Roadrunner Transportation Systems (RRTS) 10-Q 28 Jun 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Jun. 22, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,440,024
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,507,230

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 20,769	$ 25,702
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $11,156 and $10,891, respectively	336,034	321,629
Income tax receivable	14,096	14,749
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	38,728	36,306
Total current assets	409,627	398,386
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $113,027 and $107,037, respectively	157,970	159,547
Other assets:
Goodwill	264,826	264,826
Intangible assets, net	47,852	49,648
Other noncurrent assets	4,215	3,636
Total other assets	316,893	318,110
Total assets	884,490	876,043
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of debt	10,087	9,950
Accounts payable	181,547	171,905
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	106,702	105,409
Total current liabilities	298,336	287,264
Deferred tax liabilities	15,145	14,282
Other long-term liabilities	10,947	10,873
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	184,650	189,460
Preferred stock	286,874	263,317
Total liabilities	795,952	765,196
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders’ investment:
Common stock $.01 par value; 105,000 shares authorized; 38,505 and 38,423 shares issued and outstanding	385	384
Additional paid-in capital	403,613	403,166
Retained deficit	(315,460)	(292,703)
Total stockholders’ investment	88,538	110,847
Total liabilities and stockholders’ investment	$ 884,490	$ 876,043

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$ 11,156	$ 10,891
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 113,027	$ 107,037
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	38,505,000	38,423,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	38,505,000	38,423,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 569,984	$ 478,920
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation costs	400,963	316,285
Personnel and related benefits	75,887	74,410
Other operating expenses	97,499	96,830
Depreciation and amortization	9,065	9,305
Total operating expenses	583,414	496,830
Operating loss	(13,430)	(17,910)
Interest expense:	9,543	6,525
Interest expense - preferred stock	7,115	0
Interest expense - debt	2,428	6,525
Total interest expense	9,543	6,525
Loss before income taxes	(22,973)	(24,435)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	670	(4,492)
Net loss	$ (23,643)	$ (19,943)
Loss per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.61)	$ (0.52)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.61)	$ (0.52)
Weighted average common stock outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	38,451	38,365
Diluted (in shares)	38,451	38,365

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income	$ (23,643)	$ (19,943)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	9,262	9,878
Change in fair value of preferred stock	6,057	0
Amortization of preferred stock issuance costs	1,058	0
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	135	157
Share-based compensation	523	610
Provision for bad debts	1,459	458
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	568	(5,713)
Changes in:
Accounts receivable	(15,269)	31,355
Income tax receivable	653	3,559
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(2,817)	1,613
Accounts payable	9,642	(37,109)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	2,174	7,511
Net cash used in operating activities	(10,198)	(7,624)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(5,699)	(3,930)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	37	530
Net cash used in investing activities	(5,662)	(3,400)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	0	48,279
Payments under revolving credit facilities	0	(22,526)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	557	0
Term debt payments	(5,427)	(3,750)
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	0	842
Preferred stock issuance costs	(1,058)	0
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	17,500	0
Issuance of restricted stock units, net of taxes paid	(75)	(195)
Payment of capital lease obligation	(570)	(642)
Net cash provided by financing activities	10,927	20,324
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(4,933)	9,300
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	25,702	29,513
End of period	20,769	38,813
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	2,154	5,683
Cash refunds from income taxes, net	(562)	(3,001)
Non-cash capital leases and other obligations to acquire assets	$ 276	$ 0

