensation

The following table provides information concerning the 20182020 compensation of our non-employee directors.

Name
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash(1)
($)
Stock
Awards(2)
($)
All Other Compensation
($)
Total
($)
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash(1)
($)
Stock
Awards(2)
($)
Total
($)
William T. Alt63,06574,992-138,057
Robert E. Bosworth71,85574,992-146,84768,781
74,998
143,779
D. Michael Kramer25,50074,998100,498
Bradley A. Moline59,62574,992-134,61752,18874,998127,185
Rachel Parker-Hatchett21,25074,99896,248
Herbert J. Schmidt50,00074,992
94,000(3)
218,99246,50074,998121,498
W. Miller Welborn61,18074,992-136,17255,46974,998130,467
William T. Alt(3)
28,906-28,906

(1)
This column represents the amount of cash compensation earned and paid in 20182020 for Board and committee service.

(2)
This column represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to 20182020 for the fair value of stock awards granted to each director in 2018,2020, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.  Directors who are not our employees received shares of our Class A common stock with a market value on the grant date equivalent to approximately $75,000.  Directors can only sell these shares if, after the sale, they maintain a minimum of five times their annual retainer$100,000 in value of our Class A common stock.

(3)
Reflects amounts earnedMr. Alt retired from our Board effective as of our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, held on July 1, 2020. Mr. Alt did not receive a stock award in 2018 under Mr. Schmidt’s Consulting Agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”).2020.

Narrative to Director Compensation

For 2018,2020, directors who are not our employees or employees of one of our subsidiaries received a $50,000 annual retainer and no meeting attendance fees.  An additional annual retainer of $15,000 was paid to our Lead Independent Director; $7,500 to committee Chairs; and $5,000 to committee members. The committee fees were proratedcash compensation is pro-rated for a partial year of service on a committee.service. The annual retainers were reduced by 15% between April 6, 2020 and December 31, 2020, as part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Directors who are not our employees or employees of one of our subsidiaries received a grant of Class A common stock equivalent to approximately $75,000 at the time of our Board's annual meeting.  Directors can only sell these shares if, after the sale, they maintain a minimum of five times their annual retainer $100,000 in value of Class A common stock. Effective with the 2021 Annual Meeting, the annual equity retainer will be in the form of restricted stock scheduled to vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to acceleration for death, disability, retirement, and change-in-control (where the director’s service is terminated in connection with such change-in-control).

Directors who are our employees or employees of one of our subsidiaries do not receive compensation for board or committee service. In 2018, Mr. Schmidt received additional amounts for services he performed under his Consulting Agreement.  See Certain Relationships and Related Transactions for further details regarding the terms of and amounts paid under the Consulting Agreement.


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table shows, as of the Record Datemost recent practicable date of March 11, 2019,30, 2021 the number of shares and percentage of outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B common stock beneficially owned by:

each of our directors, director nominees, and Named Executive Officers;

all of our executive officers and directors as a group; and

each person known to us to beneficially own 5% or more of any class of our common stock.
The percentages shown are based on 16,689,78414,660,339 shares of Class A common stock (including 671,271250,352 shares of restricted Class A common stock subject to certain performance vesting, time vesting, and holding provisions, which carry voting rights) and 2,350,000 shares of Class B common stock outstanding at the Record Date.  In the "Percent of Class" column, references to "Total" mean the total number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock beneficially owned as of the Record Date.  The shares of Class B common stock owned by Mr. and Mrs. Parker are convertible into the same number of shares of Class A common stock at any time and convert automatically if beneficially owned by anyone other than Mr. or Mrs. Parker or certain members of their family.  The Class B common stock has two votes per share, but otherwise is substantially identical to the Class A common stock, which has one vote per share.

Title of Class
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)
Amount and Nature of Beneficial
Ownership(2)
Percent of Class
Class A & Class B commonDavid R. Parker & Jacqueline F. Parker
5,196,9194,007,698(3)
17.1%11.3% of Class A
100% of Class B
27.3 %23.6% of Total(4)
Class A commonJoey B. Hogan
171,260217,872(5)
1.0%1.5% of Class A
0.9%1.3% of Total
Class A commonRichard B. CribbsM. Paul Bunn
103,58361,344(6)
*
Class A commonT. Ryan RogersSamuel F. Hough
22,78376,191(7)
*
Class A commonJohn A. Tweed
51,250191,043(8)
*
1.3% of Class A
1.1% of Total
Class A commonWilliam T. AltRichard B. Cribbs
15,58060,545(9)
*
Class A commonRobert E. Bosworth
89,534107,034(10)
*
Class A commonD. Michael Kramer
5,815(11)
*
Class A commonBradley A. Moline
53,85863,358(11)(12)
*
Class A commonRachel Parker-Hatchett
67,368(13)
*
Class A commonHerbert J. Schmidt
12,00021,500(12)(14)
*
Class A commonW. Miller Welborn
10,37819,878(13)(15)
*
Class A commonBlackRock, Inc.
1,008,4811,356,307(14)(16)
6.0%9.3% of Class A
5.3%8.0% of Total
Class A commonDimensional Fund Advisors LP
1,363,5611,243,310(15)(17)
8.2%8.5% of Class A
7.2%7.3% of Total
Class A commonRE Advisers CorporationGregory Willet, as Trust Protector and National Rural Electric Cooperative AssociationInvestment Manager
1,241,9191,000,000(16)(18)
7.4%6.8% of Class A
6.5%5.9% of Total
Class A & Class B
common
All directors and executive officers as March 30, 2021 as a group (16(12 persons)
6,013,4174,841,077(17)(19)
22.0%17.0% of Class A
100% of Class B
31.6%28.5% of Total

 *
Less than one percent (1%).

 (1)
The business address of Mr. and Mrs. Parker and the other directors, Named Executive Officers and the other executive officers is 400 Birmingham Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419.  The business addresses of the remaining entities listed in the table above are as follows: (i) BlackRock, Inc., 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055; (ii) Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, Building One, 6300 Bee Cave Road, Building One, Austin, Texas 78746; and (iii) RE Advisers CorporationGregory Willett, as Trust Protector and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 4301 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203.Investment Manager, 605 Chestnut Street, Suite 1700, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37450.

(2)
Beneficial ownership includes sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to such shares unless otherwise noted and subject to community property laws where applicable.  In accordance with Rule 13d‑3(d)(1) under the Exchange Act, the number of shares indicated as beneficially owned by a person includes shares of Class A common stock underlying options that are currently exercisable.  In addition, beneficial ownership includes shares of restricted Class A common stock subject to certain vesting and holding provisions held by the following individuals:  Mr. Parker, 111,091; Mr. Hogan, 93,121; Mr. Cribbs, 50,319; Mr. Rogers, 21,099; and Mr. Tweed, 11,250.  The beneficial ownership also includes the following shares of Class A common stock allocated to the accounts of the following individuals under our 401(k) plan (the number of shares reported as beneficially owned is equal to the following individuals' March 11, 2019 account balance in the employer stock fund under the Company's 401(k) plan divided by the closing market price on such date): Mr. Parker, 26,192; Mr. Hogan, 29,252; and Mr. Cribbs, 8,280.

(3)
Comprised of 2,480,2851,220,871 shares of Class A common stock and 2,350,000 shares of Class B common stock owned by Mr. and Mrs. Parker as joint tenants with rights of survivorship; 5,217109,786 shares of Class A common stock owned by Mr. Parker; 111,09170,311 shares of restricted Class A common stock; 26,192stock with voting rights; and 40,096 shares allocated to the account of Mr. Parker under our 401(k) plan (the number of shares reported as beneficially owned is equal to Mr. Parker's March 11, 201930, 2021 account balance in the employer stock fund under the Company's 401(k) plan divided by the closing market price on such date); and 224,134216,634 shares of Class Aa common stock heldowned by Mr. Parker’s mother, over which Mr. Parker holds a power of attorney, but as to which he expressly disclaims beneficial ownership.  The restricted Class A common stock is subject to vesting and, in certain circumstances, holding provisions.

(4)
Based on the aggregate number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock heldowned by Mr. and Mrs. Parker.  Mr. and Mrs. Parker hold 17.1%11.3% of shares of Class A and 100% of shares of Class B common stock.  The Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share, and the Class B common stock is entitled to two votes per share.  Mr. and Mrs. Parker beneficially own shares of Class A and Class B common stock with 35.3%32.8% of the voting power of all outstanding voting shares.

(5)
Comprised of 48,887 shares of Class A common stock owned by Mr. Hogan and Melinda J. Hogan as joint tenants, 93,12129,956 shares of Class A common stock owned by Mr. Hogan, 58,593 shares of restricted Class A common stock with voting rights, and 29,25280,436 shares heldowned by Mr. Hogan in our 401(k) plan (the number of shares reported as beneficially owned is equal to Mr. Hogan's March 11, 201930, 2021 account balance in the employer stock fund under the Company's 401(k) plan divided by the closing market price on such date).  The restricted Class A common stock is subject to vesting and, in certain circumstances, holding provisions.

(6)
Comprised of 44,98427,511 shares of Class A common stock owned directly, 50,31911,313 shares of restricted Class A common stock and 8,280 shares heldwith voting rights, 2,515 owned directly by Mr. CribbsBunn’s spouse, and 20,005 shares owned by Mr. Bunn in our 401(k) plan (the number of shares reported as beneficially owned is equal to Mr. Cribbs'Bunn’s' March 11, 201930, 2021 account balance in the employer stock fund under the Company's 401(k) plan divided by the closing market price on such date).  The restricted Class A common stock is subject to vesting and, in certain circumstances, holding provisions.

(7)
Comprised of 1,68435,758 shares of Class A common stock owned directly by Mr. Rogers and 21,099Hough, 25,015 shares of restricted Class A common stock.stock with voting rights, and 15,418 shares owned by Mr. Hough in our 401(k) plan (the number of shares reported as beneficially owned is equal to Mr. Hough’s March 30, 2021 account balance in the employer stock fund under the Company’s 401(k) plan divided by the closing market price on such date).  The restricted Class A common stock is subject to vesting and, in certain circumstances, holding provisions.

(8)
Comprised of 40,000112,178 shares of Class A common stock owned directly by Mr. Tweed, and 11,2503,750 shares of restricted Class A common stock.stock with voting rights, 37,920 shares owned in Mr. Tweed's IRA, and 37,195 shares owned by Mr. Tweed in our 401(k) plan (the number of shares reported as beneficially owned is equal to Mr. Tweed's March 30, 2021 account balance in the employer stock fund under the Company's 401(k) plan divided by the closing market price on such date). The restricted Class A common stock is subject to vesting and, in certain circumstances, holding provisions.

(9)Comprised
This information is based on Mr. Cribbs’ last Form 4 filed with the SEC on February 20, 2020 and is comprised of 15,58052,074 shares of Class A common stock heldowned directly by Mr. Alt's spouse.Cribbs and 8,471 in our 401(k) plan (the number of shares reported as beneficially owned is equal to Mr. Cribbs’ February 18, 2020 account balance in the employer stock fund under the Company's 401(k) plan divided by the closing market price on such date). This information excludes the shares of restricted stock that were forfeited upon Mr. Cribbs’ resignation.

(10)
Comprised of 69,36678,866 shares of Class A common stock owned directly by Mr. Bosworth and 20,16828,168 shares of Class A common stock heldowned in Mr. Bosworth's IRA.

(11)
Comprised of 52,8585,515 shares of Class A common stock heldowned directly by Mr. Kramer and 300 shares owned as custodian for his minor grandchildren.

(12)
Comprised of 62,358 shares of Class A common stock owned directly by Mr. Moline and 1,000 shares heldowned in Mr. Moline's IRA.

