Roadrunner Transportation Systems (RRTS) 10-K 2 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 26, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1440024
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$784,703,347
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,031,544

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$11,345	$5,438
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $4,209 and $2,957, respectively	284,379	171,165
Deferred income taxes	8,607	1,847
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	46,658	35,010
Total current assets	350,989	213,460
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $47,629 and $30,869, respectively	146,850	96,558
Other assets:
Goodwill	669,652	518,743
Intangible assets, net	79,878	31,363
Other noncurrent assets	10,451	11,756
Total other assets	759,981	561,862
Total assets	1,257,820	871,880
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	10,000	10,938
Accounts payable	118,743	67,141
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	42,352	33,271
Total current liabilities	171,095	111,350
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	420,000	181,702
Other long-term liabilities	107,950	78,463
Total liabilities	699,045	371,515
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders' investment:
Common stock $.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 37,925 and 37,564 shares issued and outstanding	379	376
Additional paid-in capital	390,725	384,292
Retained earnings	167,671	115,697
Total stockholders’ investment	558,775	500,365
Total liabilities and stockholder' investment	$1,257,820	$871,880

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$4,209	$2,957
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	$47,629	$30,869
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Common stock, shares issued	37,925	37,564
Common stock, shares outstanding	37,925	37,564

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$1,872,816	$1,361,410	$1,073,354
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation costs	1,293,006	944,275	753,459
Personnel and related benefits	213,079	151,158	119,955
Other operating expenses	243,662	163,452	120,718
Depreciation and amortization	25,078	16,311	9,499
Acquisition transaction expenses	2,305	851	773
Total operating expenses	1,777,130	1,276,047	1,004,404
Operating income	95,686	85,363	68,950
Interest expense:
Interest on long-term debt	13,363	7,883	7,981
Dividends on preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption	0	0	49
Total interest expense	13,363	7,883	8,030
Income before provision for income taxes	82,323	77,480	60,920
Provision for income taxes	30,349	28,484	23,390
Net income available to common stockholders	$51,974	$48,996	$37,530
Earnings per share available to common stockholders:
Basic (in usd per share)	$1.37	$1.36	$1.21
Diluted (in usd per share)	$1.32	$1.29	$1.16
Weighted average common stock outstanding:
Basic (shares)	37,852	36,133	31,040
Diluted (shares)	39,259	37,913	32,425

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Investment (Equity) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings (Deficit)
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$295,953	$307	$266,475	$29,171
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		30,707,781
Issuance of Common Stock, shares		3,663,716
Issuance of Common Stock	57,119	37	57,082
Share-based compensation	659		659
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	818		818
Net income (loss)	37,530			37,530
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	392,079	344	325,034	66,701
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		34,371,497
Issuance of Common Stock, shares		3,192,949
Issuance of Common Stock	53,490	32	53,458
Share-based compensation	1,503		1,503
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	4,297		4,297
Net income (loss)	48,996			48,996
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	500,365	376	384,292	115,697
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		37,564,446
Issuance of Common Stock, shares		360,718
Issuance of Common Stock	2,740	3	2,737
Share-based compensation	2,255		2,255
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	1,441		1,441
Net income (loss)	51,974			51,974
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$558,775	$379	$390,725	$167,671
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		37,925,164

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$51,974	$48,996	$37,530
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	27,145	18,490	11,108
Gain on disposal of buildings and equipment	-106	-1,343	-954
Share-based compensation	2,255	1,503	659
Provision for bad debts	4,499	2,934	1,083
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	-1,441	-4,297	0
Deferred tax provision	7,512	8,280	10,145
Changes in (net of acquisitions):
Accounts receivable	-44,520	-28,891	-6,276
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-5,180	-6,205	-8,550
Accounts payable	10,877	-380	-5,587
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-12,385	-2,964	-2,435
Net cash provided by operating activities	40,630	36,123	36,723
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	-230,818	-100,648	-88,977
Capital expenditures	-44,977	-31,546	-15,140
Proceeds from sale of buildings and equipment	6,951	5,121	510
Net cash used in investing activities	-268,844	-127,073	-103,607
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	383,074	130,441	141,115
Payments under revolving credit facilities	-170,089	-108,426	-141,115
Long-term debt borrowings	33,750	22,000	40,500
Long-term debt payments	-9,375	-12,875	-15,500
Debt issuance cost	-2,524	-1,541	-2,220
Payments of contingent earnouts	-4,804	-2,407	-83
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, net of issuance costs	2,740	53,059	57,119
Redemption of mandatory redeemable preferred stock	0	0	-5,000
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	1,441	4,297	818
Reduction of capital lease obligation	-92	-68	-157
Net cash provided by financing activities	234,121	84,480	75,477
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,907	-6,470	8,593
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	5,438	11,908	3,315
End of period	11,345	5,438	11,908
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	11,351	6,505	8,214
Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds)	21,673	19,081	13,961
Noncash contingent earnout	0	4,288	17,733
Capital expenditures (non-cash)	$0	$0	$1,749

