| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Business Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc. (“Universal” or the “Company”), is a holding company that owns subsidiaries engaged in providing a variety of customized transportation and logistics solutions throughout the United States, and in Mexico, Canada and Colombia. Our operating subsidiaries provide our customers with supply chain solutions that can be scaled to meet their changing demands. We offer our customers a broad array of services across their entire supply chain, including truckload, brokerage, intermodal, dedicated and value-added services. Our customized solutions and flexible business model are designed to provide us with a highly variable cost model. (b) Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions relating to these entities have been eliminated. Our fiscal year consists of four quarters, each with thirteen weeks. In June 2022, the Company made a change in an accounting estimate to revise the estimated useful life and salvage values of certain equipment. The change resulted in additional depreciation expense of $ 9.7 million recorded during the quarter ended July 2, 2022 ($ 7.2 million net of tax, or $ 0.27 per basic and diluted share). Impact of COVID-19 and Current Economic Conditions The Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures included in its financial statements and accompanying notes and assesses certain accounting matters that require consideration of forecasted financial information. The Company's assumptions about future conditions important to these estimates and assumptions are subject to uncertainty, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we estimate COVID-19 had the largest impact on our business during the second quarter 2020, we are unable to predict with any certainty the future impact COVID-19 may have on our operational and financial performance. The Company will continue to monitor these conditions in future periods as new information becomes available and will update its analyses accordingly. Additionally, inflationary pressures can have a negative impact on our operating costs. Prolonged periods of inflation could cause interest rates, equipment, maintenance, labor and other operating costs to continue to increase. If the Company is unable to offset rising costs through corresponding customer rate increases, inflation-driven cost increases could adversely affect our results of operations. (c) Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations; carrying amounts of property and equipment and intangible assets; marketable securities; valuation allowances for receivables; and liabilities related to insurance and claim costs. Actual results could differ from those estimates. (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—continued (d) Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments, purchased with a maturity of three months or less, to be cash equivalents. Accounts at banks with an aggregate excess of the amount of checks issued over cash balances are included as accounts payable in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, and changes in such accounts are reported as cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. At times cash held at banks may exceed FDIC insured limits. (e) Marketable Securities Marketable equity securities are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s marketable securities, all of which are available-for-sale, consist of common and preferred stocks with readily determinable fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method, and interest and dividends are included in other non-operating income (expense). See Note 4 “Marketable Securities” for further information on our portfolio. (f) Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are recorded at the net invoiced amount, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, and do not bear interest. They include amounts for services rendered in the respective period but not yet billed to the customer until a future date, which typically occurs within one month. In order to reflect customer receivables at their estimated net realizable value, we record charges against revenue based upon current information. These charges generally arise from rate changes, errors, and revenue adjustments that may arise from contract disputes or differences in calculation methods employed by the customer. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on historical write-off experience and the aging of our outstanding accounts receivable. Balances are considered past due based on invoiced terms. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. We do not have any off‑balance‑sheet credit exposure related to our customers. Accounts receivable from affiliates are shown separately and include trade receivables from the sale of services to affiliates. (g) Inventories Included in prepaid expenses and other is inventory used in a portion of our value-added service operations. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Provisions for excess and obsolete inventories are based on our assessment of excess and obsolete inventory on a product-by-product basis. At December 31, inventory consists of the following (in thousands):
2022 2021
Finished goods $ 8,321 $ 10,625
Raw materials and supplies 3,040 3,479
Total $ 11,361 $ 14,104 (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—continued (h) Property and Equipment Property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Description Life in Years
Transportation equipment 3 - 15
Other operating assets 3 - 15
Information technology equipment 3 - 5
Buildings and related assets 10 - 39 The amounts recorded for depreciation expense were $ 62.3 million, $ 53.6 million, and $ 58.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Tire repairs, replacement tires, replacement batteries, consumable tools used in our logistics services, and routine repairs and maintenance on vehicles are expensed as incurred. Parts and fuel inventories are included in prepaid expenses and other. We capitalize certain costs associated with vehicle repairs and maintenance that materially extend the life or increase the value of the vehicle or pool of vehicles. (i) Intangible Assets Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of agent and customer relationships, customer contracts, tradenames, non-competition agreements, and trademarks that have been acquired in business combinations. These assets are amortized either over the period of economic benefit or on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related intangible asset. The estimated useful lives of these intangible assets range from three to nineteen years . During 2022, we adopted a plan to phase out the Westport trademark. As a result the useful life of the trademark asset changed from indefinite to definite. Our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (in thousands):