(12)(13)
Comprised of 12,00061,953 owned by Ms. Parker-Hatchett and her husband, Robert B. Hatchett, as joint tenants and 5,415 shares owned directly by Ms. Parker-Hatchett.

(14)
Comprised of 21,500 shares of Class A common stock heldowned directly by Mr. Schmidt.

(13)(15)
Comprised of 10,37819,878 shares of Class A common stock heldowned directly by Mr. Welborn.

(14)(16)
As reported on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 4, 2019,January 29, 2021, which indicates that BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power with respect to 967,3301,266,662 shares, no shared voting power, sole dispositive power with respect to 1,008,4811,356,307 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to no shares.  Information is as of December 31, 2018.2020.

(15)(17)
As reported on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 8, 2019,12, 2021, which indicates that Dimensional Fund Advisors LP has sole voting power with respect to 1,316,7101,203,636 shares, no shared voting power, sole dispositive power with respect to 1,363,5611,243,310 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to no shares.  Represents aggregate beneficial ownership on a consolidated basis reported by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.  Information is as of December 31, 2018.2020.

35

(18)
 
(16)
As reported on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2019, which indicates that RE Advisers CorporationJanuary 14, 2021 on behalf of Gregory Willett, as Trust Protector and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association haveInvestment Manager. Mr. Willett has sole voting power with respect to 1,241,9191,000,000 shares, no shared voting power, sole dispositive power with respect to 1,241,9191,000,000 shares, and no shared dispositive power with respect to no shares.dispositive.  Information is as of December 31, 2018.January 6, 2021.

(17)(19)
The other executive officers areofficer is James F. Brower, Jr., M. Paul Bunn, William J. Cartright, Samuel F. Hough, R.H. Lovin, Jr., and Paul T. Newbourne. S. Grant III. As of the Record Date, Mr. BrowerGrant beneficially owned 58,8751,976 shares of Class A common stock,  comprised of 28,499 shares owned directly and 30,376 shares of restricted Class A common stock.  Mr. Bunn beneficially owned 54,334 shares of Class A common stock, comprised of 16,914 shares owned directly, 19,991 shares of restricted Class A common stock, 2,515 shares held by Mr. Bunn's spouse, and 14,914 shares allocated to the account of Mr. Bunn under our 401(k) plan (the number of shares reported as beneficially owned is equal to Mr. Bunn's March 11, 2019 account balance in the employer stock fund under the Company's 401(k) plan divided by the closing market price on such date). Mr. Cartright beneficially owned 28,337 shares of Class A common stock, comprised of 1,499 owned shares owned directly and 26,838 shares of restricted Class A common stock. Mr. Hough beneficially owned 63,911 shares of Class A common stock, comprised of 21,387 owned shares owned directly and 42,524 shares of restricted Class A common stock. Mr. Lovin beneficially owned 39,192 shares of Class A common stock, comprised of 16,293 shares owned directly, 16,967 shares of restricted Class A common stock, 3,607 shares allocated to the account of Mr. Lovin under our 401(k) plan (the number of shares reported as beneficially owned is equal to Mr. Lovin's March 11, 2019 account balance in the employer stock fund under the Company's 401(k) plan divided by the closing market price on such date), and 2,325 shares held as custodian for his minor grandchildren. Mr. Newbourne beneficially owned 41,623 shares of Class A common stock, comprised of 2,904 shares owned directly, 35,839 shares of restricted Class A common stock, and 2,880 shares owned jointly with his spouse.  The shares detailed in this footnote are included in the calculation of all directors and executive officers as of March 30, 2021 as a group. The restricted Class A common stock is subject to vesting and, in certain circumstances, holding provisions.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Under its charter, our Audit Committee must review and approve all transactions between our executive officers and us.  The Audit Committee reviews all of such ongoing transactions quarterly; however, the compensation of our executive officers is not within the Audit Committee'sCommittee’s purview.  Pursuant to its charter, our Audit Committee must review and approve in advance any transaction, or any proposed transaction, in which we were or are to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any "related person"“related person” (as that term is defined in Instruction 1 to Item 404(a) of SEC Regulation S-K) had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, referred to as a "related“related party transaction."  All such transactions must be reviewed and preapproved by our Audit Committee.  No director may participate in any discussion or approval of a related party transaction for which he or she, or his or her relative, is a related party.  If a related party transaction will be ongoing, the Audit Committee may establish guidelines for our management to follow in its ongoing dealings with the related party and then at least annually must review and assess ongoing relationships with the related party.

For 2018,2019 and 2020, no such transactions involved an amount equal to or exceeding $120,000, except for the employment of twoone immediate family membersmember of David Parker, and the Consulting AgreementCompany’s transactions with Mr. Schmidt.Seat My Trucks, LLC and WLC Properties.  In 2018,2019 and 2020, the Company employed the following persons: (i) Clay Scholl, an employee of our Solutions subsidiary, who is the brother-in-law of David Parker, and (ii) Rob Hatchett, Vice President of Recruiting for our Covenant Transport subsidiary, is the son-in-law of David Parker.  Total compensation for 20182019 and 2020 for each of Clay Scholl was approximately $133,000 and Rob Hatchett,$151,000, respectively, exceeded $120,000.

and includes the grant date fair value of equity awards subject to performance-based and time-based vesting conditions. In July 2016,2019, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreementbusiness arrangement with Herbert J. Schmidt, oneSeat My Trucks, LLC, a company owned by Rob Hatchett, the son-in-law of our directors.  PursuantDavid Parker and husband of Rachel Parker-Hatchett.  The total payments made to Seat My Trucks in 2019 were: $1,384,100 in media pass-through expenses, $105,000 in monthly consulting fees, and $247,805 in placement fees. The total payments made to Seat My Trucks in 2020 were: $733,000 in media pass-through expenses, $60,000 in monthly consulting fees, and $300,000 in placement fees. The Company leases certain real estate from WLC Properties, which is partially owned by John Tweed’s children’s trust. The total rental payments made to WLC Properties in 2019 and 2020 was $717,000 and $774,000, respectively. In the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Schmidt provided consulting services tofourth quarter of 2020, the Company and to SRTpurchased a shop facility in particular, including assisting SRT's management in improving SRT's performance.  In approving the Consulting Agreement, the Board determined that Mr. Schmidt’s extensive, executive-level operational experience at Con-way would make him an ideal candidate to assist in the Company’s goal of improving SRT’s operating results.  The Board further determined that achieving this goal would require greater involvement by Mr. Schmidt, both in terms of time and operational direction, than would be commensurate with his role as director.

The Consulting Agreement had an initial term of six months and entitled Mr. Schmidt to receive compensation of $18,333 per month, plus reimbursement of reasonable and customary expenses incurred in connection with his performance of the agreement.  In December 2016, upon a determination that it was in the Company’s interest to continue to utilize Mr. Schmidt as a consultant, the Consulting Agreement was amended so that the term continues on a month-to-month basis, subject to termination by either party upon 30 days’ advance written notice.  The Consulting Agreement was also amended so that Mr. Schmidt was entitled to compensation of $2,000 per dayGreeneville, TN, from WLC properties for every day he is on-site at a Company location to perform consulting services or is traveling to or from a Company location to perform consulting services.  This compensation arrangement replaced the previous $18,333 per month arrangement, effective January 1, 2017.  Upon entering into the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Schmidt ceased to serve on our Compensation Committee and, upon amending and extending the Consulting Agreement in December 2016, Mr. Schmidt ceased to serve on our Nominating Committee.  During 2018, the Company paid Mr. Schmidt $106,000 in fees and $13,778 in expense reimbursements under the Consulting Agreement.  Given SRT’s improved performance, the Consulting Agreement terminated in January 2019.$4.5 million.

PROPOSAL 2 – ADVISORY AND NON-BINDING RESOLUTION ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

In accordance with the requirements of Section 14A of the Exchange Act (which was added by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the related rules of the SEC), we are including in this proxy statement a separate resolution, subject to stockholder vote, to approve, in a non-binding vote, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed on pages 1517 to 32.37.  Non-binding votes to approve the compensation of our Named Executive Officers are held every year.

As described in more detail in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement, the Compensation Committee has structured our executive compensation program to achieve the following key objectives:
Objective
 
How Our Executive Compensation Program Achieves This Objective
Attract and retain talented executives and motivate those executives to achieve superior results.·
We link compensation to achievement of specified performance goals, appreciation in the market price of our Class A common stock, and continued employment with the Company and utilize multi-year vesting requirements to promote long-term ownership.
Align executives'executives’ interests with our corporate strategies, our business objectives, and the performance of specific business units to the extent applicable.·
Annual management bonuses for each of our Named Executive Officers are based on adjusted EPS (and for certain of our Named Executive Officers, the satisfaction of operating incomestrategic and operating ratio targets established for the Company's subsidiaries)financial goals critical to our goal of maintaining profitability and fostering long-term growth.
Enhance executives'executives’ incentives to increase our stock price and focus on the long-term interests of our stockholders. 
· 

We incorporate cash and equity compensation components into our plan to provide incentives for short-term and long-term objectives.
 o
Annual cash incentives based on targets with objective, measurable criteria keep management focused on near-term results. For 2018, the annual cash incentives were subject to adjustment based on our performance relative to peer companies. Caps on cash awards are built into our plan design.
  o
The equity compensation component, which includes awards such as restricted stock grants and stock options, provides balance to our other elements of our compensation program and creates incentive for executives to increase stockholder value over an extended period of time.
 · We attempt to keep base salaries reasonable and weight overall compensation toward incentive and equity-based compensation.
Control costs.· We provide de minimis perquisites to our Named Executive Officers and make matching "discretionary"“discretionary” contributions to the Named Executive Officers'Officers’ 401(k) accounts (which contributionsaccount, which we have temporarily discontinued between April 2020 and December 2020 due to the effects of COVID-19. Contributions for our Named Executive Officers for 20182020 aggregated to approximately $20,125).$19,000.
 · 
We seek to ensure, to the extent possible, that incentive compensation paid by us is deductible for tax purposes.
· Historically, we have frozen the base salaries of our Named Executive Officers during challenging economic environments.
We urge stockholders to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 1517 of this proxy statement for more information on our executive compensation policies and procedures.  The Compensation Committee and the Board believe that the policies and procedures articulated in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis are effective in achieving our goals.

Accordingly, we are asking our stockholders to approve, in a non-binding vote, the following resolution in respect of this Proposal 2:

"RESOLVED, that the stockholders advise that they approve the compensation of the Company'sCompany’s Named Executive Officers, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table, and the related compensation tables, notes, and narrative discussion in this proxy statement for the Company's 2019Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders."

This advisory resolution, commonly referred to as a "say-on-pay"“say-on-pay” resolution, is non-binding on the Board of Directors.  Although non-binding, the Board and the Compensation Committee will review and consider the voting results when making future decisions regarding our executive compensation program.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR"“FOR” ADVISORY APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION SET FORTH ABOVE.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Change in Auditor

On April 17, 2020, the Audit Committee made the decision to change the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and the Company dismissed KPMG as its independent registered public accounting firm.
The audit reports of KPMG on the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except as follows:

The audit report of KPMG on the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 contained a paragraph stating that “As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases, and subsequently issued additional ASUs amending this ASU (collectively ASC 842, Leases).”