Organization_Nature_of_Busines

Organization, Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	Organization, Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Business
	Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) is headquartered in Cudahy, Wisconsin and has the following three operating segments: truckload logistics (“TL”); less-than-truckload (“LTL”); and transportation management solutions (“TMS”). Within its TL business, the Company operates a network of 47 TL service centers, five freight consolidation and inventory management centers, and 26 dispatch offices and is augmented by over 130 independent brokerage agents. Within its LTL business, the Company operates 44 LTL service centers throughout the United States, complemented by relationships with over 180 delivery agents. Within its TMS business, the Company operates from 11 service centers and nine dispatch offices throughout the United States. From pickup to delivery, the Company leverages relationships with a diverse group of third-party carriers to provide scalable capacity and reliable, customized service, including domestic and international air and ocean transportation services, to its customers. The Company operates primarily in the United States.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2014, all subsidiaries were 100% owned. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Segment Reporting
	The Company determines its operating segments based on the information utilized by the chief operating decision maker, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, to allocate resources and assess performance. Based on this information, the Company has determined that it has three operating segments: TL; LTL; and TMS.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents are defined as short-term investments that have an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase and are readily convertible into cash. The Company maintains cash in several banks and, at times, the balances may exceed federally insured limits. Cash equivalents consist of overnight investments in an interest bearing sweep account.
	Accounts Receivable and Related Reserves
	Accounts receivable represent trade receivables from customers and are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and pricing allowances of approximately $4.2 million and $3.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Management estimates the portion of accounts receivable that will not be collected and accounts are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible. Accounts receivable are uncollateralized and are generally due 30 days from the invoice date.
	The Company provides reserves for accounts receivable. The rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	2,957		$	1,476		$	1,461
	Provision, charged to expense	4,499			2,934			1,083
	Write-offs, less recoveries	(3,247		)	(1,453		)	(1,068		)
	Ending balance	$	4,209		$	2,957		$	1,476
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	5-15 years
	Furniture and fixtures	5 years
	Equipment	3-15 years
	Accelerated depreciation methods are used for tax reporting purposes.
	Property and equipment and other long-lived assets are reviewed periodically for possible impairment. The Company evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by the long-lived asset, or the appropriate grouping of assets, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured and recorded based on quoted market prices in active markets, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including discounted value of estimated future cash flows. The Company reports an asset to be disposed of at the lower of its carrying value or its fair value less the cost to sell.
	Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	Goodwill and other intangible assets result from business acquisitions. The Company accounts for business acquisitions by assigning the purchase price to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over amounts assigned is recorded as goodwill.
	Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually on July 1 using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of the fair value at the “reporting unit” level. The Company has four reporting units as this is the lowest level for which discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. The impairment test for goodwill involves comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. The second step includes valuing all the tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Then, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, the Company recognizes an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying amount. For purposes of the Company’s impairment test, the fair value of its reporting units are calculated based upon an average of an income fair value approach and market fair value approach. Based on these tests, the Company concluded that the fair value for each of the reporting units was in excess of the respective reporting unit’s carrying value. Accordingly, no goodwill impairments were identified in 2014, 2013, or 2012.
	Other intangible assets recorded consist primarily of definite lived customer relationships. The Company evaluates its other intangible assets for impairment when current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. No indicators of impairment were identified in 2014, 2013, or 2012. See Note 4 for additional information on the Company's goodwill and intangible assets.
	Debt Issuance Costs
	Debt issuance costs represent costs incurred in connection with the financing agreement described in Note 6. The unamortized debt issuance costs aggregate to $6.1 million and $5.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and have been classified in the consolidated balance sheets as other noncurrent assets. Such costs are being amortized over the expected maturity of the financing agreements using the effective interest rate method.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company’s share based payment awards are comprised of stock options and restricted stock units. The cost for the Company’s stock options and restricted stock units is measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock options and the stock price at the grant date for restricted stock units. The cost is recognized over the vesting period of the award, which is typically four years.
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of asset and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
	The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of cash approximates cost. The estimated fair value of the Company's debt approximated its carrying value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 as the debt agreement bears interest based on prevailing variable market rates currently available and as such would be categorized as a Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as defined in Note 5.
	Revenue Recognition
	LTL revenue is recorded when all of the following have occurred: an agreement of sale exists; pricing is fixed or determinable; and collection of revenue is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes revenue based on a percentage of services completed for freight in-transit as of the balance sheet date.
	TL revenue is recorded when all of the following have occurred: an agreement of sale exists; pricing is fixed or determinable; delivery has occurred; and the Company’s obligation to fulfill a transaction is complete and collection of revenue is reasonably assured. This occurs when the Company completes the delivery of a shipment or the service has been fulfilled.
	TMS revenue is recorded when the shipment has been delivered by a third-party carrier. Fees for services revenue is recognized when the services have been rendered. At the time of delivery or rendering of services, as applicable, the Company’s obligation to fulfill a transaction is complete and collection of revenue is reasonably assured. The Company offers volume discounts to certain customers. Revenue is reduced as discounts are earned. In some instances, the Company performs multiple services. Typically separate fees are quoted and recognized as revenue when services are rendered. Occasionally, customers request an all-inclusive "door-to-door" fee for a set of services and revenue is allocated to the elements and recognized as each service is completed.
	The Company typically recognizes revenue on a gross basis, as opposed to a net basis, because it bears the risks and benefits associated with revenue-generated activities by, among other things, (1) acting as a principal in the transaction, (2) establishing prices, (3) managing all aspects of the shipping process, and (4) taking the risk of loss for collection, delivery, and returns. Certain TMS transactions to provide specific services are recorded at the net amount charged to the client due to the following factors: (A) the Company does not have latitude in establishing pricing and (B) the Company does not bear the risk of loss for delivery and returns; these items are the risk of the carrier.
	Insurance
	The Company uses a combination of purchased insurance and self-insurance programs to provide for the cost of vehicle liability, cargo damage, and workers’ compensation claims. The portion of self-insurance accruals which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities relates primarily to vehicle liability and cargo damage claims. The Company periodically evaluates the level of insurance coverage and adjusts insurance levels based on risk tolerance and premium expense.
	The measurement and classification of self-insured costs requires the consideration of historical cost experience, demographic and severity factors, and judgments about the current and expected levels of cost per claim and retention levels. These methods provide estimates of the liability associated with claims incurred as of the balance sheet date, including claims not reported. The Company believes these methods are appropriate for measuring these judgmental self-insurance accruals. However, the use of any estimation method is sensitive to the assumptions and factors described above, based on the magnitude of claims and the length of time from the date the claim is incurred to ultimate settlement. Accordingly, changes in these assumptions and factors can materially affect actual costs paid to settle the claims and those amounts may be different than estimates.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which is effective for the Company in 2017. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is in the process of evaluating the guidance in this Accounting Standards Update and has not yet determined if the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Land and improvements	$	3,399		$	2,920
	Building and leasehold improvements	12,777			7,089
	Furniture and fixtures	35,434			5,602
	Equipment	142,869			111,816
	Gross property and equipment	194,479			127,427
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	47,629			30,869
	Property and equipment, net	$	146,850		$	96,558
	Depreciation expense was $19.1 million, $13.3 million, and $7.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Capital Leases
	The Company has a building and certain equipment classified as capital leases. The recorded value of the building and the equipment is included in property and equipment, net as of December 31 as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Building and equipment	$	975		$	975
	Less: Accumulated amortization	540			461
	Total	$	435		$	514
	The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments under the capital leases with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
			Amount
	Year Ending:
	2015		$	285
	2016		293
	2017		302
	2018		311
	2019		320
	Thereafter		163
	Total minimum lease payments		1,674
	Less: amount representing interest		684
	Present value of net minimum lease payments(1)		$	990
	-1	Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as accrued expenses and other liabilities and other long-term liabilities of $0.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	On February 24, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Capital Transportation Logistics (“CTL”) for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TMS segment. Cash consideration paid was $6.2 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility discussed in Note 6. The CTL purchase agreement called for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $0.8 million. The former owners of CTL were entitled to receive a payment equal to the amount by which CTL’s aggregate operating income, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeded $1.8 million for the years ending December 31, 2012 and 2013. Approximately $0.7 million was included in the TMS purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On April 19, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Grundman Holdings, Inc., which wholly owned both D&E Transport, Inc. and D&E Leasing, Inc. (collectively, “D&E”), for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $11.4 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility discussed in Note 6. The D&E purchase agreement called for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $0.7 million per year. The former owners of D&E were entitled to receive a payment equal to the amount by which D&E’s operating income, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeded $2.0 million for the years ending December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014. The annual payment starts at $0.1 million if operating income exceeded $2.0 million and escalates up to $0.7 million if operating income exceeded $5.0 million. Approximately $1.0 million was included in the TL purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On June 4, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of CTW Transport (“CTW”) for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $7.6 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company’s credit facility discussed in Note 6. The CTW purchase agreement called for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $3.5 million. The former owner of CTW was entitled to receive a payment equal to the amount by which CTW’s operating income before depreciation and amortization, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeded $2.0 million for the years ending December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Approximately $2.6 million was included in the TL purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On August 1, 2012, the Company acquired all of the operating assets of R&M Transportation and all of the outstanding stock of Sortino Transportation (collectively, “R&M”) for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $24.2 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6. The R&M purchase agreement calls for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $5.0 million. The former owners of R&M are entitled to receive a payment equal to the amount by which R&M's operating income before depreciation and amortization, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeds $1.7 million for the five months ending December 31, 2012 and $4.5 million for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Approximately $4.2 million was included in the TL purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On August 10, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Expedited Freight Systems, Inc. (“EFS”) for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the LTL segment. Cash consideration paid was $10.0 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6. The EFS purchase agreement calls for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $4.0 million. The former owners of EFS are entitled to receive a payment equal to the amount by which EFS's operating income before depreciation and amortization, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeds $0.9 million for the period from the closing date through December 31, 2012, $2.3 million for the year ending December 31, 2013, $2.5 million for the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2015, and $2.8 million for the year ending December 31, 2016. Approximately $3.1 million was included in the LTL purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On November 5, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Central Cal Transportation ("Central Cal") for the purpose of expanding its current presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $3.8 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6. The Central Cal purchase agreement calls for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $4.0 million. The former owners of Central Cal are entitled to receive a payment equal to $0.8 million when Central Cal's combined operating income before depreciation and amortization, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeds $1.4 million for the period from the closing date through December 31, 2013 and for the years ending December 31, 2014, 2015, and 2016. The purchase agreement also calls for an additional payment of 75% of the amount that Central Cal's combined operating income before depreciation and amortization exceeds $1.4 million. Approximately $3.4 million was included in the TL purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On November 12, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Brandon Carrier Group, Inc. ("A&A") for the purpose of expanding its current presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $24.1 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6. The A&A purchase agreement calls for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $2.5 million. The former owners of A&A are entitled to receive a payment equal to the amount by which A&A's operating income before amortization, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeds $3.0 million for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Approximately $2.2 million was included in the TL purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On December 21, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Direct Connection Transportation ("DCT") for the purpose of expanding its current presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $1.0 million. The acquisition was financed with cash on-hand. The DCT purchase agreement calls for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $1.0 million. The former owners of DCT are entitled to receive a payment equal to the amount by which DCT's operating income before amortization, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeds $0.4 million for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Approximately $1.0 million was included in the TL purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On April 30, 2013, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock and the Charleston, South Carolina property of Wando Trucking, Inc. ("Wando Trucking") for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $9.0 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6.
	On April 30, 2013, the Company also acquired all of the outstanding stock of Adrian Carriers, Inc. and C.B.A. Container Sales, Ltd. (collectively, "Adrian Carriers") for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TMS segment. Cash consideration paid was $14.2 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6. The Adrian Carriers purchase agreement calls for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $6.5 million. The former owners of Adrian Carriers are entitled to receive a payment equal to the amount by which Adrian Carrier's operating income before amortization, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeds $2.3 million for the years ending April 30, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. Approximately $4.3 million was included in the TMS purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On July 25, 2013, the Company acquired all of the outstanding membership interests of Marisol International, LLC ("Marisol") for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TMS segment. Cash consideration paid was $66.0 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6. The Marisol purchase agreement calls for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $2.5 million. The former owners of Marisol are entitled to receive a payment equal to the amount by which Marisol's operating income before depreciation and amortization, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeds $7.8 million for the years ending July 31, 2014 and 2015. No amount was included in the TMS purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On August 15, 2013, the Company acquired certain assets of the Southeast drayage division of Transportation Corporation of America, Inc. ("TA Drayage") for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $1.2 million. The acquisition was financed with cash on-hand.
	On September 11, 2013, the Company acquired all of the outstanding membership interests of G.W. Palmer Logistics, LLC ("G.W. Palmer") for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $2.5 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6. The G.W. Palmer purchase agreement calls for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $2.8 million. The former owners of G.W. Palmer are entitled to receive an initial payment, not to exceed $0.7 million, for achieving operating income before amortization in excess of $0.9 million for the period from the closing date through December 31, 2013, as defined in the purchase agreement, and a payment equal to the amount by which G.W. Palmer's operating income before amortization, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeds $1.0 million for the years ending December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. No amount was included in the TL purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On September 18, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of YES Trans, Inc. ("YES Trans") for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $1.2 million. The acquisition was financed with cash on-hand. The YES Trans purchase agreement calls for contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $1.1 million. The former owners of YES Trans are entitled to receive a payment equal to the amount by which YES Trans' operating income, as defined in the purchase agreement, exceeds $0.2 million for the years ending December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. No amount was included in the TL purchase price allocation related to this earnout on the opening balance sheet.
	On February 24, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Rich Logistics and Everett Transportation Inc. and certain assets of Keith Everett (collectively, "Rich Logistics") for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $46.5 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6.
	On March 14, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Unitrans, Inc. ("Unitrans") for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TMS segment. Cash consideration paid was $53.3 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6.
	On July 18, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of ISI Acquisition Corp. (which wholly owns Integrated Services, Inc. and ISI Logistics Inc.) and ISI Logistics South, Inc. (collectively, "ISI") for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $13.0 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6.
	On August 27, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Active Aero Group Holdings, Inc. ("Active Aero") for the purpose of expanding its presence within the TL segment. Cash consideration paid was $118.0 million. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 6.
	The results of operations and financial condition of these acquisitions have been included in our consolidated financial statements since their acquisition dates. The acquisitions of CTL, D&E, CTW, R&M, EFS, Central Cal, A&A, and DCT (collectively, "2012 acquisitions") are considered individually immaterial, but material in the aggregate. The acquisitions of Wando Trucking, Adrian Carriers, Marisol, TA Drayage, G.W Palmer, and YES Trans (collectively, "2013 acquisitions") are considered individually immaterial, but material in the aggregate. The acquisitions of Rich Logistics, Unitrans, ISI, and Active Aero (collectively, "2014 acquisitions") are considered individually immaterial, but material in the aggregate. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price paid to the fair value of the net assets for the 2012, 2013, and 2014 acquisitions, in the aggregate, (in thousands):
		2014 Acquisitions			2013 Acquisitions			2012 Acquisitions
	Accounts receivable	$	68,128		$	27,731		$	15,175
	Other current assets	7,660			922			1,240
	Property and equipment	31,153			14,392			32,387
	Goodwill	151,924			77,631			75,407
	Customer relationship intangible assets	54,347			19,727			5,932
	Other noncurrent assets	—			12			623
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	(82,394		)	(39,767		)	(41,787		)
	Total	$	230,818		$	100,648		$	88,977
	The goodwill for the acquisitions, in the aggregate, is a result of acquiring and retaining the existing workforces and expected synergies from integrating the operations into the Company. Goodwill of $1.4 million associated with the asset purchases in 2013 will be deductible for tax purposes while the remaining goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. Purchase accounting is considered final for the 2012 and 2013 acquisitions. Purchase accounting is considered final for the 2014 acquisitions except for deferred taxes, goodwill, and with respect to certain long-term asset valuations as final information was not available as of December 31, 2014. Measurement period adjustments related to certain 2013 acquisitions were recorded prospectively as they were not considered material to the Company's consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2013. These measurement period adjustments from previously recorded opening balance sheets related primarily to fair value measurement changes in acquired deferred tax assets and liabilities.
	From the dates of acquisition through December 31, 2012, the 2012 acquisitions contributed revenues of $73.7 million and net income of $9.0 million. The following supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes the results of operations for the 2012 acquisitions, in the aggregate, as if the 2012 acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2011 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012
	Revenues	$	1,185,927
	Net income	$	38,850
	From the dates of acquisition through December 31, 2013, the 2013 acquisitions contributed revenues of $84.3 million and net income of $3.6 million. The following supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 includes the results of operations for the 2013 acquisitions, in the aggregate, as if the acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2012 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Revenues	$	1,466,404		$	1,265,698
	Net income	$	49,137		$	37,345
	From the dates of acquisition through December 31, 2014, the 2014 acquisitions contributed revenues of $331.7 million and net income of $19.7 million. The following supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 includes the results of operations for the 2014 acquisitions, in the aggregate, as if the acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2013 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	$	2,103,693		$	1,781,305
	Net income	$	59,778		$	57,443
	The supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information above is presented for information purposes only. It is not necessarily indicative of what the Company's financial position or results of operations actually would have been had the Company completed the acquisitions at the dates indicated, nor is it intended to project the future financial position or operating results of the combined company.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of all acquisitions over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired. The Company completes an impairment test of goodwill annually. The Company had no goodwill impairment for any of the periods presented in the financial statements.
	The following is a rollforward of goodwill from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2014 by reportable segment (in thousands):
		TL			LTL			TMS		Total
	Goodwill balance as of December 31, 2012	$	202,547		$	197,456		$	42,140	$	442,143
	Adjustments to goodwill for purchase accounting	(1,906		)	(144		)	4		(2,046		)
	Goodwill related to acquisitions	10,772			—			67,874		78,646
	Goodwill balance as of December 31, 2013	211,413			197,312			110,018		518,743
	Adjustments to goodwill for purchase accounting	(1,253		)	—			238		(1,015		)
	Goodwill related to acquisitions	108,891			—			43,033		151,924
	Goodwill balance as of December 31, 2014	$	319,051		$	197,312		$	153,289	$	669,652
	Intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships acquired from business acquisitions. Intangible assets were as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):
		2014								2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Value		Amount						Value
	TL	$	60,173		$	(8,356	)	$	51,817	$	17,826		$	(5,294	)	$	12,532
	LTL	1,358			(950		)	408		1,358			(723		)	635
	TMS	31,522			(3,869		)	27,653		19,522			(1,326		)	18,196
	Total intangible assets	$	93,053		$	(13,175	)	$	79,878	$	38,706		$	(7,343	)	$	31,363
	The customer relationships intangible assets are amortized over their estimated five to 12 year useful lives. Amortization expense was $5.8 million, $3.0 million, and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years based on intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
			Amount
	Year Ending:
	2015		$	8,296
	2016		8,205
	2017		8,084
	2018		7,821
	2019		7,517
	Thereafter		39,955
	Total		$	79,878