Organization, Nature of Busines

Organization, Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	1. Organization, Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Business Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) is headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois with operations primarily in the United States and is organized in the following three segments: Truckload & Express Services (“TES”), Less-than-Truckload (“LTL”), and Ascent Global Logistics (“Ascent”). Within its TES segment, the Company operates an air and ground expedite and scheduled truckload operating group which serves customers throughout North America, an intermodal services operating group, a temperature controlled truckload operating group, and other truckload and logistics operations. Within its LTL segment, the Company operates service centers, complemented by relationships with numerous pick-up and delivery agents. Within its Ascent segment, the Company provides third-party domestic freight management, international freight forwarding, customs brokerage and retail consolidation solutions. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the Company's opinion, except as noted below with respect to the change in accounting principle and the change in segments, these financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the operations for the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Change in Accounting Principle On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), which was updated in August 2015 by ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). 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. In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-08 (“ASU 2016-08”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). Under ASU 2016-08, when another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, an entity is required to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide the specified good or service (that is, the entity is a principal) or to arrange for that good or service to be provided by another party. When the principal entity satisfies a performance obligation, the entity recognizes revenue in the gross amount. When an entity that is an agent satisfies the performance obligation, that entity recognizes revenue in the amount of any fee or commission to which it expects to be entitled. The Company determined key factors from the five-step process to recognize revenue as prescribed by the new standard that may be applicable to each of the Company's operating businesses that roll up into its three segments. Significant customers and contracts from each business unit were identified and the Company reviewed these contracts. The Company completed the evaluation of the provisions of these contracts and compared the historical accounting policies and practices to the requirements of the new standard including the related qualitative disclosures regarding the potential impact of the effects of the accounting policies and a comparison to the Company's previous revenue recognition policies. The Company determined that certain transactions with customers required a change in the timing of when revenue and related expense is recognized. The guidance was applied only to contracts that were not completed at the date of initial adoption. The Company elected the modified retrospective method which required a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings instead of retrospectively adjusting prior periods. The Company recorded a $0.9 million benefit to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 for the cumulative impact of adoption related to the recognition of in-transit revenue. Results for 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior periods were not adjusted. The adoption of Topic 606 did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The disclosure requirements of Topic 606 are included within the Company's revised revenue recognition accounting policy below. 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 as of 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 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 segments: TES, LTL, and Ascent. The Company changed its segment reporting effective January 1, 2018 when it integrated its truckload brokerage business into the Ascent domestic freight management business. Segment information for prior periods has been revised to align with the new segment structure. Revenue Recognition (effective January 1, 2018) The Company’s revenues are primarily derived from transportation services which includes providing freight and carrier services both domestically and internationally via land, air, and sea. The Company disaggregates revenue among its three segments, TES, LTL and Ascent, as presented in Note 12. Performance Obligations - A performance obligation is created once a customer agreement with an agreed upon transaction price exists. The terms and conditions of the Company’s agreements with customers are generally consistent within each segment. The transaction price is typically fixed and determinable and is not contingent upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of any other event. The transaction price is generally due 30 to 60 days from the date of invoice. The Company’s transportation service is a promise to move freight to a customer’s destination, with the transit period typically being less than one week. The Company views the transportation services it provides to its customers as a single performance obligation. These performance obligations are satisfied and recognized in revenue over the requisite transit period as the customer’s goods move from origin to destination. The Company determines the period to recognize revenue in transit based upon the departure date and the delivery date, which may be estimated if delivery has not occurred as of the reporting date. Determining the transit period and the percentage of completion as of the reporting date requires management to make judgments that affect the timing of revenue recognized. The Company has determined that revenue recognition over the transit period provides a reasonable estimate of the transfer of goods and services to its customers as the Company’s obligation is performed over the transit period. Principal vs. Agent Considerations - The Company utilizes independent contractors and third-party carriers in the performance of some transportation services. The Company evaluates whether its performance obligation is a promise to transfer services to the customer (as the principal) or to arrange for services to be provided by another party (as the agent) using a control model. This evaluation determined that the Company is in control of establishing the transaction price, managing all aspects of the shipments process and taking the risk of loss for delivery, collection, and returns. Based on the Company’s evaluation of the control model, it determined that all of the Company’s major businesses act as the principal rather than the agent within their revenue arrangements and such revenues are reported on a gross