The audit reports of KPMG on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that KPMG’s report indicates that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 because of the effect of a material weakness described in the following paragraph.
During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and from January 1, 2020 through April 17, 2020, there were no “disagreements” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and related instructions) with KPMG on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of KPMG, would have caused KPMG to make reference in connection with their opinion to the subject matter of the disagreement. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and from January 1, 2020 through April 17, 2020, there were no “reportable events” (as defined in Regulation S-K Item 304(a)(1)(v)); except for a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting identified during the audit for the year ended December 31, 2018 related to the design and maintenance of effective program change management controls over certain information technology (“IT”) operating systems, databases and IT applications that support the Company’s financial reporting processes. This material weakness was disclosed in Item 9A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and was disclosed by the Company as remediated in Item 9A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
On April 17, 2020, the Audit Committee made the decision to engage Grant Thornton LLP (“Grant Thornton”) as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately, to perform independent audit services for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018, and from January 1, 2020 through April 17, 2020, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf consulted Grant Thornton regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered with respect to the consolidated financial statements of the Company, and no written report or oral advice was provided to the Company by Grant Thornton that was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was the subject of a “disagreement” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a “reportable event” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The principal independent registered public accounting firm utilized by us during 20182020 was KPMG LLP.  KPMG has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since September 2001.  A representative of KPMG is expected to be present at the Annual MeetingGrant Thornton and to be available to respond to appropriate questions.  KPMG's representative will have an opportunity to make a statement at the Annual Meeting should he or she desire to do so.during 2019 we utilized KPMG.

Grant Thornton and KPMG billed us the following amounts for services provided in the following categories during the years ended December 31, 20182020 and 2017:2019:

 20202019
Audit Fees(1)
$594,135$714,975
Audit-Related Fees(2)
--
Tax Fees(3)
--
All Other Fees(4)
--
Total
$594,135
$714,975
 2018 2017
Audit Fees(1)
$736,927 $496,350
Audit-Related Fees(2)
- -
Tax Fees(3)
180,285 156,992
All Other Fees(4)
- -
Total917,242 656,992

(1)
Represents the aggregate fees billed and expenses for professional services rendered by Grant Thornton and KPMG, respectively, for the audit of our annual financial statements and reviews of financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and services that are normally provided by an independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory or regulatory filings or engagements for those years. For 2018, the audit fees included work related to the Landair Acquisition.

(2)
Represents the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services by Grant Thornton and KPMG, respectively,  that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under "audit“audit fees." There were no such fees and expenses for 20182020 or 2017.2019.

(3)
Represents the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Grant Thornton and KPMG, respectively,  for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. There were no such fees and expenses for 2020 or 2019.

(4)
Represents the aggregate fees billed for products and services provided by Grant Thornton and KPMG, respectively, other than audit fees, audit-related fees, and tax fees.  There were no such fees for 20182020 or 2017.
2019.

Our Audit Committee maintains a policy pursuant to which the Audit Committee Chair reviews all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm in order to assure that the provision of such services is compatible with maintaining the firm'sfirm’s independence, with the Audit Committee retaining the authority to make the final decision.  Under this policy, the Audit Committee pre-approves specific types or categories of engagements constituting audit, audit-related, tax, or other permissible non-audit services to be provided by our principal independent registered public accounting firm.  Pre-approval of an engagement for a specific type or category of services generally is provided for up to one year and typically is subject to a budget comprised of a range of anticipated fee amounts for the engagement.  Management and the principal independent registered public accounting firm are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the principal independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with the annual pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date.  To the extent that management believes that a new service or the expansion of a current service provided by the principal independent registered public accounting firm is necessary or desirable, such new or expanded services are presented to the Audit Committee for its review and approval prior to the engagement of the principal independent registered public accounting firm to render such services.  No audit-related, tax, or other non-audit services were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception to the pre-approval requirement under Rule 2‑01(c)(7)(i)(C), of SEC Regulation S-X during the year ended December 31, 2018.2020.
PROPOSAL 3 – RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee of the Board has appointed KPMG LLPGrant Thornton as the Company'sCompany’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019.  KPMG LLP served as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2018, and the services it provided to the Company and its subsidiaries in 2018 are described under Principal Accountant Fees and Services above.2021.
We are asking our stockholders to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLPGrant Thornton as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019.2021.  Each proxy will be voted as directed on each proxy card; or in the absence of contrary instructions, each proxy will be voted for the ratification of KPMG LLP.Grant Thornton.  Although ratification is not required by our Third Amended and Restated Bylaws or otherwise, the Board is submitting the selection of KPMG LLPGrant Thornton to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice.  The Audit Committee

A representative of Grant Thornton is expected to participate in the Annual Meeting by telephone and to be available to respond to appropriate questions.  Grant Thornton’s representative will reconsiderhave an opportunity to make a statement at the appointment if not ratified.Annual Meeting should he or she desire to do so.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR"“FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMGGRANT THORNTON LLP AS THE COMPANY'SCOMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2019.2021.

In the event stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the appointment will be reconsidered by the Audit Committee and the Board.  Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may select a different registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

PROPOSAL 4 - APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

The Board unanimously approved and directed that there be submitted to our stockholders for their approval a proposal to amend our amended and restated articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock from 20,000,000 shares to 40,000,000 shares. In addition, to effect this change, the total number of shares of capital stock authorized in our amended and restated articles of incorporation would increase from 30,000,000 shares to 50,000,000 shares. The amendment would not increase any other class of authorized shares, including Class B common stock and preferred stock.

The text of the proposed amendment is set forth below:

“RESOLVED, that the first paragraph of Article IV of the Company’s amended and restated articles of incorporation be amended by restating it as follows:

The total number of shares of capital stock of all classes which the corporation shall have authority to issue is fifty million (50,000,000) shares, all having a par value of One Cent ($0.01) per share, consisting of the following: forty million (40,000,000) Class A Common Shares; five million (5,000,000) Class B Common Shares; and five million (5,000,000) Preferred Shares.”

Purpose and Effect of Amendment

The Board recommends the increase in order to provide a sufficient reserve of shares of Class A common stock for our present and future needs and growth. The Company is currently authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, of which 16,018,513 shares of Class A common stock were issued and outstanding as of March 11, 2019. Additionally, as of March 11, 2019, there were 3,072,231 shares of Class A common stock reserved for future issuance (which would increase to 3,822,231 shares of Class A common stock reserved for future issuance if the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by stockholders), including:

2,350,000 shares of Class B common stock, which have been outstanding since our 1994 initial public offering and are convertible into the same number of shares of Class A common stock;
671,271 shares of restricted Class A common stock that are subject to certain performance vesting, time vesting, and holding provisions; and
50,960 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the Incentive Plan (which will increase to 800,960 shares of Class A common stock if the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by stockholders).
As a result, as of March 11, 2019, there were only 909,256 authorized and unreserved shares of Class A common stock available for future issuance (which would decrease to 159,256 authorized and unreserved shares of Class A common stock available for future issuance if the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by stockholders).

The Board wishes to be in the position to take advantage of any opportunities that might present themselves in a timely and efficient manner, understanding that opportunities for additional issuance could arise at any time without warning. The availability of additional Class A common shares for issuance, without the delay and expense of obtaining additional stockholder approval at a special meeting or at the next scheduled annual meeting, will afford the Company greater flexibility in acting upon opportunities and transactions, if any, which may arise. Additionally, the Board believes that sufficient Class A common shares are needed for future issuance under the Incentive Plan to incentivize retention of executive officers and align executive officers’ interest with those of our stockholders. Other than future issuances under the Incentive Plan, as may be authorized by the Compensation Committee from time to time, there are no plans, proposals, arrangements, or understandings to issue any of the newly available authorized shares of Class A common stock.

Accordingly, the Board believes it is appropriate to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock at this time.

Rights of Additional Authorized Shares of Class A Common Stock

The proposed additional shares of Class A common stock would have rights identical to currently outstanding shares of Class A common stock. Approval of the proposal and issuance of the additional shares of Class A common stock would not affect the rights of the holders of currently outstanding Class A common stock or Class B common stock, except for effects incidental to any increase in the number of shares of the Class A common stock outstanding, such as dilution of the earnings per share and voting rights of current holders of Class A common stock or Class B common stock. Holders of Class A common stock do not have preemptive rights to subscribe to or purchase additional securities which may be issued, sold, or offered for sale by the Company.

Potential Adverse Effects of Amendment

The existence of additional authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock could hinder or frustrate a takeover of the Company without further action by the stockholders. If the stockholders approve this proposal, the Company will be able to issue additional shares of Class A common stock and the Board has greater flexibility in responding to a merger or acquisition bid by placing blocks of shares with persons friendly to the Company, or by taking other steps to prevent an acquisition of the Company under circumstances that the Board does not believe to be in the Company's best interest. The Board is not currently aware of any pending capital transactions, corporate acquisitions, takeover proposals, or other similar events involving the Company. This proposal is not being presented with the intent that it be used to prevent or discourage any acquisition attempt.