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement
	Accounting guidance on fair value measurements for certain financial assets and liabilities requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
	Level 1 — Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 — Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions or external inputs from inactive markets.
	A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	The following table presents information, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, about the Company’s financial liabilities. Contingent acquisition purchase price is measured at fair value on a recurring basis, according to the valuation techniques the Company used to determine their fair values (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value
	Contingent purchase price related to acquisitions	$	—		$	—		$	7,665		$	7,665
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	7,665		$	7,665
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value
	Contingent purchase price related to acquisitions	$	—		$	—		$	17,054		$	17,054
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	17,054		$	17,054
	In measuring the fair value of the contingent payment liability, the Company used an income approach that considers the expected future earnings of the acquired businesses and the resulting contingent payments, discounted at a risk-adjusted rate.
	The table below sets forth a reconciliation of the Company’s beginning and ending Level 3 financial liability balance for the three years ended December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	17,054		$	20,907		$	3,015
	Earnouts related to acquisitions	—			4,288			17,733
	Payment of contingent purchase obligations	(4,804		)	(2,407		)	(284		)
	Adjustment to contingent purchase obligation	(4,585		)	(5,734		)	443
	Balance, end of period	$	7,665		$	17,054		$	20,907

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Senior debt:
	Revolving credit facility	$	235,000		$	22,015
	Term loans	195,000			170,625
	Total debt	430,000			192,640
	Less: Current maturities	(10,000		)	(10,938		)
	Total long-term debt, net of current maturities	$	420,000		$	181,702
	Maturities for each of the next five years based on long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
			Amount
	Year Ending
	2015		10,000
	2016		10,000
	2017		10,000
	2018		10,000
	2019		390,000
	Thereafter		—
	Total		430,000
	On August 9, 2013, the Company entered into a fourth amended and restated credit agreement with U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank”) and other lenders, which increased the revolving credit facility from $125.0 million to $200.0 million and the term loan from $170.0 million to $175.0 million. On July 9, 2014, the Company entered into a fifth amended and restated credit agreement (the "credit agreement") with U.S. Bank and other lenders, which increased the revolving credit facility to $350.0 million and the term loan to $200.0 million. The credit facility matures on July 9, 2019. Principal on the term loan is due in quarterly installments of $2.5 million. The Company categorizes the borrowings under the credit agreement as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as defined in Note 5. The carrying value of the Company's long-term debt approximates fair value as the debt agreement bears interest based on prevailing variable market rates currently available. The credit agreement is collateralized by all assets of the Company and contains certain financial covenants, including a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum cash flow leverage ratio. Additionally, the credit agreement contains negative covenants limiting, among other things, additional indebtedness, capital expenditures, transactions with affiliates, additional liens, sales of assets, dividends, investments, advances, prepayments of debt, mergers and acquisitions, and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. The current debt agreement prohibits the Company from paying dividends without the consent of the lenders. Borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest at either (a) the Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the credit agreement), plus an applicable margin in the range of 2.0% to 3.0%, or (b) the Base Rate (as defined in the credit agreement), plus an applicable margin in the range of 1.0% to 2.0%. The revolving credit facility also provides for the issuance of up to $30.0 million in letters of credit. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $18.7 million. As of December 31, 2014, total availability under the revolving credit facility was $96.3 million and the average interest rate on the credit agreement was 2.9%.