2022 2021
Gross Accumulated Net Carrying Gross Accumulated Net Carrying
Definite Lived Intangibles:
Agent and customer relationships $ 165,990 $ 92,536 $ 73,454 $ 165,990 $ 81,198 $ 84,792
Customer contracts 20,600 20,600 — 20,600 20,600 —
Tradenames 4,000 4,000 — 4,000 4,000 —
Non-compete agreements 2,720 2,207 513 2,720 1,663 1,057
Trademarks 2,500 2,500 — — — —
Indefinite Lived Intangibles:
Trademarks — — — 2,500 — 2,500
Total Identifiable Intangible Assets $ 195,810 $ 121,843 $ 73,967 $ 195,810 $ 107,461 $ 88,349 Estimated amortization expense by year is as follows (in thousands):
2023 $ 12,670
2024 10,207
2025 9,555
2026 8,745
2027 8,227
Thereafter 24,563
Total $ 73,967 The amounts recorded for amortization expense were $ 14.4 million, $ 13.9 million, and $ 15.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—continued (j) Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired in connection with the Company’s acquisitions. Under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 350 “ Intangibles – Goodwill and Other ”, we are required to test goodwill for impairment annually (in our third fiscal quarter) or more frequently, whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit with goodwill below its carrying amount. We have the option to first assess qualitative factors such as current performance and overall economic conditions to determine whether or not it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we choose that option, then we would not be required to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test unless we determine that, based on a qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If we determine that it is more likely than not, or if we choose not to perform a qualitative assessment, we then proceed with the quantitative assessment. Under the quantitative test, if the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to not be impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, up to the value of the goodwill. During the third quarter of 2022, we completed our goodwill impairment testing by performing a quantitative assessment using the income approach for each of our reporting units with goodwill. The determination of the fair value of the reporting units requires us to make estimates and assumptions related to future revenue, operating income and discount rates. Based on the results of this test, no impairment loss was recognized. At both December 31, 2022 and 2021, $ 56.3 million of goodwill was recorded in our contract logistics segment, $ 101.1 million in our intermodal segment, $ 9.8 million in our trucking segment and $ 3.5 million in our company-managed brokerage segment. (k) Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles such as property and equipment and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset to be tested for possible impairment, we first compare the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by a long-lived asset or group to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or group is deemed to not be recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market prices and independent third-party appraisals. Changes in management’s judgment relating to salvage values and/ or estimated useful lives could result in greater or lesser annual depreciation expense or impairment charges in the future. Indefinite lived intangibles are tested for impairment annually by comparing the carrying value of the assets to their fair value. (l) Contingent Consideration Contingent consideration arrangements granted in connection with a business combination are evaluated to determine whether contingent consideration is, in substance, additional purchase price of an acquired enterprise or compensation for services, use of property or profit sharing. Additional purchase price is added to the fair value of consideration transferred in the business combination and compensation is included in operating expenses in the period it is incurred. Contingent consideration related to additional purchase price is measured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. None of the acquired companies in 2018 or 2019 had contingent consideration arrangements. (m) Fair Value of Financial Instruments For cash equivalents, accounts receivables, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, the carrying amounts are reasonable estimates of fair value as the assets are readily redeemable or short‑term in nature and the liabilities are short-term in nature. Marketable securities, consisting of equity securities, are carried at fair market value as determined by quoted market prices. Our revolving credit and term loan agreements consist of variable rate borrowings. The carrying value of these borrowings approximates fair value because the applicable interest rates are adjusted frequently based on short-term market rates. For our equipment promissory notes, the fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. See Note 9 “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures” for further information. (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—continued (n) Deferred Compensation Deferred compensation relates to our bonus plans. Annual bonuses may be awarded to certain operating, sales and management personnel based on overall Company performance and achievement of specific employee or departmental objectives. Such bonuses are typically paid in annual installments over a five-year period. All bonus amounts earned by and due to employees in the current year are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Those that are payable in subsequent years are included in other long-term liabilities. (o) Closing Costs Our customers may discontinue or alter their business activity in a location earlier than anticipated, prompting us to exit a customer-dedicated facility. We recognize exit costs associated with operations that close or are identified for closure as an accrued liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Such charges include lease termination costs, employee termination charges, asset impairment charges, and other exit-related costs associated with a plan approved by management. If we close an operating facility before its lease expires, costs to terminate a lease are recognized when an early termination