Effectiveness of Amendment

The proposed amendment, if approved by stockholders, will become effective on the date such amendment is filed with the Nevada Secretary of State. We anticipate that the appropriate filing to effect the amendment will be made as soon after the Annual Meeting as practicable. Under Nevada law, approval of the proposed amendment requires (i) the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the Class A stockholders and the Class B stockholders voting together as a single class and (ii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the Class A stockholders voting as a separate class.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS  VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK.
PROPOSAL5: APPROVAL OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE INCENTIVE PLAN
Summary
The Board is asking for stockholder approval to amend our Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan") to increase the number of shares of Class A common stock available for issuance thereunder. Equity compensation is critical for the Company to attract, motivate and retain qualified executive officers and other key personnel through competitive compensation packages, and it aligns our executives’ and stockholders’ short- and long-term interests by creating a strong and direct link between executive pay and stockholder return.
The Board believes the shares remaining under the Incentive Plan are insufficient to fulfill the Company’s objectives. If stockholders do not approve the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan, the Company will have approximately 50,960 remaining shares under the Incentive Plan for future awards and may need to resort to greater cash compensation to remain competitive.
The Board is also asking for stockholder approval to amend our Incentive Plan to make technical updates related to Section 162(m) of the Code in light of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), and to make such other miscellaneous, administrative and conforming changes as are necessary.
In addition, the Board is asking for stockholder approval to amend our Incentive Plan to comply with certain shareholder advisory group guidelines and best practices, including amendments to disallow:
otax gross-ups of any kind;
opayment of dividends on unvested future awards;
ovesting periods of less than twelve months for future awards;
oshare recycling related to exercise of stock options, shares available for issuance upon the grant of SARs and shares forfeited for tax withholding obligations; and
othe power to vote shares underlying awards prior to the vesting of such shares (for awards granted on or after the date on which the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by our stockholders).
Introduction
At the Annual Meeting, our stockholders are being asked to approve the proposed First Amendment to the Incentive Plan to (i) increase the number of shares of Class A common stock available for issuance thereunder by an additional 750,000 shares, (ii) implement additional changes designed to comply with certain shareholder advisory group guidelines and best practices, (iii) make technical updates related to Section 162(m) of the Code in light of the TCJA, and (iv) make such other miscellaneous, administrative and conforming changes as are necessary (collectively, the “First Amendment to the Incentive Plan”). Currently there are approximately 800,960 shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan; therefore, the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan would result in approximately 50,960 shares being available for future awards, subject to adjustment for future forfeitures (except for tax withholding and cashless exercise forfeitures) and to reflect the occurrence of certain events (described under “Proposal 5: Approval of the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan – Description of the Incentive Plan and the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan — Adjustments Upon Certain Events” below). The Compensation Committee has approved the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan and the Board has directed that it be submitted for stockholder approval at the Annual Meeting. If approval of the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is not obtained at the Annual Meeting from our stockholders, the Incentive Plan will remain in full force and effect, and our ability to grant equity awards to attract, motivate and retain new and existing key employees, directors, officers and eligible participants (collectively, “Participants”) would be limited. In that event, to remain competitive, the Company may be required to adopt additional cash or equity related compensation programs. 
Before approving the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee considered a number of factors, including share usage over the last three years, shares expected to be required in the future based upon historical practices, and shares expected to be required as the Company continues to retain and complement our leadership team. The Compensation Committee believes additional shares are needed to (i) recruit talent to fill open positions on our management team as they arise and (ii) continue to make awards under the Company’s historical Incentive Plan, which tie a significant portion of total compensation to equity awards and align with stockholder interests. Furthermore, a significant portion of our executives’ total annual compensation is in the form of equity awards. The majority of performance-based restricted shares granted in 2018 have a performance period that extends beyond 2018. If performance targets are met, it benefits both our stockholders and our equity recipients. If performance targets are not met, the restricted shares are forfeited and our effective burn rate reduced.
In deciding to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan by 750,000 shares, the Compensation Committee considered, among other factors:
the approximately 50,960 shares currently available for issuance under the Incentive Plan;
the number of shares necessary to attract, motivate and retain qualified executive officers and other key personnel;
the Board’s desire to have sufficient availability under the Incentive Plan to grant awards for the next three years;
our current three-year average burn rate of approximately 1.4%, calculated based upon performance-based awards vested in the year (versus granted) and time-based awards granted in the year each times a stock volatility multiplier of 2.0, divided by our weighted average common shares outstanding;
the number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding, the dilutive effects of awards under the Incentive Plan and our projected burn rate; and
the effect of the price of our Class A common stock on the number of shares needed to maintain the significant percentage of our compensation packages for key employees that is currently granted in the form of equity.
In addition to the factors above, the Compensation Committee also considered the following factors, among others, when determining whether to approve the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan:
the Board’s belief that equity-based grants to employees are a highly effective recruiting and retention tool that allows key employees to share in the ownership of our Company and contribute to our revenue and earnings growth by aligning the long-term interests of our management and key employees with those of our stockholders;
approximately 64% of awards currently outstanding under the Incentive Plan vest only if certain performance criteria are achieved, thus resulting in dilution only if stockholder value is created;
the Board’s belief that if additional shares are not available for future awards, we would be required to discontinue or significantly curtail our current equity incentive program and increase the use of cash awards, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract, motivate and retain employees and our results of operations; and
the provisions in the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan designed to protect stockholders’ interests, including provisions that disallow (i) tax gross-ups of any kind, (ii) payment of dividends on unvested future awards, (iii) vesting periods of less than twelve months for future awards, (iv) share recycling related to exercise of stock options, shares available for issuance upon the grant of SARs and shares forfeited for tax withholding obligations, and (v) the power to vote shares underlying awards prior to the vesting of such shares (for awards granted on or after the date on which the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by our stockholders).
Provisions Designed to Protect Stockholders
The Incentive Plan (as amended by the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan) and our governance and compensation policies contain a number of provisions that we believe are designed to protect stockholder interests, including:
prohibition of share recycling related to exercise of stock options, shares available for issuance upon the grant of SARs and shares forfeited for tax withholding obligations;
prohibition of the repricing of stock options without stockholder approval;
prohibition of the issuance of stock options with an exercise price less than the fair market value of the Class A common stock on the grant date;
limiting the maximum term of a stock option to ten years;
prohibition of (i) tax gross-ups of any kind, (ii) payment of dividends on unvested future awards, (iii) vesting periods of less than twelve months for future awards, and (iv) the power to vote shares underlying awards prior to the vesting of such shares (for awards granted on or after the date on which the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by our stockholders) (added by the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan);
administration of the Incentive Plan by the Compensation Committee, which is comprised entirely of independent directors;
the Compensation Committees’ ability to exercise negative discretion to eliminate or reduce the size of an award if appropriate;
awards to Participants are subject to limits as to the number of shares or cash received;
our Executive Stock Ownership, Retention, and Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy, which, among other things, (i) requires certain of our executive officers to build certain stock ownership over time through equity grants, expressed as multiples of annual base salary, (ii) requires such individuals to retain post-tax shares from each award on exercise, vesting or earn-out, until such individual complies with the stock ownership levels required by the Executive Stock Ownership, Retention, and Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy, and (iii) prohibits hedging transactions in our Class A and Class B common stock and pledging our Class A and Class B common stock as collateral for loans or purchasing our Class A common stock on margin, all as further provided in our Executive Stock Ownership, Retention, and Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy.
Description of the Incentive Plan and the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan
In May 2013, our stockholders approved the Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Incentive Plan"), which replaced the Second Amended and Restated Incentive Plan. If approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting, the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan will be effective as of May 8, 2019, its approval date. The principal provisions of the Incentive Plan, as amended by the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan, are summarized below. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Incentive Plan as currently in effect. The First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. You are urged to read the actual text of the Incentive Plan and the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan in their entirety. 
The purposes of the Incentive Plan are to: (i) provide our employees with an opportunity to acquire Class A common stock in a manner that reinforces our performance goals and provides an incentive to continue employment with us and work toward our long-term growth, development and financial success; (ii) attract, motivate and retain qualified executive officers and other key personnel by providing them with long-term incentives and reward such Participants by the issuance of equity grants so that these employees and directors will contribute to and participate in our long-term performance; and (iii) align our executives’ and stockholders’ short- and long-term interests by creating a strong and direct link between executive pay and stockholder return. In furtherance of these purposes, the Incentive Plan authorizes the grant of stock options and restricted stock, subject to applicable law, to our employees, directors and consultants.
The Incentive Plan allows the Compensation Committee to link compensation to performance over a period of time by granting Awards (as defined in the Incentive Plan) that have multiple-year vesting schedules. Awards with multiple-year vesting schedules, such as restricted stock grants, provide balance to the other elements of our compensation program that otherwise link compensation to our short-term performance. Awards with multiple-year vesting schedules create an incentive for executive officers to increase stockholder value over an extended period of time because the value received from such Awards is based upon the growth of the stock price. Furthermore, the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan provides that any Award subject to vesting over a period of time will not vest in periods of less than twelve months from the Grant Date of such Award (for Awards granted on or after the date on which the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by our stockholders). Such Awards also incentivize executives to remain with us over an extended period of time. Thus, we believe the Incentive Plan is an effective way of aligning the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders.
When the Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan was originally adopted in May 2013, it increased the number of shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the Incentive Plan by an additional 750,000 shares. The First Amendment to the Incentive Plan increases the number of shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the Incentive Plan by an additional 750,000 shares. Currently there are approximately 50,960 shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan; therefore, the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan would result in approximately 800,960 shares being available for future Awards, subject to adjustment for future forfeitures (except for tax withholding and cashless exercise forfeitures) and to reflect the occurrence of certain events (described under “Proposal 5: Approval of the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan – Description of the Incentive Plan and the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan — Adjustments Upon Certain Events” below).
In addition, we are amending our Incentive Plan (i) to make technical updates related to Section 162(m) of the Code in light of the TCJA, (ii) to make such other miscellaneous, administrative and conforming changes as are necessary, and (iii) to comply with certain shareholder advisory group guidelines and best market practices, and as a result, the Compensation Committee approved amendments to disallow:
tax gross-ups of any kind;
payment of dividends on unvested future Awards;
vesting periods of less than twelve months for future Awards;
share recycling related to exercise of stock options, shares available for issuance upon the grant of SARs and shares forfeited for tax withholding obligations; and
the power to vote shares underlying Awards prior to the vesting of such shares (for Awards granted on or after the date on which the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by our stockholders).

Burn Rate
With the significant percentage of outstanding Awards containing performance criteria and, we believe calculating the Company’s burn rate based upon performance-based awards vested in the year (versus granted) and time-based awards granted in the year, divided by our weighted average common shares outstanding, provides a more accurate depiction of our burn rate.  The following table summarizes our performance-based awards to all employees over the last three years that were granted, vested and forfeited. Our current burn rate is approximately 1.4% calculated based upon performance-based awards vested in the year (versus granted) and time-based awards granted in the year each times a stock volatility multiplier of 2.0, divided by our weighted average common shares outstanding.
Performance-Based Awards
# of Shares(1)
Non-vested at December 31, 2015136,961
Granted50,245
Vested(74,551)
Forfeited(5,202)
Non-vested at December 31, 2016107,453
Granted344,731
Vested(29,734)
Forfeited(5,988)
Non-vested at December 31, 2017416,462
Granted45,404
Vested-
Forfeited(29,291)
Non-vested at December 31, 2018432,575
Non-vested at March 11, 2019432,575
(1)Does not include time-based awards
Types of Awards
A description of the Awards that may be made pursuant to the Incentive Plan follows. Such descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the Incentive Plan.
Stock Options.  Pursuant to the Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee may grant Awards in the form of stock options to purchase shares of Class A common stock, which stock options may be non-qualified or incentive stock options for federal income tax purposes.  Stock options granted under the Incentive Plan vest and become exercisable at such times and upon such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Compensation Committee.  Any stock option granted in the form of an incentive stock option must satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the IRC.  The exercise price per share of Class A common stock for any stock option cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock on the day that the stock option is granted.  In addition, the term of the stock option may not exceed ten (10) years.  In the case of an incentive stock option granted to an employee Participant who owns, directly or indirectly (as determined by reference to Section 424(d) of the IRC), at the time the option is granted, stock possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock, the exercise price per share of Class A common stock for any stock option will not be less than 110% of the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock on the day that the stock option is granted, and the term of the stock option may not exceed five (5) years. The exercise price of any stock option granted pursuant to the Incentive Plan may not be subsequently reduced by amendment or cancellation and substitution of such stock option or any other action of the Compensation Committee without stockholder approval, subject to the Compensation Committee’s authority to adjust Awards upon certain events as set forth in the Incentive Plan.  The type (incentive or non-qualified), vesting, exercise price, and other terms of each stock option are set forth in the award notice for such stock option. 
A stock option may be exercised by paying the exercise price in cash or its equivalent and/or, to the extent permitted by the Compensation Committee and applicable law, shares of Class A common stock, a combination of cash and shares of Class A common stock, or through the delivery of irrevocable instruments to a broker to sell the shares obtained upon the exercise of the stock option and to deliver to us an amount equal to the exercise price. 

Stock Appreciation Rights.  The Compensation Committee may grant Awards in the form of stock appreciation rights, either in tandem with a stock option ("Tandem SARs") or independent of a stock option ("Freestanding SARs").  The exercise price of a stock appreciation right is an amount determined by the Compensation Committee, but in no event is such amount less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock on the date that the stock appreciation right is granted or, in the case of a Tandem SAR, the exercise price of the related stock option.
A Tandem SAR may be granted either at the time of grant of the related stock option or at any time thereafter during the term of the related stock option.  A Tandem SAR is exercisable to the extent its related stock option is exercisable.  Each Tandem SAR entitles the holder of such stock appreciation right to surrender the related stock option and to receive an amount equal to (i) the excess of (A) the fair market value on the exercise date of one share of Class A common stock over (B) the stock option price per share of Class A common stock, times (ii) the number of shares of Class A common stock covered by the stock option which is surrendered.  Upon the exercise of a stock option as to some or all of the shares of Class A common stock covered by such stock option, the related Tandem SAR is automatically canceled to the extent of the number of shares of Class A common stock covered by the exercise of the stock option. 

Each Freestanding SAR will entitle the holder of such stock appreciation right upon exercise to an amount equal to (i) the excess of (A) the fair market value on the exercise date of one share of Class A common stock over (B) the exercise price, times (ii) the number of shares of Class A common stock covered by the Freestanding SAR and as to which the stock appreciation right is exercised.