Stockholders_Investment

Stockholders' Investment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' investment	Stockholders’ Investment
	Common Stock
	Our common stock has voting rights — one vote for each share of common stock. In March 2007, the Company entered into a second amended and restated stockholders’ agreement. The agreement provides that, any time after the Company is eligible to register its common stock on a Form S-3 registration statement under the Securities Act, certain of the Company’s stockholders may request registration under the Securities Act of all or any portion of their shares of common stock. These stockholders are limited to a total of two of such registrations. In addition, if the Company proposes to file a registration statement under the Securities Act for any underwritten sale of shares of any of its securities, certain of the Company's stockholders may request that the Company include in such registration the shares of common stock held by them on the same terms and conditions as the securities otherwise being sold in such registration.
	In December 2012, the Company issued and sold 3.4 million shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $17.25 per share, resulting in offering proceeds of $55.3 million, net of $3.4 million of underwriting discounts and commissions. Additionally, the Company granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 525,000 additional shares at the public offering price less the underwriting discount to cover any over-allotments. In January 2013, the underwriters exercised in full their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 525,000 shares of common stock at a price of $17.25 per share to the public. The sale of the additional shares resulted in additional net proceeds to the Company of approximately $8.5 million after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses.
	In August 2013, the Company issued 1.5 million shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $27.00 per share for aggregate offering proceeds of $38.4 million, net of $2.3 million of underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses. In connection with the public offering, the Company incurred additional expenses of $0.3 million.
	Warrants to Acquire Common Stock
	In connection with a business combination entered in 2007, the Company issued to existing Sargent Transportation Group, Inc. stockholders warrants that, upon the closing of the Company's initial public offering, became the right to acquire 2,269,263 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $13.39 per share. The warrants are exercisable at the option of the holder any time prior to March 13, 2017. No warrants were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014. Stockholders exercised 23,491 warrants during the year ended December 31, 2013.
	On December 11, 2009, in connection with financing the acquisition of Bullet Freight Systems, Inc. ("Bullet"), the Company issued warrants that, upon the closing of the Company's initial public offering, became the right to acquire 1,746,971 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $8.37 per share. The warrants are exercisable at the option of the holder any time prior to December 11, 2017. The $3.0 million fair value of the warrants at the date of issuance has been reflected as a component of additional paid-in capital in stockholders’ investment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. No warrants were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014. Certain holders exercised 604,722 warrants during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Preferred_Stock

Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Preferred Stock	Preferred Stock
	Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock
	In March 2007, the Company issued 5,000 shares of non-voting Series A Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”), which were mandatorily redeemable by the Company at $1,000 per share, in cash, on November 30, 2012. The Series A Preferred Stock received cash dividends annually on April 30 at an annual rate equal to $40 per share. In March 2012, the Company repurchased the 5,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and paid the corresponding dividends through the date of the repurchase.

ShareBased_Compensation_Notes

Share-Based Compensation (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company's 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2010 Plan”) allows for the issuance of 2,500,000 shares of common stock. The 2010 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock units, and other awards to the Company's employees and directors.
	The Company awards restricted stock units to certain key employees and non-employee directors. The restricted stock units vest ratably over a four year service period from the grant date. Restricted stock units are valued based on the market price on the date of the grant and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense for restricted stock units is based on fair market value at the grant date.
	The following table summarizes the nonvested restricted stock units as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Number of Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Weighted Average Remaining Contractual
									Term
									(Years)
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2012		142,248			$	16.42		2.8
	Granted		202,523			24.19
	Vested		(43,571	)		16.41
	Forfeitures		(21,729	)		20.19
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2013		279,471			$	21.76		2.8
	Granted		169,300			22.89
	Vested		(87,061	)		20.3
	Forfeitures		(29,574	)		22.25
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2014		332,136			$	22.76		2.5
	Unrecognized stock compensation expense was $5.7 million and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company previously maintained a Key Employee Equity Plan (“Equity Plan”), a stock-based compensation plan that permitted the grant of stock options to Company employees and directors. Stock options under the Equity Plan were granted with an exercise price equal to or in excess of the fair value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Such options vest ratably over a two or four year service period and are exercisable ten years from the date of grant, but only to the extent vested as specified in each option agreement.
	Group Transportation Services ("GTS") previously maintained a Key Employee Equity Plan (“GTS Plan”), which permitted the grant of stock options to employees and directors. Stock options under the GTS Plan were granted with an exercise price equal to or in excess of the fair value of GTS’ stock on the date of grant. Such options vest ratably over a two or four year service period and are exercisable ten years from the date of grant, but only to the extent vested as specified in each option agreement. In connection with the Company’s merger with GTS effective upon the IPO, all options granted pursuant to the GTS Plan outstanding at the effective time of the merger became options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock.
	No options were granted by the Company in 2012, 2013, or 2014. Stock-based compensation expense was $2.3 million, $1.5 million, and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The related estimated income tax benefit recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, net of estimated forfeitures, was $0.9 million, $0.6 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	A summary of the option activity under the equity plans for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted Average Remaining Contractual		Aggregate
					Average			Term		Intrinsic
					Exercise			(Years)		Value
					Price
										(In thousands)
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012	1,585,468			$	11.67		3.8		$	10,258
	Granted	—			—
	Exercised	(729,651	)		9.33
	Forfeited	—			—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	855,817			$	13.67		3		$	11,365
	Granted	—			—
	Exercised	(300,716	)		11.35
	Forfeited	—			—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	555,101			$	14.92		1.7		$	4,680
	There were 555,101, 855,817, and 1,563,725 options exercisable as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, for exercisable options, the weighted-average exercise price was $14.92, the weighted average remaining contractual term was 1.7 years, and the estimated aggregate intrinsic value was $8.43 per share. All granted options are non-qualified options. As of December 31, 2014, all options were vested.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earning Per Share
	Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common stock outstanding plus stock equivalents that would arise from the assumed exercise of stock options and conversion of warrants using the treasury stock method.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, all stock options and warrants were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. The Company had stock options and warrants outstanding of 308,698 as of December 31, 2012 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were not assumed to be exercised under the treasury stock method or because they were anti-dilutive. The following table reconciles basic weighted average common stock outstanding to diluted weighted average common stock outstanding (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014	2013	2012
	Basic weighted average common stock outstanding	37,852	36,133	31,040
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options	169	424	442
	Warrants	1,183	1,285	926
	Restricted Stock Units	55	71	17
	Diluted weighted average common stock outstanding	39,259	37,913	32,425

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The components of the Company’s provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	19,389		$	17,479		$	11,238
	Foreign, state and local	3,448			2,725			2,007
	Deferred:
	Federal	7,068			7,495			9,491
	Foreign, state and local	444			785			654
	Provision for income taxes	$	30,349		$	28,484		$	23,390
	The Company’s income tax provision varied from the amounts calculated by applying the U.S. statutory income tax rate to the pretax income as shown in the following reconciliations (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal rate	$	28,814		$	27,118		$	21,322
	Meals and entertainment	247			227			195
	State income taxes — net of federal benefit	2,254			2,067			1,794
	Earn out adjustments	(1,381		)	(1,675		)	—
	Other	415			747			79
	Total	$	30,349		$	28,484		$	23,390
	The Company recorded assets for refundable current federal and state income taxes of $7.5 million and $6.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These are classified in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of prepaid expenses and other current assets.
	The tax rate effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant elements of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Current deferred income tax assets:
	Accounts receivable	4,253			1,407
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	4,354			440
	Total	$	8,607		$	1,847
	Noncurrent deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
	Net operating losses	$	758		$	557
	Goodwill and intangible assets	(62,693		)	(39,588		)
	Property and equipment	(32,996		)	(20,411		)
	Deferred compensation	593			1,018
	Total	$	(94,338	)	$	(58,424	)
	The Company had $11.0 million and $6.6 million of current deferred tax assets and $2.4 million and $4.8 million of current deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net current deferred income tax assets of $8.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2013 is classified as deferred income taxes in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company had $103.1 million and $68.7 million of noncurrent deferred tax assets and $197.4 million and $127.2 million of noncurrent deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net noncurrent deferred income tax liability of $94.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and $58.4 million as of December 31, 2013 is classified in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of other long-term liabilities.
	There were no unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Income tax related interest and penalties were immaterial as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company is subject to federal and state tax examinations for all tax years subsequent to December 31, 2012. Although the pre-2012 years are no longer subject to examinations by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and various state taxing authorities, net operating loss carryforwards generated in those years were used by the Company during 2013 and 2014 and may still be adjusted upon examination by the IRS or state taxing authorities if they were used after 2012 or will be used in a future period.