provision is exercised, or we record a liability for non-cancellable lease obligations based on the fair value of remaining lease payments, reduced by any existing or prospective sublease rentals. Employee termination costs are recognized in the period that the closure is communicated to affected employees. The recognition of exit and disposal charges requires us to make certain assumptions and estimates as to the amount and timing of such charges. Subsequently, adjustments are made for changes in estimates in the period in which the change becomes known. (p) Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized as control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for its services. For our transportation services businesses, which include truckload, brokerage, intermodal and dedicated services, revenue is recognized over time as the performance obligations on the in-transit services are completed. A performance obligation is created when a customer submits a bill of lading for the transportation of goods from origin to destination. Performance obligations are satisfied as the shipments move from origin to destination, and transportation revenue is recognized based on the percentage of the service that has been completed at the end of the reporting period. Value-added services, which are typically dedicated to individual customer requirements, include material handling, consolidation, sequencing, sub-assembly, cross-dock services, kitting, repacking, warehousing and returnable container management. We have elected to use the “right to invoice” practical expedient, reflecting that a customer obtains the benefit associated with value-added services as they are provided. We are the primary obligor when rendering services and assume the corresponding credit risk with customers. We have discretion in setting sales prices and, as a result, our earnings may vary. In addition, we have discretion to choose and negotiate terms with our multiple suppliers for the services ordered by our customers. This includes owner-operators with whom we contract to deliver our transportation services. As such, revenue and the related purchased transportation and commissions are recognized on a gross basis. Fuel surcharges, where separately identifiable, of $ 168.6 million, $ 96.9 million and $ 67.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, are included in operating revenues. See Note 3, “ Revenue Recognition ,” for more information on revenue recognition. (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—continued (q) Insurance & Claims Insurance and claims expense represents charges for premiums and the accruals made for claims within our self-insured retention amounts. The accruals are primarily related to auto liability, general liability, cargo and equipment damage, and service failure claims. A liability is recognized for the estimated cost of all self-insured claims including an estimate of incurred but not reported claims based on historical experience and for claims expected to exceed our policy limits. We may also make accruals for personal injury and property damage to third parties, and workers’ compensation claims if a claim exceeds our insurance coverage. Such accruals are based upon individual cases and estimates of ultimate losses, incurred but not reported losses, and losses arising from known claims ultimately settling in excess of insurance coverage using loss development factors based upon industry data and past experience. Since the reported accrual is an estimate, the ultimate liability may be materially different from the amount recorded. If adjustments to previously established accruals are required, such amounts are included in operating expenses in the current period. We maintain insurance with licensed insurance carriers. Legal expenses related to auto liability claims are covered under our insurance policy. We are responsible for all other legal expenses related to claims. In brokerage arrangements, our exposure to liability associated with accidents incurred by other third-party carriers, who haul freight on our behalf, is reduced by various factors including the extent to which the third party providers maintain their own insurance coverage. Our insurance expense varies primarily based upon the frequency and severity of our accident experience, insurance rates, coverage limits, and self-insured retention amounts. (r) Stock Based Compensation We record compensation expense for the grant of stock based awards. Compensation expense is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and recognized as an expense over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the grant). See Note 14 “Stock Based Compensation” for further information. (s) Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2019. In addition, we file income tax returns in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. Historically, we have been responsible for filing separate state, local and foreign income tax returns for our self and our subsidiaries. We are no longer subject to state or foreign jurisdiction income tax examinations for years before 2018 and 2017, respectively. We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense and penalties in other operating expenses. (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—continued (t) Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries operating in Mexico, Canada and Colombia are prepared to conform to U.S. GAAP and translated into U.S. Dollars by applying a current exchange rate. The local currency has been determined to be the functional currency. Items appearing in the Consolidated Statements of Income are translated using average exchange rates during each period. Assets and liabilities of international operations are translated at period-end exchange rates. Translation gains and losses are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of shareholders’ equity. (u) Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities with high quality financial institutions. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral. Our customers are generally concentrated in the automotive, retail and consumer goods, metals, energy and manufacturing industries. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, aggregate sales in the automotive industry totaled 36 %, 31 % and 29 % of revenue, respectively. In 2022, 2021 and 2020, General Motors accounted for approximately 16 %, 13 % and 14 % of our total operating revenues, respectively. In 2022, 2021 and 2020, sales to our top 10 customers, including General Motors, totaled 42 %, 38 % and 38 %, respectively. |