The type (Tandem SAR or Freestanding SAR), exercise price, vesting, and other terms of each stock appreciation right is set forth in the award notice for such stock appreciation rights.  Payment of stock appreciation rights may be made in shares of Class A common stock or in cash, or partly in shares of Class A common stock and partly in cash, as determined by the Compensation Committee. 
Other Stock-Based Awards.  The Compensation Committee may grant Awards in the form of stock awards (for either unrestricted or restricted shares of Class A common stock), restricted stock unit awards, and other awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on the fair market value of, Class A common stock.  Such other stock-based awards are in such form, and dependent on such conditions, as the Compensation Committee determines, including, without limitation, the right to receive, or vest with respect to, one or more shares of Class A common stock (or the equivalent cash value of such shares of Class A common stock) upon the completion of a specified period of service, the occurrence of an event, and/or the attainment of performance objectives.  In addition, the Compensation Committee may choose, at the time of grant of a stock-based award, or any time thereafter up to the time of the payment of such award, to include as part of such award an entitlement to receive dividends or dividend equivalents on the shares of Class A common stock underlying such award (for Awards granted before the date on which the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by our stockholders), subject to such terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations, if any, as the Compensation Committee may establish.  Payment of dividends on unvested Awards would be prohibited for Awards granted on or after the date on which the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by our stockholders. The restrictions, conditions, and other terms of each stock-based award are set forth in the award notice for such award.
Performance Units.  The Compensation Committee may grant Awards in the form of performance units, which are units valued by reference to designated criteria established by the Compensation Committee, other than Class A common stock.  Performance units are in such form, and dependent on such conditions, as the Compensation Committee determines, including, without limitation, the right to receive a designated payment upon the completion of a specified period of service, the occurrence of an event, and/or the attainment of performance objectives.  The form, applicable conditions, and other terms of each performance unit are set forth in the award notice for such performance unit.
Performance Awards.  Performance awards are designed to reward executive officers for their contributions to our financial and operating performance and are based primarily upon our financial results and certain operating statistics that the Compensation Committee identifies each year as being important to our success.  Performance awards may take the form of cash, stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, or performance units that are conditioned upon the satisfaction of enumerated performance criteria during a stated performance period, which awards, in addition to satisfying the requirements otherwise applicable to that type of award generally, also satisfy the requirements of performance awards under the Incentive Plan.

Performance awards must be based upon one or more of the following performance criteria: (i) revenues (including without limitation, measures such as revenue per mile (loaded or total) or revenue per tractor), (ii) net revenues, (iii) fuel surcharges, (iv) accounts receivable collection or days sales outstanding, (v) cost reductions and savings (or limits on cost increases), (vi) safety and claims (including, without limitation, measures such as accidents per million miles and number of significant accidents), (vii) operating income, (viii) operating ratio, (ix) income before taxes, (x) net income, (xi) earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), (xii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), (xiii) adjusted net income, (xiv) earnings per share, (xv) adjusted earnings per share, (xvi) stock price, (xvii) working capital measures, (xviii) return on assets, (xix) return on revenues, (xx) debt-to-equity or debt-to-capitalization (in each case with or without lease adjustment), (xxi) productivity and efficiency measures (including, without limitation, measures such as driver turnover, trailer to tractor ratio, and tractor to non-driver ratio), (xxii) cash position, (xxiii) return on stockholders’ equity, (xxiv) return on invested capital, (xxv) cash flow measures (including, without limitation, free cash flow), (xxvi) market share, (xxvii) stockholder return, (xxviii) economic value added, or (xxix) completion of acquisitions (either with or without specified size). In addition, the Compensation Committee may establish, as an additional performance measure, the attainment by a Participant of one or more personal objectives and/or goals that the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, including but not limited to implementation of Company policies, negotiation of significant corporate transactions, development of long-term business goals or strategic plans, or the exercise of specific areas of managerial responsibility.  The performance goals set by the Compensation Committee may be expressed on an absolute and/or relative basis, and may include comparisons with our past performance (including the performance of one or more of our divisions) and/or the current or past performance of other peer companies or indices.

For each performance period, the Compensation Committee designates, in its sole discretion, which persons are eligible for performance awards for such period, the length of the performance period, the types of performance awards to be issued, the performance criteria that are to be used to establish performance goals, the kind or level of performance goals, and other relevant matters.

After the close of each performance period, the Compensation Committee determines whether the performance goals for the cycle have been achieved.  In determining the actual award to be paid to a Participant, the Compensation Committee has the authority to reduce or eliminate any performance award earned by the Participant, based upon any objective or subjective criteria it deems appropriate.  The award notice for each performance award sets forth or makes reference to the performance period, performance criteria, performance goals, performance formula, performance pool, and other terms applicable to such performance award. 

Administration
The Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, or such other committee as may be designated by the Board, which consists of at least two individuals who are intended to qualify both as "non-employee directors" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and as “independent directors” for purposes of the rules of the principal national securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading, to the extent required by such rules.

The Compensation Committee may allocate all or any portion of its responsibilities and powers under the Incentive Plan to any one or more of its members, our CEO, or other senior members of management as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate; however, only the Compensation Committee (or another committee consisting of two or more individuals who qualify both as "non-employee directors" and as "independent directors") may select and grant Awards to Participants who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.  The Compensation Committee may revoke any such allocation or delegation at any time for any reason with or without prior notice.
The Compensation Committee has broad authority in its administration of the Incentive Plan, including, but not limited to, the authority to interpret the Incentive Plan; to establish rules and regulations for the operation and administration of the Incentive Plan; to select the persons to receive Awards; to determine the form, size, terms, conditions, limitations, and restrictions of Awards, including, without limitation, terms regarding vesting, exercisability, assignability, expiration, and the effect of certain events, such as a Participant’s death, disability, retirement, or termination as a result of breach of agreement; to create additional forms of Awards consistent with the terms of the Incentive Plan; to allow for the deferral of Awards; and to take all other action it deems necessary or advisable to administer the Incentive Plan.

To facilitate the granting of Awards to Participants who are employed or retained outside of the United States, the Compensation Committee is authorized to modify and amend the terms and conditions of an Award to accommodate differences in local law, policy, or custom.
Shares Available and Maximum Awards
When the Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan was originally adopted in May 2013, it increased the number of shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the Incentive Plan by an additional 750,000 shares. As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately 50,960 shares available for issuance and currently 50,960 shares remain available for future Awards. In March 2018, the Compensation Committee adopted the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan to increase by 750,000 the number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock available for issuance of stock grants, options and other equity awards to the Company’s employees, directors and consultants, which would result in approximately 800,960 shares being currently available for future Awards following such increase, subject to approval by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Any shares subject to outstanding option or restricted stock grants are counted against the shares reserved and available for issuance as one share for every share subject thereto. If an option expires or is terminated without having been exercised in full, or if a restricted stock grant is forfeited, the unexercised or forfeited shares become available for future grant under the Incentive Plan.

The number of shares of Class A common stock available under the Incentive Plan shall be adjusted to reflect the occurrence of certain events described under Proposal 5 – Approval of the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan — Adjustments Upon Certain Events below.  The total number of shares reserved and available for issuance under the Incentive Plan is automatically adjusted, without further action by the Board or stockholders, to reflect stock dividends, stock splits, reverse stock splits, subdivisions, reorganizations, reclassifications, or any similar recapitalizations that affect or modify the number of shares of outstanding Class A common stock. 

The maximum Award granted or payable to any one Participant under the Incentive Plan for a calendar year is 200,000 shares of Class A common stock, subject to the Compensation Committee’s authority to adjust Awards upon certain events described under “Proposal 5 – Description of the Incentive Plan and the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan — Adjustments Upon Certain Events” below, or in the event the Award is paid in cash, $2,000,000.
Payment Terms
Awards may be paid in cash, shares of Class A common stock, a combination of cash and shares of Class A common stock, or in any other permissible form, as the Compensation Committee determines.  Payment of Awards may include such terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations, if any, as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, including, in the case of Awards paid in shares of Class A common stock, restrictions on transfer of such shares and provisions regarding the forfeiture of such shares under certain circumstances.

At the discretion of the Compensation Committee, a Participant may defer payment of any Award; salary or bonus compensation; Board compensation; dividend or dividend equivalent; or any portion thereof.  If permitted by the Compensation Committee, any such deferral shall be accomplished by the delivery of a written, irrevocable election by the Participant prior to the time established by the Compensation Committee for such purpose, on a form provided by the Company.  Further, all deferrals must be made in accordance with the administrative guidelines established by the Compensation Committee to ensure that such deferrals comply with all applicable requirements of the IRC for such purpose.  Such deferred items may be paid in a lump sum or installments, or credited with interest (at a rate determined by the Compensation Committee) or deemed invested by us, as determined by the Compensation Committee, and, with respect to those deferred Awards denominated in the form of Class A common stock, credited with dividends or dividend equivalents, provided that no dividends or dividend equivalents shall be paid on unvested Awards granted on or after the date on which the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by our stockholders.

The Company is entitled to deduct from any payment to a Participant under the Incentive Plan the amount of all applicable income and employment taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payment or may require the Participant to pay us such tax prior to and as a condition of the making of such payment.  Subject to certain limitations, the Compensation Committee may allow a Participant to pay the amount of taxes required by law to be withheld from an Award by withholding any shares of Class A common stock to be paid under such Award or by permitting the Participant to deliver to us shares of Class A common stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such taxes. 
No Dividends or Gross-Ups
The First Amendment to the Incentive Plan prohibits payment of dividends on unvested Awards (for Awards granted on or after the date on which the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is approved by our stockholders) or additional withholding tax “gross-up” payments to Participants to meet excise taxes or other additional income tax liability.
Repricing Prohibited
Except for certain adjustments that the Incentive Plan contemplates, we may not, without obtaining stockholder approval, (i) amend the terms of outstanding options or stock appreciation rights to reduce the exercise price of such outstanding options or stock appreciation rights; or (ii) cancel or substitute outstanding options or stock appreciation rights in exchange for options or stock appreciation rights with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original options or stock appreciation rights..
Adjustments Upon Certain Events
In the event that there is a stock dividend or split, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, or transaction or exchange of Class A common stock or other corporate exchange, or any distribution to stockholders of Class A common stock or other property or securities (other than regular cash dividends) or any transaction similar to the foregoing or other transaction that results in a change to our capital structure, the Compensation Committee shall make substitutions and/or adjustments to the maximum number of shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan, the maximum Award payable, the number of shares to be issued pursuant to outstanding Awards, the option prices, exercise prices, or purchase prices of outstanding Awards, and/or any other affected terms of an Award or the Incentive Plan as the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, deems equitable or appropriate. Unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise, in no event shall an Award that is intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the IRC (to the extent that such Award remains eligible to qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) under applicable “grandfathering” rules relating thereto) be adjusted to the extent such adjustment would cause such Award to fail to qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the IRC (to the extent that such Award remains eligible to qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) under applicable “grandfathering” rules relating thereto).  With the exception of the foregoing, the Compensation Committee shall not reprice any stock options and/or stock appreciation rights unless such action is approved by the Company's stockholders.  
Termination and Amendment
The Compensation Committee may suspend or terminate the Incentive Plan at any time for any reason with or without prior notice.  In addition, the Compensation Committee may amend the Incentive Plan, provided that it may not, without stockholder approval, adopt any amendment if stockholder approval is required, necessary, or deemed advisable with respect to tax, securities, or other applicable laws or regulations, including, but not limited to, the listing requirements of the stock exchanges on which the securities of the Company are listed.  No amendment of the Incentive Plan may materially and adversely affect the rights of a Participant under any outstanding Award without the consent of that Participant.  No Awards may be made under the Incentive Plan after March 31, 2023, or March 31, 2029 if the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan is passed.  No amendment may materially and adversely affect any of the rights of such Participant under any Award theretofore granted to such Participant under the Plan.
Tax Status of Incentive Plan Awards
No person connected with the Incentive Plan in any capacity, including, but not limited to, the Company and its directors, officers, agents, and employees, makes any representation, commitment, or guaranty that any tax treatment, including, but not limited to, federal, state, and local income, estate, and gift tax treatment, will be applicable with respect to the tax treatment of any Award, any amounts deferred under the Incentive Plan, or paid to or for the benefit of a Participant under the Incentive Plan, or that such tax treatment will apply to or be available to a Participant on account of participation in the Incentive Plan.
Securities Act Registration
The registration with the SEC on Form S-8 of the shares of Class A common stock issuable under the Incentive Plan will be post-effectively amended on Form S-8 as soon as practicable, subject to the stockholders' approval of the First Amendment to the Incentive Plan.
Eligible Participants
Participants in the Incentive Plan will be selected by the Compensation Committee from our executive officers, directors, employees, and consultants.  Participants may be selected and Awards may be made at any time until the Incentive Plan expires pursuant to the provisions of the IRC and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.  As of February 28, 2019, approximately 6,800 employees, which includes 11 executive officers, 5 non-employee directors, and 50 employees of an entity we account for under the equity method were eligible to participate in our current equity compensation plans.  The Incentive Plan also permits the granting of our current equity awards to eligible consultants.  The number of active engagements with consultants varies from time to time, and the Compensation Committee has not historically made grants to these individuals under the Incentive Plan.