Guarantees_Notes

Guarantees (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees [Text Block]	12. Guarantees
	The Company provides a guarantee for a portion of the value of certain IC's leased tractors.  The guarantees expire at various dates through 2020.  The potential maximum exposure under these lease guarantees was approximately $19.8 million as of December 31, 2014.  The potential maximum exposure represents the Company’s commitment on remaining lease payments on guaranteed leases as of December 31, 2014.  However, upon an IC default, the Company has the option to purchase the tractor or return the tractor to the leasing company if the residual value is greater than the Company’s guarantee. Alternatively, the Company can contract another IC to assume the lease.  There were no material IC defaults during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and payments made by the Company under the guarantee were de minimis. No liability was recorded as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company sponsors defined contribution profit sharing plans for substantially all employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company provides matching contributions on some of these plans. Total expense under these plans was $2.3 million, $1.4 million, and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Operating Leases
	The Company leases terminals, office space, trucks, trailers and other equipment under noncancelable operating leases expiring on various dates through 2027. The Company incurred rent expense from operating leases of $55.0 million, $28.7 million, and $24.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Aggregate future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases with an initial term in excess of one year were as follows as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Year Ending:	Amount
	2015	$	37,896
	2016	30,586
	2017	24,796
	2018	18,791
	2019	9,375
	Thereafter	9,016
	Contingencies
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company is a defendant in several property and other claims. In the aggregate, the Company does not believe any of these claims will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company maintains liability insurance coverage for claims in excess of $500,000 per occurrence and cargo coverage for claims in excess of $100,000 per occurrence. Management believes it has adequate insurance to cover losses in excess of the deductible amount. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had reserves for estimated uninsured losses of $5.8 million and $5.7 million, respectively.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	The Company has an advisory agreement with HCI Equity Management L.P. (“HCI”) to pay a transaction fee for each acquisition and an annual advisory fee of $0.1 million. During 2014, the Company paid an aggregate of $0.8 million to HCI for services performed in connection with the fifth amended and restated credit agreement, the advisory fee, and travel expenses. The Company paid an aggregate of $0.2 million to HCI for the advisory fee and travel expenses during 2013.
	As part of the 2007 acquisition of Big Rock Transportation, Inc., Midwest Carriers, Inc., Sargent Trucking, Inc., B&J Transportation, Inc., and Smith Truck Brokers, Inc. (collectively, Sargent), the Company was required to pay an earnout to the former Sargent owners. The Company’s obligation to make further contingent payments to the former Sargent owners terminated as of December 31, 2009. The Company paid $0.8 million during 2012 related to the amounts earned in 2006 and 2007.
	As part of the acquisition of Bullet, certain existing stockholders and their affiliates received eight-year warrants that, upon the closing of the Company's initial public offering, became the right to acquire 1,388,620 shares of the Company's common stock. No warrants were exercised by affiliated parties during 2014. Certain stockholders exercised 559,930 of these warrants during 2013. There were 274,362 still outstanding at December 31, 2014.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting
	The Company determines its operating segments based on the information utilized by the chief operating decision maker, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, to allocate resources and assess performance. Based on this information, the Company has determined that it has three operating segments: TL; LTL; and TMS.
	These segments are strategic business units through which the Company offers different services. The Company evaluates the performance of the segments primarily based on their respective revenues and operating income. Accordingly, interest expense and other non-operating items are not reported in segment results. In addition, the Company has disclosed a corporate segment, which is not an operating segment and includes acquisition transaction expenses, corporate salaries, and share-based compensation expense.
	The following table reflects certain financial data of the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	TL	999,077			657,967			476,638
	LTL	577,175			558,971			511,006
	TMS	311,362			154,050			91,558
	Eliminations	(14,798		)	(9,578		)	(5,848		)
	Total	1,872,816			1,361,410			1,073,354
	Operating income:
	TL	66,186			43,385			30,070
	LTL	22,981			36,914			35,502
	TMS	21,924			14,742			10,534
	Corporate	(15,405		)	(9,678		)	(7,156		)
	Total operating income	95,686			85,363			68,950
	Interest expense	13,363			7,883			8,030
	Income before provision for income taxes	$	82,323		$	77,480		$	60,920
	Depreciation and amortization:
	TL	16,888			11,143			6,306
	LTL	3,287			3,255			2,422
	TMS	3,732			1,665			771
	Corporate	1,171			248			—
	Total	$	25,078		$	16,311		$	9,499
	Capital expenditures(1):
	TL	34,620			23,128			8,581
	LTL	5,840			4,744			8,213
	TMS	1,551			668			95
	Corporate	2,966			3,006			—
	Total	$	44,977		$	31,546		$	16,889
	(1) The total capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 includes both the cash and non-cash portions as reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Total assets:
	TL	691,096			388,262			339,890
	LTL	782,268			574,214			489,368
	TMS	242,512			162,718			61,076
	Corporate	4,919			2,762			699
	Eliminations	(462,975		)	(256,076		)	(190,225		)
	Total	$	1,257,820		$	871,880		$	700,808

Organization_Nature_of_Busines1

Organization, Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business	Nature of Business
	Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) is headquartered in Cudahy, Wisconsin and has the following three operating segments: truckload logistics (“TL”); less-than-truckload (“LTL”); and transportation management solutions (“TMS”). Within its TL business, the Company operates a network of 47 TL service centers, five freight consolidation and inventory management centers, and 26 dispatch offices and is augmented by over 130 independent brokerage agents. Within its LTL business, the Company operates 44 LTL service centers throughout the United States, complemented by relationships with over 180 delivery agents. Within its TMS business, the Company operates from 11 service centers and nine dispatch offices throughout the United States. From pickup to delivery, the Company leverages relationships with a diverse group of third-party carriers to provide scalable capacity and reliable, customized service, including domestic and international air and ocean transportation services, to its customers. The Company operates primarily in the United States.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2014, all subsidiaries were 100% owned. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting
	The Company determines its operating segments based on the information utilized by the chief operating decision maker, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, to allocate resources and assess performance. Based on this information, the Company has determined that it has three operating segments: TL; LTL; and TMS.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents are defined as short-term investments that have an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase and are readily convertible into cash. The Company maintains cash in several banks and, at times, the balances may exceed federally insured limits. Cash equivalents consist of overnight investments in an interest bearing sweep account.
Account Receivable	Accounts Receivable and Related Reserves
	Accounts receivable represent trade receivables from customers and are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and pricing allowances of approximately $4.2 million and $3.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Management estimates the portion of accounts receivable that will not be collected and accounts are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible. Accounts receivable are uncollateralized and are generally due 30 days from the invoice date.
	The Company provides reserves for accounts receivable. The rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	2,957		$	1,476		$	1,461
	Provision, charged to expense	4,499			2,934			1,083
	Write-offs, less recoveries	(3,247		)	(1,453		)	(1,068		)
	Ending balance	$	4,209		$	2,957		$	1,476
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	5-15 years
	Furniture and fixtures	5 years
	Equipment	3-15 years
	Accelerated depreciation methods are used for tax reporting purposes.
	Property and equipment and other long-lived assets are reviewed periodically for possible impairment. The Company evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by the long-lived asset, or the appropriate grouping of assets, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured and recorded based on quoted market prices in active markets, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including discounted value of estimated future cash flows. The Company reports an asset to be disposed of at the lower of its carrying value or its fair value less the cost to sell.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	Goodwill and other intangible assets result from business acquisitions. The Company accounts for business acquisitions by assigning the purchase price to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over amounts assigned is recorded as goodwill.
	Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually on July 1 using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of the fair value at the “reporting unit” level. The Company has four reporting units as this is the lowest level for which discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. The impairment test for goodwill involves comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. The second step includes valuing all the tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Then, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, the Company recognizes an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying amount. For purposes of the Company’s impairment test, the fair value of its reporting units are calculated based upon an average of an income fair value approach and market fair value approach. Based on these tests, the Company concluded that the fair value for each of the reporting units was in excess of the respective reporting unit’s carrying value. Accordingly, no goodwill impairments were identified in 2014, 2013, or 2012.
	Other intangible assets recorded consist primarily of definite lived customer relationships. The Company evaluates its other intangible assets for impairment when current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. No indicators of impairment were identified in 2014, 2013, or 2012. See Note 4 for additional information on the Company's goodwill and intangible assets.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs
	Debt issuance costs represent costs incurred in connection with the financing agreement described in Note 6. The unamortized debt issuance costs aggregate to $6.1 million and $5.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and have been classified in the consolidated balance sheets as other noncurrent assets. Such costs are being amortized over the expected maturity of the financing agreements using the effective interest rate method.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company’s share based payment awards are comprised of stock options and restricted stock units. The cost for the Company’s stock options and restricted stock units is measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock options and the stock price at the grant date for restricted stock units. The cost is recognized over the vesting period of the award, which is typically four years.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of asset and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
	The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of cash approximates cost. The estimated fair value of the Company's debt approximated its carrying value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 as the debt agreement bears interest based on prevailing variable market rates currently available and as such would be categorized as a Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as defined in Note 5.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	LTL revenue is recorded when all of the following have occurred: an agreement of sale exists; pricing is fixed or determinable; and collection of revenue is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes revenue based on a percentage of services completed for freight in-transit as of the balance sheet date.
	TL revenue is recorded when all of the following have occurred: an agreement of sale exists; pricing is fixed or determinable; delivery has occurred; and the Company’s obligation to fulfill a transaction is complete and collection of revenue is reasonably assured. This occurs when the Company completes the delivery of a shipment or the service has been fulfilled.
	TMS revenue is recorded when the shipment has been delivered by a third-party carrier. Fees for services revenue is recognized when the services have been rendered. At the time of delivery or rendering of services, as applicable, the Company’s obligation to fulfill a transaction is complete and collection of revenue is reasonably assured. The Company offers volume discounts to certain customers. Revenue is reduced as discounts are earned. In some instances, the Company performs multiple services. Typically separate fees are quoted and recognized as revenue when services are rendered. Occasionally, customers request an all-inclusive "door-to-door" fee for a set of services and revenue is allocated to the elements and recognized as each service is completed.
	The Company typically recognizes revenue on a gross basis, as opposed to a net basis, because it bears the risks and benefits associated with revenue-generated activities by, among other things, (1) acting as a principal in the transaction, (2) establishing prices, (3) managing all aspects of the shipping process, and (4) taking the risk of loss for collection, delivery, and returns. Certain TMS transactions to provide specific services are recorded at the net amount charged to the client due to the following factors: (A) the Company does not have latitude in establishing pricing and (B) the Company does not bear the risk of loss for delivery and returns; these items are the risk of the carrier.
Insurance	Insurance
	The Company uses a combination of purchased insurance and self-insurance programs to provide for the cost of vehicle liability, cargo damage, and workers’ compensation claims. The portion of self-insurance accruals which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities relates primarily to vehicle liability and cargo damage claims. The Company periodically evaluates the level of insurance coverage and adjusts insurance levels based on risk tolerance and premium expense.
	The measurement and classification of self-insured costs requires the consideration of historical cost experience, demographic and severity factors, and judgments about the current and expected levels of cost per claim and retention levels. These methods provide estimates of the liability associated with claims incurred as of the balance sheet date, including claims not reported. The Company believes these methods are appropriate for measuring these judgmental self-insurance accruals. However, the use of any estimation method is sensitive to the assumptions and factors described above, based on the magnitude of claims and the length of time from the date the claim is incurred to ultimate settlement. Accordingly, changes in these assumptions and factors can materially affect actual costs paid to settle the claims and those amounts may be different than estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which is effective for the Company in 2017. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is in the process of evaluating the guidance in this Accounting Standards Update and has not yet determined if the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Land and improvements	$	3,399		$	2,920
	Building and leasehold improvements	12,777			7,089
	Furniture and fixtures	35,434			5,602
	Equipment	142,869			111,816
	Gross property and equipment	194,479			127,427
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	47,629			30,869
	Property and equipment, net	$	146,850		$	96,558
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets	The Company has a building and certain equipment classified as capital leases. The recorded value of the building and the equipment is included in property and equipment, net as of December 31 as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Building and equipment	$	975		$	975
	Less: Accumulated amortization	540			461
	Total	$	435		$	514
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases	The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments under the capital leases with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
			Amount
	Year Ending:
	2015		$	285
	2016		293
	2017		302
	2018		311
	2019		320
	Thereafter		163
	Total minimum lease payments		1,674
	Less: amount representing interest		684
	Present value of net minimum lease payments(1)		$	990
	-1	Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as accrued expenses and other liabilities and other long-term liabilities of $0.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of allocated purchase price paid to fair value of acquired net assets	The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price paid to the fair value of the net assets for the 2012, 2013, and 2014 acquisitions, in the aggregate, (in thousands):
		2014 Acquisitions			2013 Acquisitions			2012 Acquisitions
	Accounts receivable	$	68,128		$	27,731		$	15,175
	Other current assets	7,660			922			1,240
	Property and equipment	31,153			14,392			32,387
	Goodwill	151,924			77,631			75,407
	Customer relationship intangible assets	54,347			19,727			5,932
	Other noncurrent assets	—			12			623
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	(82,394		)	(39,767		)	(41,787		)
	Total	$	230,818		$	100,648		$	88,977
Two Thousand Twelve [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes the results of operations for the 2012 acquisitions, in the aggregate, as if the 2012 acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2011 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012
	Revenues	$	1,185,927
	Net income	$	38,850
Two Thousand Thirteen [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 includes the results of operations for the 2013 acquisitions, in the aggregate, as if the acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2012 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Revenues	$	1,466,404		$	1,265,698
	Net income	$	49,137		$	37,345
Two Thousand Fourteen [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 includes the results of operations for the 2014 acquisitions, in the aggregate, as if the acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2013 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	$	2,103,693		$	1,781,305
	Net income	$	59,778		$	57,443