basis. Contract Balances and Costs - The Company applies the practical expedient in Topic 606 that permits the Company to not disclose the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of the period as the Company's contracts have an expected length of one year or less. The Company also applies the practical expedient in Topic 606 that permits the recognition of incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of such costs is one year or less. These costs are included purchased transportation costs. New Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which will be effective for the Company in 2019. For financing leases, a lessee is required to: (1) recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments; (2) recognize interest on the lease liability separately from amortization of the right-of-use asset; and (3) classify repayments of the principal portion of the lease liability within financing activities and payments of interest on the lease liability and variable lease payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For operating leases, a lessee is required to: (1) recognize the right-to-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments; (2) recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term generally on a straight-line basis; and (3) classify all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying assets not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company is in the process of evaluating the guidance in ASU 2016-02 and will determine the total impact of the new guidance based on the current lease arrangements that are expected to remain in place. The Company expects adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets given the Company will be required to record operating leases with lease terms greater than 12 months within assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has not yet determined how it will handle lease terms of 12 months or less. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”), which will be effective for the Company in 2018. GAAP currently prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for intra-entity asset transfers other than inventory (e.g. property and equipment) until the asset has been sold to an outside party. Under ASU 2016-16, the FASB decided that an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset when the transfer occurs. ASU 2016-16 does not include any new disclosure requirements; however, existing disclosure around the rate reconciliations and types of temporary differences and/or carryforward that give rise to a significant portion of deferred income taxes may be applicable. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 effective January 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 evaluates goodwill and intangible assets for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired, or in the case of goodwill, the fair value of the reporting unit is below its carrying amount. The analysis of potential impairment of goodwill requires the Company to compare the estimated fair value at each of its reporting units to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, a non-cash goodwill impairment loss is recognized as an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. For purposes of the impairment analysis, the fair value of the Company’s reporting units is estimated based upon an average of the market approach and the income approach, both of which incorporate numerous assumptions and estimates such as company forecasts, discount rates, and growth rates, among others. The determination of the fair value of the reporting units and the allocation of that value to individual assets and liabilities within those reporting units requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to, the selection of appropriate peer group companies, control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which the Company competes, the discount rate, terminal growth rates, and forecasts of revenue, operating income, and capital expenditures. The allocation requires several analyses to determine fair value of assets and liabilities including, among others, customer relationships and property and equipment. Although the Company believes its estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from those estimates due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting units, the amount of the goodwill impairment charge, or both. Future declines in the overall market value of the Company's stock may also result in a conclusion that the fair value of one or more reporting units has declined below its carrying value. The Company has four reporting units for its three segments: one reporting unit for its TES segment; one reporting unit for its LTL segment; and two reporting units for its Ascent segment, which are the Domestic and International Logistics reporting unit and the Warehousing & Consolidation reporting unit. In connection with the change in segments as indicated in Note 1, the Company reallocated $5.8 million of goodwill between the TES and Ascent segments. The Company conducts its goodwill impairment analysis for each of its four reporting units as of July 1 of each year. However, in connection with the change in segments, the Company conducted an impairment analysis as of January 1, 2018 and determined there was no impairment. There were no changes to total goodwill during the first quarter of 2018. The following is a breakdown of the Company's goodwill as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018 by segment (in thousands): TES LTL Ascent Total Goodwill $ 92,926 $ — $ 171,900 $ 264,826 There were no changes to the accumulated goodwill impairment during the first quarter of 2018. In connection with the change in segments as indicated in Note 1, the Company reallocated $25.1 million of accumulated goodwill impairment between the TES and Ascent segments. The following is a breakdown of the Company's accumulated goodwill impairment losses as of March 31, 2018 by segment (in thousands): TES LTL Ascent Total Accumulated goodwill impairment charges $ 132,408 $ 197,312 $ 46,763 $ 376,483 Intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships acquired from business acquisitions. In connection with the change in segments as indicated in Note 1, the Company reallocated net intangible assets of $0.3 million between the TES and Ascent segments. Intangible assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Accumulated Net Carrying Gross Accumulated Net Carrying TES $ 55,008 $ (19,604 ) $ 35,404 $ 55,008 $ (18,470 ) $ 36,538 LTL 2,498 (1,794 ) 704 2,498 (1,748 ) 750 Ascent 27,152 (15,408 ) 11,744 27,152 (14,792 ) 12,360 Total $ 84,658 $ (36,806 ) $ 47,852 $ 84,658 $ (35,010 ) $ 49,648 The customer relationships intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from five to 12 years. Amortization expense was $1.8 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years based on intangible assets as of March 31, 2018 is as follows (in thousands): Remainder 2018 $ 5,327 2019 6,819 2020 6,447 2021 6,265 2022 5,826 Thereafter 17,168 Total $ 47,852