The selection of those persons within a particular class who will receive Awards is entirely within the discretion of the Compensation Committee.  Only employees, however, are eligible to receive "incentive stock options" within the meaning of Section 422 of the IRC.  The Compensation Committee has not determined how many people are likely to participate in the Incentive Plan over time.  The Compensation Committee intends, however, to grant most of the Awards to those persons who are in a position to have a significant direct impact on our growth, profitability, and success, which would include a portion of the Participants in our current equity compensation plans.  
Federal Income Tax Status of Incentive Plan Awards
The following is only a summary of the effect of federal income taxation upon us and the Participants under the Incentive Plan. It does not purport to be complete and does not discuss all of the tax consequences of a Participant’s death or the provisions of the income tax laws of any state, municipality or foreign country in which the Participants may reside.
Incentive Stock Options. A Participant is not treated as receiving taxable income upon either the grant of an incentive stock option (an “ISO”) or upon the exercise of an ISO. However, the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value on the date of exercise is an item of tax preference at the time of exercise in determining liability for the alternative minimum tax, assuming that the Class A common stock is either transferable or is not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture under Section 83 of the Code. If at the time of exercise, the Class A common stock is both nontransferable and is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the Class A common stock (determined at the time the Class A common stock becomes either transferable or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture) will be a tax preference item in the year in which the Class A common stock becomes either transferable or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture.
If Class A common stock acquired by the exercise of an ISO is not sold or otherwise disposed of within two years from the date of its grant and is held for at least one year after the date such Class A common stock is transferred to the Participant upon exercise, any gain or loss resulting from its disposition is treated as long-term capital gain or loss. If such Class A common stock is disposed of before the expiration of the above-mentioned holding periods, a “disqualifying disposition” occurs. If a disqualifying disposition occurs, the Participant realizes ordinary income in the year of the disposition in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the Class A common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price, or the selling price of the Class A common stock and the exercise price, whichever is less. The balance of the Participant’s gain on a disqualifying disposition, if any, is taxed as capital gain.
We are not entitled to any tax deduction as a result of the grant or exercise of an ISO, or on a later disposition of the Class A common stock received, except that in the event of a disqualifying disposition, we are entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income realized by the Participant.
Non-Qualified Stock Options. A Participant does not recognize any taxable income upon the grant of a non-qualified stock option (a “NSO”), and we are not entitled to a tax deduction by reason of such grant. Upon exercise of a NSO, the Participant recognizes ordinary income generally measured by the excess of the then fair market value of the shares over the exercise price, and we are entitled to a corresponding tax deduction. Upon a disposition of shares acquired upon exercise of a NSO by the Participant, any difference between the sale price and the exercise price, to the extent not recognized as ordinary income as provided above, is treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period. Such subsequent disposition by the Participant has no tax consequence to us.
Stock Appreciation Rights.  No income is realized by a Participant at the time a stock appreciation right is awarded, and no deduction is available to us at such time.  A Participant realizes ordinary income upon the exercise of the stock appreciation right in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of Class A common stock received by the Participant from such exercise.
Unrestricted Stock-Based Award.  Upon the grant of an unrestricted stock-based Award, a Participant will realize taxable income equal to the fair market value at such time of the shares of Class A common stock received by the Participant under such Award (less the purchase price therefor, if any).
Restricted Stock-Based Award.  Upon the grant of a restricted stock-based Award, no income will be realized by a Participant (unless a Participant timely makes an election to accelerate the recognition of the income to the date of the grant), and we will not be allowed a deduction at that time.  When the Award vests and is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for income tax purposes, the Participant will realize taxable ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value at such time of the shares of Class A common stock received by the Participant under such Award (less the purchase price therefor, if any), and we will be entitled to a corresponding deduction at such time, subject to limitations under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the IRC (to the extent such limitations remain relevant under any applicable “grandfathering” rules relating thereto).  If a Participant does make a timely election to accelerate the recognition of income, then the Participant will recognize taxable ordinary income in an amount equal to the cash and the fair market value at the time of grant of the shares of Class A common stock to be received by the Participant under such Award (less the purchase price therefor, if any), and we will be entitled to a corresponding deduction at such time, subject to limitations under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the IRC (to the extent such limitations remain relevant under any applicable “grandfathering” rules relating thereto).  Participants will only be eligible to make such an election on restricted stock-based Awards that constitute an Award of “property” within the meaning of Section 83 of the Code (e.g., shares of restricted stock) as of the grant date.  
Performance Units and Performance Awards.  A Participant receiving a performance unit or a Performance Award will not recognize income, and we will not be allowed a deduction, at the time such Award is granted.  When a Participant receives payment of a performance unit or Performance Award, the amount of the fair market value of any shares of Class A common stock received will be ordinary income to the Participant.
Effect of Deferral on Taxation of Awards.  If the Compensation Committee permits a Participant to defer the receipt of payment of an Award and such Participant makes an effective election to defer the payment of the Award in accordance with the administrative guidelines established by the Compensation Committee, the Participant will not realize taxable income until the date the Participant becomes entitled to receive such payment pursuant to the terms of the deferral election, and we will not be entitled to a deduction until such time, subject to limitations under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code (to the extent such limitations remain relevant under any applicable “grandfathering” rules relating thereto), assuming the deferral arrangement complies with Section 409A of the Code. Any interest or dividends paid on, or capital gains resulting from, the investment by us of the amount deferred during the deferral period will be taxable to us in the year recognized. At the time the Participant becomes entitled to receive the deferred payment, the Participant will recognize taxable income in an amount equal to the actual payment to be received, including any interest or earnings credited on the amount deferred during the deferral period. Section 409A of the Code generally establishes rules that must be followed with respect to covered deferred compensation arrangements in order to avoid the imposition of an additional 20% penalty tax (plus interest) on the employee or other service provider who is entitled to receive the deferred compensation.
Limitation on Income Tax Deduction
U.S. federal income tax law generally prohibits publicly held companies from deducting compensation paid to certain executive officers that exceeds $1 million during the tax year. Historically Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Section 162(m)"), provided an exemption from the deductibility limit for certain compensation that was "performance-based" and meet various requirements as set forth under Section 162(m). The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act repealed this exemption, and now compensation paid to such executive officers in excess of $1 million in 2018 and later is no longer deductible, even if performance-based, unless it meets certain limited transition relief. While guidance has been issued on the scope of this transition relief, its application is based on interpretation and no assurance can be given as to whether Awards that are intended to qualify for the Section 162(m) exemption (as such exemption existed prior to January 1, 2018) will be deductible under the applicable transition relief guidance. We retain the ability to pay compensation that exceeds deductibility limits and believe that having flexibility to recruit, retain and motivate our employees with a compensation program that promotes long-term value creation, even though some compensation awards may not be tax-deductible, is in the best interests of our stockholders.

Incentive Plan Benefits
The following table sets forth certain information regarding grants of equity awards made under the Incentive Plan during 2018 to (i) each of the Named Executive Officers; (ii) all current executive officers of the Company as a group; (iii) all current directors who are not executive officers as a group; and (iv) all employees, including all current officers who are not executive officers, as a group.  Future Awards, if any, that will be made to eligible Participants under the Incentive Plan are subject to the discretion of the Compensation Committee.  Accordingly, future grants of Awards under the Incentive Plan are not determinable.
  
2018(1)
 
Name and Principal Position 
Dollar Value(2)
  
Number of
Equity Awards
 
David R. Parker $311,758   13,539 
CEO and Chairman of the Board        
Joey B. Hogan $276,487   11,827 
President and COO        
Richard B. Cribbs $98,800   4,796 
EVP and CFO        
T. Ryan Rogers $504,598   23,599 
Chief Transformation Officer        
John A. Tweed $349,088   11,250 
EVP and COO of Landair        
Executive Group $2,169,107   85,446 
Non-Executive Director Group $374,959   12,115 
Employee Group $1,618,951   67,764 
(1)          Represents the 2018 grants that were granted at various dates during the year.

(2)This column represents the grant date fair value of the stock awards under FASB ASC Topic 718 granted to the recipients during 2018.  The fair value of the equity awards is accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides certain information, as of December 31, 2018, with respect to our compensation plans and other arrangements under which shares of our Class A common stock are authorized for issuance. The number of shares of Class A common stock reflected in column (c) of the following table is comprised entirely of shares available for future grant under the Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2018.
Plan category 
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
  
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
  
Number of securities
remaining eligible for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))
 
  (a)  (b)  (c) 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  675,437
(1)
  -   50,960 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  -   -   - 
Total  675,437   -   50,960 
(1)Represents unvested restricted shares granted under the Incentive Plan. The weighted average stock price on the date of grant for outstanding restricted stock awards was $20.08, which is not reflected in column (b), because restricted stock awards do not have an exercise price.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE INCENTIVE PLAN.

All duly submitted and unrevoked proxies will be voted “FOR” Proposal 5, unless otherwise instructed.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

To be eligible for inclusion in our proxy materials relating to our 20202022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, stockholder proposals intended to be presented at that meeting (other than proxy access nominations) must be in writing and received by us at our principal executive office on or before December 10, 2019.17, 2021.  However, if the date of the 20202022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is more than thirty days before or after May 8, 2020,19, 2022, then the deadline for submitting any such stockholder proposal for inclusion in the proxy materials relating to the 20202022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be a reasonable time before we begin to print or mail such proxy materials.  The inclusion of any such stockholder proposals in such proxy materials will be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act, including Rule 14a‑8.

Our Bylaws include a proxy access provision. Stockholders who meet the requirements set forth in our Bylaws may submit director nominations for inclusion in the proxy materials. Proxy access nominations for the 2022 Annual Meeting must be received by the Company no earlier than November 17, 2021 and no later than December 17, 2021. However, if the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is more than thirty days before or after May 19, 2022, then the deadline for submitting any such proxy access nominations is the later of the close of business on the date that is 180 days prior to the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or the tenth day following the date that such date of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is first publicly announced or disclosed. Proxy access nominations must meet all the requirements set forth in our Bylaws.