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment acquired during business acquisition	The following is a rollforward of goodwill from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2014 by reportable segment (in thousands):
		TL			LTL			TMS		Total
	Goodwill balance as of December 31, 2012	$	202,547		$	197,456		$	42,140	$	442,143
	Adjustments to goodwill for purchase accounting	(1,906		)	(144		)	4		(2,046		)
	Goodwill related to acquisitions	10,772			—			67,874		78,646
	Goodwill balance as of December 31, 2013	211,413			197,312			110,018		518,743
	Adjustments to goodwill for purchase accounting	(1,253		)	—			238		(1,015		)
	Goodwill related to acquisitions	108,891			—			43,033		151,924
	Goodwill balance as of December 31, 2014	$	319,051		$	197,312		$	153,289	$	669,652
Intangible assets	Intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships acquired from business acquisitions. Intangible assets were as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):
		2014								2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Value		Amount						Value
	TL	$	60,173		$	(8,356	)	$	51,817	$	17,826		$	(5,294	)	$	12,532
	LTL	1,358			(950		)	408		1,358			(723		)	635
	TMS	31,522			(3,869		)	27,653		19,522			(1,326		)	18,196
	Total intangible assets	$	93,053		$	(13,175	)	$	79,878	$	38,706		$	(7,343	)	$	31,363
Estimated amortization expense	Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years based on intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
			Amount
	Year Ending:
	2015		$	8,296
	2016		8,205
	2017		8,084
	2018		7,821
	2019		7,517
	Thereafter		39,955
	Total		$	79,878

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table presents information, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, about the Company’s financial liabilities. Contingent acquisition purchase price is measured at fair value on a recurring basis, according to the valuation techniques the Company used to determine their fair values (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value
	Contingent purchase price related to acquisitions	$	—		$	—		$	7,665		$	7,665
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	7,665		$	7,665
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value
	Contingent purchase price related to acquisitions	$	—		$	—		$	17,054		$	17,054
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	—		$	17,054		$	17,054
Schedule of reconciliation of beginning and ending Level 3 financial liability balance	The table below sets forth a reconciliation of the Company’s beginning and ending Level 3 financial liability balance for the three years ended December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	17,054		$	20,907		$	3,015
	Earnouts related to acquisitions	—			4,288			17,733
	Payment of contingent purchase obligations	(4,804		)	(2,407		)	(284		)
	Adjustment to contingent purchase obligation	(4,585		)	(5,734		)	443
	Balance, end of period	$	7,665		$	17,054		$	20,907

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Senior debt:
	Revolving credit facility	$	235,000		$	22,015
	Term loans	195,000			170,625
	Total debt	430,000			192,640
	Less: Current maturities	(10,000		)	(10,938		)
	Total long-term debt, net of current maturities	$	420,000		$	181,702
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Maturities for each of the next five years based on long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
			Amount
	Year Ending
	2015		10,000
	2016		10,000
	2017		10,000
	2018		10,000
	2019		390,000
	Thereafter		—
	Total		430,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of RSU Activity	The following table summarizes the nonvested restricted stock units as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Number of Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Weighted Average Remaining Contractual
									Term
									(Years)
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2012		142,248			$	16.42		2.8
	Granted		202,523			24.19
	Vested		(43,571	)		16.41
	Forfeitures		(21,729	)		20.19
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2013		279,471			$	21.76		2.8
	Granted		169,300			22.89
	Vested		(87,061	)		20.3
	Forfeitures		(29,574	)		22.25
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2014		332,136			$	22.76		2.5
Schedule of Option Activity	A summary of the option activity under the equity plans for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted Average Remaining Contractual		Aggregate
					Average			Term		Intrinsic
					Exercise			(Years)		Value
					Price
										(In thousands)
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012	1,585,468			$	11.67		3.8		$	10,258
	Granted	—			—
	Exercised	(729,651	)		9.33
	Forfeited	—			—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	855,817			$	13.67		3		$	11,365
	Granted	—			—
	Exercised	(300,716	)		11.35
	Forfeited	—			—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	555,101			$	14.92		1.7		$	4,680

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciling basic weighted average stock outstanding to diluted weighted average stock outstanding	The following table reconciles basic weighted average common stock outstanding to diluted weighted average common stock outstanding (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014	2013	2012
	Basic weighted average common stock outstanding	37,852	36,133	31,040
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options	169	424	442
	Warrants	1,183	1,285	926
	Restricted Stock Units	55	71	17
	Diluted weighted average common stock outstanding	39,259	37,913	32,425

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of the Company’s provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	19,389		$	17,479		$	11,238
	Foreign, state and local	3,448			2,725			2,007
	Deferred:
	Federal	7,068			7,495			9,491
	Foreign, state and local	444			785			654
	Provision for income taxes	$	30,349		$	28,484		$	23,390
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Reconciliation	The Company’s income tax provision varied from the amounts calculated by applying the U.S. statutory income tax rate to the pretax income as shown in the following reconciliations (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal rate	$	28,814		$	27,118		$	21,322
	Meals and entertainment	247			227			195
	State income taxes — net of federal benefit	2,254			2,067			1,794
	Earn out adjustments	(1,381		)	(1,675		)	—
	Other	415			747			79
	Total	$	30,349		$	28,484		$	23,390
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax rate effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant elements of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Current deferred income tax assets:
	Accounts receivable	4,253			1,407
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	4,354			440
	Total	$	8,607		$	1,847
	Noncurrent deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
	Net operating losses	$	758		$	557
	Goodwill and intangible assets	(62,693		)	(39,588		)
	Property and equipment	(32,996		)	(20,411		)
	Deferred compensation	593			1,018
	Total	$	(94,338	)	$	(58,424	)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Commitment and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Aggregate future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases with an initial term in excess of one year were as follows as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Year Ending:	Amount
	2015	$	37,896
	2016	30,586
	2017	24,796
	2018	18,791
	2019	9,375
	Thereafter	9,016

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	TL	999,077			657,967			476,638
	LTL	577,175			558,971			511,006
	TMS	311,362			154,050			91,558
	Eliminations	(14,798		)	(9,578		)	(5,848		)
	Total	1,872,816			1,361,410			1,073,354
	Operating income:
	TL	66,186			43,385			30,070
	LTL	22,981			36,914			35,502
	TMS	21,924			14,742			10,534
	Corporate	(15,405		)	(9,678		)	(7,156		)
	Total operating income	95,686			85,363			68,950
	Interest expense	13,363			7,883			8,030
	Income before provision for income taxes	$	82,323		$	77,480		$	60,920
	Depreciation and amortization:
	TL	16,888			11,143			6,306
	LTL	3,287			3,255			2,422
	TMS	3,732			1,665			771
	Corporate	1,171			248			—
	Total	$	25,078		$	16,311		$	9,499
	Capital expenditures(1):
	TL	34,620			23,128			8,581
	LTL	5,840			4,744			8,213
	TMS	1,551			668			95
	Corporate	2,966			3,006			—
	Total	$	44,977		$	31,546		$	16,889
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Total assets:
	TL	691,096			388,262			339,890
	LTL	782,268			574,214			489,368
	TMS	242,512			162,718			61,076
	Corporate	4,919			2,762			699
	Eliminations	(462,975		)	(256,076		)	(190,225		)
	Total	$	1,257,820		$	871,880		$	700,808