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	. Debt Debt as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, December 31, Revolving credit facility $ 147,037 $ 147,037 Term loans 50,987 55,858 Total debt $ 198,024 $ 202,895 Less: Debt issuance costs and discount (3,287 ) (3,485 ) Total debt, net of debt issuance costs and discount 194,737 199,410 Less: Current maturities (10,087 ) (9,950 ) Total debt, net of current maturities $ 184,650 $ 189,460 On July 21, 2017, the Company entered into the Asset-Based Lending (“ABL”) Facility with BMO Harris Bank, N.A. and certain other lenders (the “ABL Facility”). The Company used the initial proceeds from the ABL Facility for working capital purposes and to redeem all of the outstanding shares of its Series F Preferred Stock. The ABL Facility matures on July 21, 2022. The ABL Facility consists of a: • $200.0 million asset-based revolving line of credit, of which $20.0 million may be used for swing line loans and $30.0 million may be used for letters of credit; • $56.8 million term loan facility; and • $35.0 million asset-based facility available to finance future capital expenditures, which was subsequently terminated before being utilized. Principal on the term loan facility is due in quarterly installments commencing on March 31, 2018. Borrowings under the ABL Facility are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company. Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest at either the (a) LIBOR Rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus an applicable margin in the range of 1.5% to 2.25% , or (b) the Base Rate (as defined in the credit agreement) plus an applicable margin in the range of 0.5% to 1.25% . The ABL Facility contains a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio financial covenant that must be maintained when excess availability falls below a specified amount. The ABL Facility also provides for the issuance of up to $30.0 million in letters of credit. As of March 31, 2018 , the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $16.4 million . Availability under the ABL Facility was $21.6 million as of March 31, 2018 . In addition, the ABL Facility contains negative covenants limiting, among other things, additional indebtedness, transactions with affiliates, additional liens, sales of assets, dividends, investments and advances, prepayments of debt, mergers and acquisitions, and other matters customarily restricted. The ABL Facility also contains customary events of default, including payment defaults, breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, events of bankruptcy and insolvency, failure of any guaranty or security document supporting the credit agreement to be in full force and effect, and a change of control of the Company's business. On December 15, 2017, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the ABL Facility. Pursuant to the First Amendment the ABL Facility was amended to (i) reduce the maximum borrowing amount under the revolving line of credit by $15.0 million and (ii) terminate the asset-based facility available to finance future capital expenditures. On January 30, 2018, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the ABL Facility. Pursuant to the Second Amendment the ABL Facility was further amended to, among other things: (i) permit the Company to enter into an investment agreement with Elliott providing for the issuance of up to $52.5 million of preferred stock; and (ii) increase the applicable margin related to the term loan facility to LIBOR Rate plus 2.25% or Base Rate plus 1.25% . On March 14, 2018, the Company entered into a Third Amendment to the ABL Facility. Pursuant to the Third Amendment the ABL Facility was further amended to, among other things: (i) extend the date for delivery of the Company's consolidated financial statements for the first three quarters of 2017 (unaudited) until April 30, 2018; (ii) extend the date for delivery of the Company's consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2017 (audited) until June 30, 2018; (iii) expand the permitted amount of capital leases and purchase money indebtedness from $35.0 million to $60.0 million ; (iv) require us to pay for a new appraisal to be conducted by the administrative agent for the equipment pledged for the term loan within 60 days; (v) establish an additional availability reserve; and (vi) impose certain collateral reporting requirements. Prior to the ABL Facility, the Company had senior debt that was comprised of a revolving line of credit and a term loan. The senior debt was paid off with the issuance of preferred stock on May 2, 2017.