In accordance with our Bylaws, a stockholder’s notice of director nominations to be considered at our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but not included in our proxy materials, must be received by the Company no earlier than January 19, 2022 and no later than February 18, 2022. However, if the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is more than thirty days before or after May 19, 2022, then the deadline for submitting such notice is the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was made, whichever first occurs. Stockholder director nominations must meet all of the requirements set forth in our Bylaws.

We must receive in writing any stockholder proposals (other than director nominations) to be considered at our 20202022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but not included in our proxy materials relating to that meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, by February 23, 2020.March 2, 2022.  However, if the date of the 20202022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is more than thirty days before or after May 8, 2020,19, 2022, then the deadline for submitting any such stockholder proposal will be a reasonable time before we mail the proxy materials relating to such meeting. Under Rule 14a-4(c)(1) of the Exchange Act, the proxy holders designated by an executed proxy in the form accompanying our Proxy Statement for our next annual meeting will have discretionary authority to vote on any stockholder proposal that is not received on or prior to the deadline described above.

Written copies of all stockholder proposals (including proxy access nominations) should be addressed and sent to Joey B. Hogan, President and COO; Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.;President; 400 Birmingham Highway; Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419.  Stockholder proposals must comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC.
5246

OTHER MATTERS

As of the mailing date of this Proxy Statement, the Board does not intend to present at the Annual Meeting any matters other than those described herein and does not presently know of any matters that will be presented by other parties.  As to other business (if any) that may properly be brought before the Annual Meeting, we intend that proxies solicited by the Board will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of those voting the proxies.

 Covenant TransportationLogistics Group, Inc.
 /s/ David R. Parker
 David R. Parker
 Chairman of the Board
April 8, 201916, 2021 

53


APPENDIX A

FIRST AMENDMENT
TO THE
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC.
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
2006 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

This Amendment (the "First Amendment") to the Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Plan") is made and adopted by Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. (the "Company"). Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan, as amended by the First Amendment.

WHEREAS, the Company has adopted the Plan for the benefit of employees, directors, and other eligible participants;

WHEREAS, the Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Committee");

WHEREAS, Section 16.4 of the Plan provides that the Committee may amend the Plan from time to time, subject to the approval of the Company's stockholders as required under applicable laws or regulations;

WHEREAS, the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company available for issuance under the Plan is no longer sufficient to fulfill the objectives of the Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Committee desires to further amend the Plan through this First Amendment to increase by 750,000 the number of shares available for issuance pursuant to the Plan and make additional changes to (i) comply with certain stockholder advisory group guidelines and best practices, and (ii) make other miscellaneous, administrative and conforming changes as are necessary.

RESOLVED, that the Committee hereby amends the Plan as follows, with deletions shown as bold strikethroughs and additions shown as bold underlines:

1.  Section 1.2 of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

Section 1.2.Background and Effective Date.  The Plan was initially adopted by the Board of Directors on April 12, 2006, and became effective on May 23, 2006, the date of the approval by the Company's stockholders at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.  The Plan was amended and restated by the Committee on March 31, 2009 (the "First Amended and Restated Plan") to: (i) provide that the maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant of Awards under the Plan from and after the First Amended and Restated Plan Effective Date (as defined below) shall not exceed 700,000, (ii) provide that any shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Predecessor Plans in excess of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which Awards have been awarded thereunder shall not be available for issuance under the Plan, (iii) provide that any shares of Common Stock related to Awards granted under the Predecessor Plans or the Plan prior to the First Amended and Restated Plan Effective Date that terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without the issuance of such shares, are settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock, or are exchanged with the Committee’s permission for Awards not involving Common Stock, shall not be available for issuance or reissuance under the Plan, and (iv) make such other miscellaneous administrative and conforming changes as necessary.  The First Amended and Restated Plan was effective on May 5, 2009, the date of the approval by the Company's stockholders at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders (the "First Amended and Restated Plan Effective Date").

On March 31, 2011, the Committee adopted a second amendment and restatement to the Plan (the "Second Amended and Restated Plan") to: (i) provide that the maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant of Awards under the Plan from and after the Second Amended and Restated Plan Effective Date (as defined below) shall not exceed 800,000, (ii) provide that any shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Predecessor Plans or the First Amended and Restated Plan in excess of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which Awards have been awarded thereunder shall not be available for issuance under the Plan, (iii) re-set the Term of the Plan to expire on March 31, 2021 with respect to the ability to grant new Awards, and (iv) make such other miscellaneous administrative and conforming changes as necessary.  The Second Amended and Restated Plan was effective on May 17, 2011, the date of approval by the Company's stockholders at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Second Amended and Restated Plan Effective Date").

On February 21, 2013, the Committee adopted a third amendment and restatement to the Plan (the "Third Amended and Restated Plan") to:  (i) provide that the maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant of Awards under the Plan from and after the Third Amended and Restated Plan Effective Date (as defined below) shall not exceed 750,000 plus the 800,000 shares of Common Stock previously made available under the Second Amended and Restated Plan, plus any of such shares that terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without the issuance of shares, are settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock, or are exchanged with the Committee's permission for Awards not involving Common Stock, (ii) provide that any shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Predecessor Plans, excluding the 800,000 shares reserved for issuance under the Second Amended and Restated Plan, in excess of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which Awards have been awarded thereunder shall not be available for issuance under the Plan, (iii) re-set the Term of the Plan to expire on March 31, 2023 with respect to the ability to grant new Awards, and (iv) make such other miscellaneous administrative and conforming changes as necessary.  ThisThe third amendment and restatement will becomewas effective upon the date of theon May 29, 2013, the date of approval by the Company's stockholders at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Third Amended and Restated Plan Effective Date").  If stockholder approval of this amendment is not obtained at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Plan as last approved in May 2011 will remain in full force and effect.

On March 14, 2019, the Committee adopted a first amendment to the Plan (the “First Amendment”) to: (i) provide that the maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant of Awards under the Plan from and after the First Amendment Effective Date (as defined below) shall not exceed 750,000 plus any remaining amount of the 750,000 shares of Common Stock previously made available under the Third Amended and Restated Plan as remain or become available for grant pursuant to the terms of the Plan, (ii) re-set the Term of the Plan to expire on March 31, 2029 with respect to the ability to grant new Awards, (iii) make changes to comply with certain stockholder advisory group guidelines and best practices, (iv) make technical updates related to Section 162(m) of the Code in light of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and (v) make such other miscellaneous, administrative and conforming changes as necessary. This First Amendment will become effective upon the date of the approval by the Company's stockholders at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "First Amendment Effective Date").  If stockholder approval of this amendment is not obtained at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Third Amended and Restated Plan will remain in full force and effect.

2.  Section 1.3 of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

Section 1.3Successor Plan.  This Plan shall serve as the successor to the Covenant Transport, Inc. 2003 Incentive Stock Plan; the Incentive Stock Plan, Amended and Restated as of May 17, 2001; the Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated as of May 23, 2006; the Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated as of May 17, 2011; the Outside Director Stock Option Plan; and Amendment No. 1 to the Outside Director Stock Option Plan (collectively, the "Predecessor Plans"), and no further Awards shall be made under the Predecessor Plans from and after the effective date of this Plan.  All outstanding Awards under the Predecessor Plans immediately prior to the effective date of this Plan are hereby incorporated into this Plan and shall accordingly be treated as outstanding Awards under this Plan; provided, however, each such Award shall continue to be governed solely by the terms and conditions of the instrument evidencing such Award and interpreted under the terms of the respective Predecessor Plan, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no provision of this Plan shall affect or otherwise modify the rights or obligations of holders of such incorporated Awards with respect to their acquisition of shares of Common Stock, or otherwise modify the rights or the obligations of the holders of such Awards.  Shares of Common Stock shall not be available for issuance or reissuance under Section 6.1 of the Plan if any such shares (i) were reserved for issuance under the Predecessor Plans, excluding the 800,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Second Amended and Restated Plan,  in excess of the number of shares as to which Awards have been awarded thereunder or (ii) are related to Awards granted under the Predecessor Plans, excluding the 800,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Second Amended and Restated Plan, that terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without the issuance of such shares, are settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock, or are exchanged with the Committee’s permission for Awards not involving Common Stock.  Accordingly, only 750,000 shares of Common Stock plus the 800,000 shares of Common Stock previously made available under the Second Amended and Restated Plan, plus any of such shares that terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without the issuance of such shares, are settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock, or are exchanged with the Committee’s permission for Awards not involving Common Stock, shall be available for issuance or reissuance under Section 6.1 of the Plan.47

3.  Section 2.1(f) of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

(f)"Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board, or such other Board committee as may be designated by the Board to administer the Plan; provided, that the Committee shall consist of two or more Directors, all of whom are both a "Non-Employee Director" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and an "outsideindependent director" withinfor purposes of the meaningrules of the definition ofprincipal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading, to the extent required by such term as contained in Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(3), or any successor definition adopted under Section 162(m) of the Coderules.

4. Section 2.1(j) of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

(j)"Covered Employee" means an Employee who is a "covered employee" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. Reserved.

5. Section 2.1(s) is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

(s)"Performance Awards" means the Stock Awards and performance units granted pursuant to Article VII.  Performance Awards are intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code.

6.  Section 2.1(v) of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

(v)"Performance Goals" means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria.  Any Performance Goal shall be established in a manner such that a third party having knowledge of the relevant performance results could calculate the amount to be paid to the Participant.  For any Performance Period, the Committee is authorized at any time during the initial time period permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code, or at any time thereafter, in its sole and absolute discretion, to adjust or modify the calculation of a Performance Goal for such Performance Period in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants (i) in the event of, or in anticipation of, any unusual or extraordinary corporate item, transaction, event, or development; (ii) in recognition of, or in anticipation of, any other unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company, or the financial statements of the Company, or in response to, or in anticipation of, changes in applicable laws, regulations, accounting principles, or business conditions; and (iii) in view of the Committee’s assessment of the business strategy of the Company, performance of comparable organizations, economic and business conditions, and any other circumstances deemed relevant.

7.  Section 2.1(bb) of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

(bb)"Term" means the term during which new Awards may be granted under the Plan, which shall be, (i) if stockholder approval of this Third Amended and Restated PlanFirst Amendment is obtained at the 20132019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Third Amended and Restated PlanFirst Amendment Effective Date until the Plan expires on March 31, 20232029, or (ii) if stockholder approval of this Third Amended and Restated PlanFirst Amendment is not obtained at the 20132019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the SecondThird Amended and Restated Plan Effective Date until the Plan expires on March 31, 20212023.

8.  Section 4.4 of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

Section 4.4Section 162(m) of the Code.  With regard to Awards issued to Covered Employees that are or were intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code (to the extent that such Awards remain eligible to qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) under applicable “grandfathering” rules relating thereto), the Plan shall, for all purposes, be interpreted and construed with respect to such Awards in the manner that would result in such interpretation or construction satisfying the exemptions available under Section 162(m) of the Code or applicable “grandfathering” rules” relating thereto.

9.  Section 4.6 of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

Section 4.6.Allocation and Delegation of Authority.  The Committee may allocate all or any portion of its responsibilities and powers under the Plan to any one or more of its members, the CEO, or other senior members of management as the Committee deems appropriate, and may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities and powers to any such person or persons; provided, that any such allocation or delegation be in writing; provided, further, that only the Committee, or other committee consisting of two or more Directors, all of whom are both "Non-Employee Directors" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and "outsideindependent directors" withinfor purposes of the meaningrules of the definition ofprincipal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading, to the extent required by such term as contained in Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(3), or any successor definition adopted under Section 162(m) of the Coderules, may select and grant Awards to Participants who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or are Covered Employees. The Committee may revoke any such allocation or delegation at any time for any reason with or without prior notice.