Organization_Nature_of_Busines2

Organization Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Segment
Organization Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	3
Goodwill impairment	$0	$0	$0
Debt issuance cost	6,100,000	5,500,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,957,000	1,476,000	1,461,000
Provision, charged to expense	4,499,000	2,934,000	1,083,000
Write-off, less recoveries	-3,247,000	-1,453,000	-1,068,000
Ending balance	$4,209,000	$2,957,000	$1,476,000
Building and Building Improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	5
Building and Building Improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	15
Furniture and Fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	5
Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	3
Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	15
LTL
Organization Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of service centers	44
Number of delivery agents	180
TL
Organization Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of service centers	47
Number of consolidation facilities	5
Number of dispatch offices	26
Number of independent agents	130
TMS
Organization Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of service centers	11
Number of dispatch offices	9

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	$194,479,000	$127,427,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation	47,629,000	30,869,000
Property and equipment, net	146,850,000	96,558,000
Depreciation expense	19,100,000	13,300,000	7,800,000
Land and Land Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	3,399,000	2,920,000
Building and Building Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	12,777,000	7,089,000
Furniture and Fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	35,434,000	5,602,000
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	$142,869,000	$111,816,000

Property_and_Equipment_Capital

Property and Equipment (Capital leased assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Building and equipment	$975	$975
Less: Accumulated amortization	-540	-461
Capital leased assets, net	$435	$514

Property_and_Equipment_Amortiz

Property and Equipment (Amortization Schedule) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Lease Assets [Line Items]
2014	$285
2015	293
2016	302
2017	311
2018	320
Thereafter	163
Total minimum lease payments	1,674
Less: amount representing interest	684
Present value of net minimum lease payments	990	[1]
Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Capital Lease Assets [Line Items]
Present value of net minimum lease payments	100
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Capital Lease Assets [Line Items]
Present value of net minimum lease payments	$900
[1]	Reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as accrued expenses and other liabilities and other long-term liabilities of $0.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Acquisitions_Details_Textual

Acquisitions (Details Textual) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Aug. 27, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 14, 2014

Jul. 18, 2014

Feb. 24, 2012

Apr. 19, 2012

Jun. 04, 2012

Aug. 01, 2012

Aug. 10, 2012

Dec. 21, 2012

Nov. 05, 2012

Nov. 12, 2012

Apr. 30, 2013

Jul. 25, 2013

Aug. 15, 2013

Sep. 11, 2013

Sep. 18, 2013

Feb. 24, 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount

1.4

Active Aero [Domain]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

27-Aug-14

Consideration Transferred

118

Unitrans [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

14-Mar-14

Consideration Transferred

53.3

ISI [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

18-Jul-14

Consideration Transferred

13

CTL [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

24-Feb-12

Consideration Transferred

6.2

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

0.8

CTL [Member] | 2012

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

1.8

CTL [Member] | 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

1.8

CTL [Member] | TMS

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

0.7

D&E [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

19-Apr-12

Consideration Transferred

11.4

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

5

D&E [Member] | 2012

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2

D&E [Member] | 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2

D&E [Member] | 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2

D&E [Member] | Maximum

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

0.7

D&E [Member] | Minimum

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low

0.1

D&E [Member] | TL

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

1

CTW [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

4-Jun-12

Consideration Transferred

7.6

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

3.5

CTW [Member] | 2012

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2

CTW [Member] | 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2

CTW [Member] | 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2

CTW [Member] | TL

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

2.6

R&M [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

1-Aug-12

Consideration Transferred

24.2

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

5

R&M [Member] | 2012

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

1.7

R&M [Member] | 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

4.5

R&M [Member] | 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

4.5

R&M [Member] | 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

4.5

R&M [Member] | TL

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

4.2

EFS [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

10-Aug-12

Consideration Transferred

10

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

4

EFS [Member] | 2012

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

0.9

EFS [Member] | 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2.3

EFS [Member] | 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2.5

EFS [Member] | 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2.5

EFS [Member] | 2016

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2.8

EFS [Member] | LTL

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

3.1

DCT [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

21-Dec-12

Consideration Transferred

1

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

1

DCT [Member] | 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

0.4

DCT [Member] | 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

0.4

DCT [Member] | 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

0.4

DCT [Member] | TL

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

1

Central Cal [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

5-Nov-12

Consideration Transferred

3.8

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

4

Central Cal [Member] | 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

1.4

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

0.8

Central Cal [Member] | 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

1.4

Central Cal [Member] | 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

1.4

Central Cal [Member] | 2016

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

1.4

Central Cal [Member] | TL

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

3.4

A&A [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

12-Nov-12

Consideration Transferred

24.1

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

2.5

A&A [Member] | 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

3

A&A [Member] | 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

3

A&A [Member] | 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

3

A&A [Member] | 2016

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

3

A&A [Member] | TL

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

2.2

Wando [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

30-Apr-13

Consideration Transferred

9

Adrian [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

30-Apr-13

Consideration Transferred

14.2

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

6.5

Adrian [Member] | 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2.3

Adrian [Member] | 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2.3

Adrian [Member] | 2016

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2.3

Adrian [Member] | 2017

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

2.3

Adrian [Member] | TMS

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

4.3

Marisol [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

25-Jul-13

Consideration Transferred

66

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

2.5

Marisol [Member] | 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

7.8

Marisol [Member] | 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

7.8

Marisol [Member] | TMS

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

0

TA Drayage [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

15-Aug-13

Consideration Transferred

1.2

GW Palmer [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

11-Sep-13

Consideration Transferred

2.5

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

2.8

GW Palmer [Member] | 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

0.9

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

0.7

GW Palmer [Member] | 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

1

GW Palmer [Member] | 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

1

GW Palmer [Member] | 2016

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

1

GW Palmer [Member] | 2017

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

1

GW Palmer [Member] | TL

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

0

YES Trans [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

18-Sep-13

Consideration Transferred

1.2

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

1.1

YES Trans [Member] | 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

0.2

YES Trans [Member] | 2015

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

0.2

YES Trans [Member] | 2016

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

0.2

YES Trans [Member] | 2017

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Basis

0.2

YES Trans [Member] | TL

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability

0

Rich Logistics [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

24-Feb-14

Consideration Transferred

$46.50

Acquisitions_Purchase_Price_Al

Acquisitions (Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$669,652	$518,743	$442,143
Two Thousand Twelve [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivables	15,175
Other current assets	1,240
Property and equipment	32,387
Goodwill	75,407
Customer relationship intangible assets	5,932
Other noncurrent assets	623
Accounts payable and other liabilities	41,787
Total	88,977
Two Thousand Fourteen [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivables	68,128
Other current assets	7,660
Property and equipment	31,153
Goodwill	151,924
Customer relationship intangible assets	54,347
Other noncurrent assets	0
Accounts payable and other liabilities	82,394
Total	230,818
Two Thousand Thirteen [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivables	27,731
Other current assets	922
Property and equipment	14,392
Goodwill	77,631
Customer relationship intangible assets	19,727
Other noncurrent assets	12
Accounts payable and other liabilities	39,767
Total	$100,648

Acquisitions_Acquisitions_Pro_

Acquisitions Acquisitions (Pro Forma) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	$331,700,000	$84,300,000	$73,700,000
Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	19,700,000	3,600,000	9,000,000
Two Thousand Fourteen [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro Forma Revenue	2,103,693,000	1,781,305,000
Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	59,778,000	57,443,000
Two Thousand Thirteen [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro Forma Revenue		1,466,404,000	1,265,698,000
Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)		49,137,000	37,345,000
Two Thousand Twelve [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro Forma Revenue			1,185,927,000
Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)			$38,850,000

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill impairment	$0	$0	$0
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$5,800,000	$3,000,000	$1,700,000
Customer relationships | Minimum
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Period of amortization of intangible assets	5 years
Customer relationships | Maximum
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Period of amortization of intangible assets	12 years

Goodwill_acquired_in_business_

(Goodwill acquired in business combination by reportable segment) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment
Goodwill beginning balance	$518,743	$442,143
Adjustments to goodwill for purchase accounting	-1,015	-2,046
Acquisition during the year	151,924	78,646
Goodwill closing balance	669,652	518,743
LTL
Rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment
Goodwill beginning balance	197,312	197,456
Adjustments to goodwill for purchase accounting	0	-144
Acquisition during the year	0	0
Goodwill closing balance	197,312	197,312
TL
Rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment
Goodwill beginning balance	211,413	202,547
Adjustments to goodwill for purchase accounting	-1,253	-1,906
Acquisition during the year	108,891	10,772
Goodwill closing balance	319,051	211,413
TMS
Rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment
Goodwill beginning balance	110,018	42,140
Adjustments to goodwill for purchase accounting	238	4
Acquisition during the year	43,033	67,874
Goodwill closing balance	$153,289	$110,018

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Customer Relationships Acquired from Business Acquisitions) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Value	$79,878
Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	93,053	38,706
Accumulated Amortization	-13,175	-7,343
Net Carrying Value	79,878	31,363
TL | Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	60,173	17,826
Accumulated Amortization	-8,356	-5,294
Net Carrying Value	51,817	12,532
LTL | Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,358	1,358
Accumulated Amortization	-950	-723
Net Carrying Value	408	635
TMS | Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	31,522	19,522
Accumulated Amortization	-3,869	-1,326
Net Carrying Value	$27,653	$18,196

Amortization_of_Intangibles_De

(Amortization of Intangibles) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated amortization expense
2014	$8,296
2015	8,205
2016	8,084
2017	7,821
2018	7,517
Thereafter	39,955
Net Carrying Value	$79,878