Preferred Stock (Notes)

Preferred Stock (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Preferred Stock [Text Block]	4. Preferred Stock Preferred stock as of as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, December 31, Preferred stock: Series B Preferred $ 155,761 $ 146,649 Series C Preferred 75,968 76,096 Series D Preferred 2,331 6,672 Series E Preferred 35,643 33,900 Series E-1 Preferred 17,171 — Total Preferred stock $ 286,874 $ 263,317 The preferred stock is mandatorily redeemable and, as such, is presented as a liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. At each preferred stock dividend payment date, the Company has the option to pay the accrued dividends in cash or to defer them. Deferred dividends earn dividend income consistent with the underlying shares of preferred stock. The Company has elected to measure the value of its preferred stock using the fair value method. Under the fair value method, issuance costs are expensed as incurred. On March 1, 2018, the Company entered into the Series E-1 Preferred Stock Investment Agreement (the “Series E-1 Investment Agreement”) with affiliates of Elliott Management Corporation (“Elliott”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to Elliott from time to time until July 30, 2018, an aggregate of up to 54,750 shares of a newly created class of preferred stock designated as Series E-1 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Series E-1 Preferred Stock”), at a purchase price of $1,000 per share for the first 17,500 shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock, $960 per share for the next 18,228 shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock, and $920 per share for the final 19,022 shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock. On March 1, 2018, the parties held an initial closing pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to Elliott 17,500 shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $17.5 million . The proceeds of the sale of such shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock were used to provide working capital to support the Company’s current operations and future growth and to repay a portion of the indebtedness under the ABL Facility as required by the credit agreement governing that facility. Certain terms of the Series E-1 Preferred Stock are as follows: Rank . The Series E-1 Preferred Stock, with respect to payment of dividends, redemption payments, rights (including as to the distribution of assets) upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, or otherwise, ranks (i) senior and prior to the Company’s common stock and other junior securities, and (ii) on parity with the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock, and Series E Preferred Stock. Liquidation Value . Each share of Series E-1 Preferred Stock has an initial liquidation preference equal to $1,000 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends on such share (the “Series E-1 Liquidation Value”). Dividends . Dividends are cumulative from May 2, 2017, which was the date of the Company’s original issuance of shares of preferred stock to Elliott (such date, the “Original Issuance Date”), as a percentage of the Series E-1 Liquidation Value as and when declared by the Company’s Board of Directors and accrue and compound if not paid in cash. Dividends accrue daily and compound quarterly, subject to any adjustments for Triggering Events (as defined in the Series E-1 Certificate of Designations). The annual dividend rate for the shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock is equal to the sum of (i) Adjusted LIBOR (as defined in the Series E-1 Certificate of Designations), plus (ii) 5.25% per annum, plus (iii) an additional rate of 8.5%. The dividend rate increases by 3.0% per annum above the rates described in the preceding sentence upon and during any Triggering Events. Holders of shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock are not entitled to participate in dividends or distributions of any nature paid on or in respect of the Common Stock. Redemption at Maturity . On the sixth anniversary of the Original Issuance Date, the Company will have the obligation to redeem all outstanding shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock for cash at the Series E-1 Liquidation Value. Optional Redemption . The Company may redeem the shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock at any time. The redemption of shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock shall be at a purchase price per share, payable in cash, equal to (i) in the case of a an optional redemption effected on or after the 24 month anniversary of the Original Issuance Date, the Series E-1 Liquidation Value, (ii) in the case of an optional redemption effected on or after the 12 month anniversary of the Original Issuance Date and prior to the 24 month anniversary of the Original Issuance Date, 103.5% of the Series E-1 Liquidation Value and (iii) in the case of an optional redemption effected prior to the 12 month anniversary of the Original Issuance Closing Date, 106.5% of the Series E-1 Liquidation Value. Change of Control . Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the Series E-1 Certificate of Designations), the holders of Series E-1 Preferred Stock may require redemption by the Company of the Series E-1 Preferred Stock at a purchase price per share, payable in cash, equal to either (i) 106.5% of the Series E-1 Liquidation Value if the Change of Control occurs prior to the 24 month anniversary of the Original Issuance Date, or (ii) the Series E-1 Liquidation Value if the Change of Control occurs after the 24 month anniversary of the Original Issuance Date. Voting . The holders of Series E-1 Preferred Stock will generally not be entitled to vote on any matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company. So long as any shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company may not take certain actions without the prior approval of the Preferred Requisite Vote, voting as a separate class. Certain Terms of the Preferred Stock Series B Series C Series D Series E Series E-1 Shares at $0.01 Par Value at Issuance 155,000 55,000 100 90,000 17,500 Shares Outstanding at March 31, 2018 155,000 55,000 100 37,500 17,500 Price / Share $1,000 $1,000 $1.00 $1,000 $1,000 Dividend Rate Adjusted LIBOR + 3.00% + Additional Rate (4.75-12.50%) based on leverage. Additional 3.00% upon certain triggering events. Adjusted LIBOR + 3.00% + Additional Rate (4.75-12.50%) based on leverage. Additional 3.00% upon certain triggering events. Right to participate equally and ratably in all cash dividends paid on common stock. Adjusted LIBOR + 5.25% + Additional Rate (8.50%). Additional 3.00% upon certain triggering events. Adjusted LIBOR + 5.25% + Additional Rate (8.50%). Additional 3.00% upon certain triggering events. Dividend Rate at March 31, 2018 17.059% 17.059% N/A 15.309% 15.309% Redemption Term 8 Years 8 Years 8 Years 6 Years 6 Years Redemption Rights From Closing Date: 12-24 months: 105% 65% premium (subject to stock movement) From Closing Date: 0-12 months: 106.5% From Closing Date: 0-12 months: 106.5% The Company incurred $ 1.1 million of issuance costs associated with the issuance of the Series E-1 Preferred Stock for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , which are reflected in interest expense - preferred stock. The fair value of the preferred stock increased by $6.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 , which is reflected in interest expense - preferred stock.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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. The classification of a financial asset or liability within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company has elected to measure its preferred stock using the fair value method. The fair value of the preferred stock is the estimated amount that would be paid to redeem the liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company calculates the fair value of: • the Series B Preferred Stock using a lattice model that takes into consideration the Company's call right on the instrument based on simulated future interest rates; • the Series C Preferred Stock using a lattice model that takes into consideration the future redemption value on the instrument, which is tied to the Company's stock price; • the Series D Preferred Stock using a static discounted cash flow approach, where the expected redemption value of the instrument is based on the value of the Company's stock as of the measurement date grown at the risk-free rate; and • the Series E and E-1 Preferred Stock via application of both (i) a static discounted cash flow approach and (ii) a lattice model that takes into consideration the Company's call right on this instrument based on simulated future interest rates. These valuations are considered to be Level 3 fair value measurements as the significant inputs are unobservable and require significant management judgment or estimation. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the Company’s estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company, or holders of the instruments, could realize in a current market exchange. Significant assumptions used in the fair value models include: the estimates of the redemption dates; credit spreads; dividend payments; and the market price of the Company’s common stock. The use of different assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair values. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of the Company’s beginning and ending Level 3 preferred stock liability balance as of March 31, 2018 . March 31, Balance, beginning of period $ 263,317 Issuance of preferred stock at fair value 17,500 Redemption of preferred stock — Change in fair value of preferred stock (1) 6,057 Balance, end of period $ 286,874 (1) Change in fair value of preferred stock is reported in interest expense - preferred stock.