10.  Section 6.1 of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

Section 6.1Available Shares.  The maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which shall be available for the grant of Awards under the Plan from and after the Third Amended and Restated PlanFirst Amendment Effective Date (including incentive stock options) until the end of the Plan's Term shall not exceed 750,000 shares plus such of the 750,000 plus the 800,000 shares previously reserved under the SecondThird Amended and Restated Plan  as remain or become available for grant pursuant to the terms of the Plan (the "Share Reserve").  The Share Reserve shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6.2.  Any shares of Common Stock related to Awards that terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without the issuance of such shares, are settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock, or are exchanged with the Committee’s permission for Awards not involving Common Stock (collectively, "Terminated Shares") shall be available again for grant under the Plan to the extent such Terminated Shares relate to Awards granted on or after the Third Amended and Restated PlanFirst Amendment Effective Date or relate to the 800,000750,000  shares previously reserved under the SecondThird Amended and Restated Plan.  Moreover, if the exercise price of any Award granted under the Plan or the tax withholding requirements with respect to any Award granted under the Plan are satisfied by tendering shares of Common Stock to the Company (by either actual delivery or by attestation), only the number of shares of Common Stock issued net of the shares of Common Stock tendered will be deemed delivered for purposes of determining the Share Reserve available for delivery under the Plan.Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, the following shares shall not become available for issuance under the Plan: (a) shares tendered by Participants as full or partial payment to the Company upon exercise of stock options granted under this Plan; (b) shares reserved for issuance upon the grant of SARs, to the extent the number of reserved shares exceeds the number of shares actually issued upon exercise of the SARs; (c) shares withheld by, or otherwise remitted to, the Company to satisfy a Participant’s tax withholding obligations upon the lapse of restrictions on restricted stock or the exercise of stock options or SARs granted under the Plan or upon any other payment or issuance of shares under the Plan; (d) shares that were reserved for issuance under the Predecessor Plans; and (e) shares that are related to Awards granted under the Predecessor Plans that terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance of such shares, are settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock, or are exchanged with the Committee’s permission for Awards not involving Common Stock.  The shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares, including shares purchased in open market or private transactions.  For the purpose of computing the total number of shares of Common Stock granted under the Plan, where one or more types of Awards, both of which are payable in shares of Common Stock, are granted in tandem with each other such that the exercise of one type of Award with respect to a number of shares cancels an equal number of shares of the other, the number of shares granted under both Awards shall be deemed to be equivalent to the number of shares under one of the Awards.

11.  Section 6.2 of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

Section 6.2.Adjustment Upon Certain Events.  In the event that there is, with respect to the Company, a stock dividend or split, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, or transaction or exchange of Common Stock or other corporate exchange, or any distribution to stockholders of Common Stock or other property or securities (other than regular cash dividends), or any transaction similar to the foregoing or other transaction that results in a change to the Company’s capital structure, then the Committee shall make substitutions and/or adjustments to the maximum number of shares available for issuance under the Plan, the maximum Award payable under Section 6.3, the number of shares to be issued pursuant to outstanding Awards, the option prices, exercise prices or purchase prices of outstanding Awards, and/or any other affected terms of an Award or the Plan as the Committee, in its sole discretion and without liability to any person, deems equitable or appropriate. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, in no event shall an Award to any Participant that is intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code (to the extent that such Award remains eligible to qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) under applicable “grandfathering” rules relating thereto) be adjusted pursuant to this Section 6.2 to the extent such adjustment would cause such Award to fail to qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code.

12.  Section 6.4 is hereby added to the Plan, immediately following Section 6.3:

Section 6.4.Vesting. Notwithstanding any provision contained in the Plan to the contrary, any Award granted on or after the First Amendment Effective Date subject to vesting over a period of time shall not vest in a period of less than twelve (12) months from the Grant Date of such Award.

13.  Sections 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 of the Plan are hereby amended in their entirety as follows:

Section 7.1.Purpose.  For purposes of Performance Awards issued to Employees, Directors, and Consultants that are intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code (to the extent that such Performance Awards remain eligible to qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) under applicable “grandfathering” rules relating thereto), the provisions of this Article VII shall apply in addition to and, where necessary, in lieu of the provisions of Article X, Article XI, and Article XII.  The purpose of this Article is to provide the Committee the ability to qualify the Stock Awards authorized under Article X, the Restricted Stock Unit Awards authorized under Article XI, and the performance units under Article XII as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code (to the extent that such Awards remain eligible to qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) under applicable “grandfathering” rules relating thereto).  The provisions of this Article VII shall control over any contrary provision contained in Article X, Article XI, or Article XII.

Section 7.2.Eligibility.  For each Performance Period, the Committee will, in its sole discretion, designate within the initial period allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code which Employees, Directors, and Consultants will be Participants for such period.  However, designation of an Employee, Director, or Consultant as a Participant for a Performance Period shall not in any manner entitle the Participant to receive an Award for the period.  The determination as to whether or not such Participant becomes entitled to an Award for such Performance Period shall be decided solely in accordance with the provisions of this Article VII.  Moreover, designation of an Employee, Director, or Consultant as a Participant for a particular Performance Period shall not require designation of such Employee, Director, or Consultant as a Participant in any subsequent Performance Period, and designation of one Employee, Director, or Consultant as a Participant shall not require designation of any other Employee, Director, or Consultant as a Participant in such period or in any other period.

Section 7.3.Discretion of Committee with Respect to Performance Awards.  The Committee shall have the authority to determine which Covered Employees or other Employees, Directors, or Consultants shall be Participants of a Performance Award.  With regard to a particular Performance Period, the Committee shall have full discretion to select the length of such Performance Period, the type(s) of Performance Awards to be issued, the Performance Criteria that will be used to establish the Performance Goal(s), the kind(s) and/or level(s) of the Performance Goal(s), whether the Performance Goal(s) is (are) to apply to the Company or any one or more subunits thereof and the Performance Formula.  For each Performance Period, with regard to the Performance Awards to be issued for such period, the Committee will, within the initial period allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code, exercise its discretion with respect to each of the matters enumerated in the immediately preceding sentence of this Section 7.3 and record the same in writing.

14.  Section 8.1 of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

Section 8.1.In General.  Awards may be granted in the form of stock options.  These stock options may be incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, non-qualified stock options (i.e., stock options which are not incentive stock options), or a combination of both.  All Awards under the Plan issued to Covered Employees in the form of non-qualified stock options shall qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code (to the extent that such Awards remain eligible to qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) under applicable “grandfathering” rules relating thereto).

15.  Section 9.1 of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

Section 9.1.In General.  Awards may be granted in the form of stock appreciation rights ("SARs").  SARs entitle the Participant to receive a payment equal to the appreciation in a stated number of shares of Common Stock from the exercise price to the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise.  The "exercise price" for a particular SAR shall be defined in the Award Notice for that SAR.  A SAR may be granted in tandem with all or a portion of a related stock option under the Plan ("Tandem SARs"), or may be granted separately ("Freestanding SARs").  A Tandem SAR may be granted either at the time of the grant of the related stock option or at any time thereafter during the term of the stock option.  All Awards under the Plan issued to Covered Employees in the form of a SAR shall qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code (to the extent that such Awards remain eligible to qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) under applicable “grandfathering” rules relating thereto).

16.  Section 10.3 of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

Section 10.3.Rights as Stockholders.  During the period in which any restricted shares of Common Stock are subject to any restrictions, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, deny a Participant to whom such restricted shares have been awarded all or any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to such shares, including, but not by way of limitation, limiting the right to vote such shares or the right to receive dividends on such shares.Notwithstanding the foregoing, Participants shall have no right to vote any shares underlying any Awards granted on or after the First Amendment Effective Date unless and until the shares underlying such Award vest.

17.  Section 13.2 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following sentence to the end thereof:
"The Company shall not make withholding tax "gross-up" payments to Participants to meet excise taxes or other additional income tax liability."

18.  Article XIV of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

ARTICLE XIV
DIVIDEND AND DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS
Dividends and dividend equivalents shall not be paid on Awards granted on or after the First Amendment Effective Date before such Awards vest.

19.  Except as expressly amended hereby, all provisions of the Plan shall remain unmodified and shall continue to be, and shall remain, in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms.

20.  This First Amendment shall be and hereby is incorporated in and forms a part of the Plan.

21.  This First Amendment is contingent upon and shall have no force or effect until such time as it is approved by the stockholders of the Company.

59

 
Covenant Transportation Group Vote Your vote matters – here’s how to vote! You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card. Votes submitted electronically must be received by 1:00 A.M., EDT, on May 8, 2019.19, 2021. Online Go to www.investorvote.com/CVTICVLG or scan the QR code — login details are located in the shaded bar below. Phone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.investorvote.com/CVTI Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.investorvote.com/CVLG Annual Meeting Proxy Card IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. A Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR ProposalProposals 2 through 5.and 3. 1. Election of Directors: 01 – David R. Parker 02 – William T. AltRobert E. Bosworth 03 – Robert E. BosworthD. Michael Kramer 04 – Bradley A. Moline 05 – Rachel Parker-Hatchett 06 – Herbert J. Schmidt 0607 – W. Miller Welborn Mark here to vote FOR all nominees Mark here to WITHHOLD vote from all nominees 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 For All EXCEPT - To withhold a vote for one or more nominees, mark the box to the left and the corresponding numbered box(es) to the right. 01 02 03 04 05 06For Against Abstain 2. Advisory and non-binding vote to approve executiveNamed Executive Officer compensation. For Against Abstain 3. Ratification of the appointment of KPMGGrant Thornton, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. For Against Abstain 4. Amendment to our amended and restated articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A common stock. 5. First Amendment to our Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan.2021. B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to count. Please date and sign below. Please sign below exactly as your name appears above at the upper left. When shares are held by joint tenants, both shall sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by president or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.

Important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Annual Report and Proxy Statement are available at www.edocumentview.com/CVTICVLG Small steps make an impact. Help the environment by consenting to receive electronic delivery, sign up at www.investorvote.com/CVTICVLG IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.ENVELOPE Proxy — COVENANT TRANSPORTATIONLOGISTICS GROUP, INC. PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS MAY 8, 2019May 19, 2021 Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company The undersigned holder(s) of Class A and/or Class B common stock (individually or together referred to as "Common Stock"“Common Stock”) of Covenant TransportationLogistics Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "Company"“Company”), hereby appoint(s) David R. Parker and Joey B. Hogan, and each or any of them, attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote all of the Common Stock that the undersigned is (are) entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the “2021 Annual Meeting”) to be held at the Company’s Corporate Headquarters at 400 Birmingham Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419,by teleconference only, on Wednesday, May 8, 2019,19, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, and at any adjournment thereof. The undersigned may call into the 2021 Annual Meeting by dialing 1-310-372-7549 and entering participant code 124676, beginning at 9:45 a.m., up until the start time of 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The undersigned should be prepared to provide their name and personal identification number. The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice and Proxy Statement for the 20192021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company and the Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2018.2020. A vote FOR Proposals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 53 is recommended by the Board of Directors of the Company. When properly executed, this proxy will be voted in the manner directed by the undersigned stockholder(s). If no direction is given, this proxy will be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5,3, and, at the discretion of the proxy holder, upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND PROMPTLY RETURN IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE. If you vote by telephone or over the Internet, do not mail your proxy card. (CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE) C Non-Voting Items Change of Address — Please print new address below.