Fair_Value_Measurement_Liabili

Fair Value Measurement (Liabilities on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Contingent Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	$7,665	$17,054
Total liabilities at fair value	7,665	17,054
Level 1
Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Contingent Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Level 2
Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Contingent Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Level 3
Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Total liabilities at fair value	7,665	17,054
Income Approach Valuation Technique | Level 3
Financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Contingent Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	$7,665	$17,054

Fair_Value_Measurement_Reconci

Fair Value Measurement (Reconciliation of Level 3 Liabilities) (Details) (Level 3, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Level 3
Reconciliation of beginning and ending Level 3 financial liability balance
Beginning balance	$17,054	$20,907	$3,015
Earnouts related to acquisition	0	4,288	17,733
Payment of contingent purchase obligation	4,804	2,407	284
Adjustment to contingent purchase obligation	-4,585	-5,734	443
Ending balance	$7,665	$17,054	$20,907

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Senior debt:
Total debt	$430,000	$192,640
Less: Current maturities	-10,000	-10,938
Total long-term debt, net of current maturities	420,000	181,702
Revolving credit facility
Senior debt:
Total debt	235,000	22,015
Term loans
Senior debt:
Total debt	$195,000	$170,625

LongTerm_Debt_Long_Term_Debt_R

Long-Term Debt Long Term Debt (Repayment Schedule) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$10,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	10,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	10,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	10,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	390,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	0
Long-term Debt	$430,000	$192,640

LongTerm_Debt_Details_Textual

Long-Term Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 09, 2014	Aug. 09, 2013	Aug. 03, 2012
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	9-Jul-19
Debt Instrument Maturities Quarterly Repayments of Principal		$2.50
Issuance in letters of credit	18.7
Outstanding letters of credit	30
Total availability under revolving credit facility	96.3
Average interest rate on credit agreement	2.90%
Revolving credit facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility			200	125
Increased revolving credit facility		350
Eurocurrency [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate applicable margin range, Minimum	2.00%
Interest Rate applicable margin range, Maximum	3.00%
Base Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate applicable margin range, Minimum	1.00%
Interest Rate applicable margin range, Maximum	2.00%
Term Loan Facility Maturing [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term loan		$200	$175	$170

Stockholders_Investment_Detail

Stockholders' Investment (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 04, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 14, 2013	Dec. 05, 2012	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 11, 2009
Stockholders' investment:
Common stock, voting rights				one
Issuance of common sock, shares		1,500,000	3,400,000
Price per share						$27	$17.25
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		$38.40	$55.30
Underwriting discounts and commissions		2.3	3.4
Common Stock, Shares, Overallotment	525,000
Proceeds from Sale of Shares, Net of Underwriting Discount and Estimated Expenses	8.5
Additional expenses incurred for public offering		0.3
Sargent Transportation Group
Stockholders' investment:
Number of securities called by warrants								2,269,263
Exercise price of warrants								13.39
Warrants exercised				0	23,491
Bullet [Member]
Stockholders' investment:
Number of securities called by warrants									1,746,971
Exercise price of warrants									8.37
Fair value of warrants on date of issue									$3
Warrants exercised				0	604,722

Preferred_Stock_Details

Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2007
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issued and outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock				5,000
Per share amount of Series A preferred stock			$1,000
Preferred stock dividend annual rate		$40
Series A preferred stock repurchased	5,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$2.30	$1.50	$0.70
Income tax benefit recognized	0.9	0.6	0.3
Options exercisable	555,101	855,817	1,563,725
Exercisable options, weighted average exercise price	$14.92
Exercisable options, contractual term	1 year 8 months 12 days
Exercisable options, intrinsic value	$8.43
2010 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized shares under the plan	2,500,000
Equity Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	10 years
Equity Plan | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	2 years
Equity Plan | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
GTS Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	10 years
GTS Plan | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	2 years
GTS Plan | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$5.70	$4.90
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	2 years 6 months 0 days	2 years 9 months 0 days	2 years 9 months 7 days
Restricted stock units outstanding	332,136	279,471	142,248
Restricted stock units | 2010 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years

ShareBased_Compensation_RSU_Ac

Share-Based Compensation RSU Activity(Details) (Restricted stock units, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted stock units
Number of Restricted Stock Units
Beginning balance	279,471	142,248
Granted	169,300	202,523
Vested	-87,061	-43,571
Forfeitures	-29,574	-21,729
Ending balance	332,136	279,471	142,248
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance	$21.76	$16.42
Granted	$22.89	$24.19
Vested	$20.30	$16.41
Forfeitures	$22.25	$20.19
Ending balance	$22.76	$21.76	$16.42
Additional Disclosure
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	2 years 6 months 0 days	2 years 9 months 0 days	2 years 9 months 7 days

ShareBased_Compensation_Option

Share-Based Compensation Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Shares
Beginning Balance	855,817	1,585,468
Granted	0	0
Exercised	-300,716	729,651
Forfeited	0	0
Ending Balance	555,101	855,817	1,585,468
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning Balance	$13.67	$11.67
Granted	$0	$0
Exercised	$11.35	$9.33
Forfeited	$0	$0
Ending Balance	$14.92	$13.67	$11.67
Remaining Average Contractual Term (Year) and Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	1 year 8 months 12 days	3 years 0 months 10 days	3 years 9 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$4,680	$11,365	$10,258

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Detail

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciling basic to diluted weighted average stock outstanding to diluted weighted average stock outstanding
Basic weighted average stock outstanding		37,852,000	36,133,000	31,040,000
Dilutive weighted average stock outstanding		39,259,000	37,913,000	32,425,000
Additional stock options and warrants outstanding	308,698
Warrants
Reconciling basic to diluted weighted average stock outstanding to diluted weighted average stock outstanding
Warrants		1,183,000	1,285,000	926,000
Employee stock options
Reconciling basic to diluted weighted average stock outstanding to diluted weighted average stock outstanding
Employee stock options		169,000	424,000	442,000
Restricted stock units
Reconciling basic to diluted weighted average stock outstanding to diluted weighted average stock outstanding
Employee stock options		55,000	71,000	17,000

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current
Federal	$19,389	$17,479	$11,238
Foreign, state and local	3,448	2,725	2,007
Deferred
Federal	7,068	7,495	9,491
Foreign, state and local	444	785	654
Total	$30,349	$28,484	$23,390

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_De

Income Taxes (Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Reconciliation
Statutory federal rate	$28,814	$27,118	$21,322
Meals and entertainment	247	227	195
State income taxes — net of federal benefit	2,254	2,067	1,794
Earnout adjustments	-1,381	-1,675	0
Other	415	747	79
Total	$30,349	$28,484	$23,390

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Taxes_De

Income Taxes (Deferred Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Account receivables	$4,253	$1,407
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals	4,354	440
Current deferred income tax assets, net	8,607	1,847
Net operating losses	758	557
Goodwill and intangible assets	62,693	39,588
Property and equipment	32,996	20,411
Deferred compensation	-593	-1,018
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, net	94,338	58,424
Other Long-term Liability
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, net	$94,300	$58,400

Income_Taxes_Textual_Details

Income Taxes Textual (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes Receivable	$7.50	$6.60
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Current	11	6.6
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Noncurrent	103.1	68.7
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Current	2.4	4.8
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Noncurrent	$197.40	$127.20

Guarantees_Details

Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees Expiration Year	2020
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$19.80

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Expense under contribution profit sharing plans	$2,300,000	$1,400,000	$1,100,000
Rent expense	55,000,000	28,700,000	24,000,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2014	37,896,000
2015	30,586,000
2016	24,796,000
2017	18,791,000
2018	9,375,000
Thereafter	9,016,000
Insurance Claims
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Liability and cargo insurance coverage for claims	500,000
Cargo Claims
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Liability and cargo insurance coverage for claims	100,000
Uninsured Risk
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Reserves for estimated uninsured losses	$5,800,000	$5,700,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 12, 2011	Dec. 11, 2009
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual advisory fee					$0.10
Payments made	0.8	0.2
Existing Shareholders
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Period of warrant	8 years
Related party securities called by warrants						1,388,620
Warrants exercised			559,930
Warrant outstanding	274,362
Required Earnout Payments | Sargent
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments made				$0.80

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	3
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Revenues	$1,872,816	$1,361,410	$1,073,354
Operating Income	95,686	85,363	68,950
Interest expense	13,363	7,883	8,030
Income before provision for income taxes	82,323	77,480	60,920
Depreciation and amortization	25,078	16,311	9,499
Capital expenditures	44,977	31,546	16,889
Total assets	1,257,820	871,880	700,808
LTL
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Revenues	577,175	558,971	511,006
Operating Income	22,981	36,914	35,502
Depreciation and amortization	3,287	3,255	2,422
Capital expenditures	5,840	4,744	8,213
Total assets	782,268	574,214	489,368
TL
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Revenues	999,077	657,967	476,638
Operating Income	66,186	43,385	30,070
Depreciation and amortization	16,888	11,143	6,306
Capital expenditures	34,620	23,128	8,581
Total assets	691,096	388,262	339,890
TMS
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Revenues	311,362	154,050	91,558
Operating Income	21,924	14,742	10,534
Depreciation and amortization	3,732	1,665	771
Capital expenditures	1,551	668	95
Total assets	242,512	162,718	61,076
Corporate
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Operating Income	-15,405	-9,678	-7,156
Depreciation and amortization	1,171	248	0
Capital expenditures	2,966	3,006	0
Total assets	4,919	2,762	699
Eliminations
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Revenues	-14,798	-9,578	-5,848
Total assets	($462,975)	($256,076)	($190,225)