Stockholders' Investment

Stockholders' Investment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' investment	. Stockholders’ Investment Changes in stockholders’ investment for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 111,733 $ 197,468 Net loss (23,643 ) (19,943 ) Share-based compensation 523 610 Issuance of restricted stock units, net of taxes paid (75 ) (195 ) Ending balance $ 88,538 $ 177,940 The retained earnings balance as of January 1, 2018 was adjusted by $0.9 million due to the modified retrospective application of the new revenue recognition principles.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	. Earnings Per Share Basic loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average common stock outstanding plus stock equivalents that would arise from the assumed exercise of stock options, the conversion of warrants, and the delivery of stock underlying restricted stock units using the treasury stock method. There is no difference, for any of the periods presented, in the amount of net loss used in the computation of basic and diluted loss per share. The Company had stock options and warrants outstanding of 1,629,105 as of March 31, 2018 and 1,358,895 as of March 31, 2017 that were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share because they were not assumed to be exercised under the treasury stock method or because they were anti-dilutive. All restricted stock units were anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Since the Company was in a net loss position for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, there is no difference between basic and dilutive weighted average common stock outstanding.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	. Income Taxes The effective income tax rate was (2.9)% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 18.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . The provision for (benefit from) income taxes varies from the amount computed by applying the federal corporate income tax rate of 21.0% and 35.0% , respectively, to the loss before income taxes primarily due to state income taxes (net of federal tax effect) and adjustments for permanent differences (primarily the non-deductible interest expense associated with the Company's preferred stock). In determining the provision for (benefit from) income taxes, the Company applied an estimated annual effective tax rate to its ordinary operating results, and calculated the tax benefit or provision, if any, of other discrete items individually as they occurred. The estimated annual effective tax rate was based on expected ordinary operating results, statutory tax rates, and the Company's best estimate of non-deductible and non-taxable items of ordinary income and expense.

Guarantees (Notes)

Guarantees (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	. Guarantees The Company provides a guarantee for a portion of the value of certain independent contractors' (“IC”) leased tractors. The guarantees expire at various dates through 2021 . The potential maximum exposure under these lease guarantees was approximately $10.7 million as of March 31, 2018 . 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. The Company estimated the fair value of its liability under this on-going guarantee to be $1.4 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , which is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The Company began to offer a lease purchase program that did not include a guarantee, and offered newer equipment under factory warranty that was more cost effective. ICs began electing the newer lease purchase program over the legacy lease guarantee programs which led to an increase in unseated legacy tractors. In late 2016, management committed to a plan to divest these older assets and recorded a loss reserve. The loss reserve for the guarantee and reconditioning costs associated with the planned divestiture was $1.5 million and $1.8 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, which was recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The Company paid $0.7 million and $4.0 million under these lease guarantees during the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	. Commitments and Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, the Company is a defendant in several legal proceedings arising out of the conduct of its business. These proceedings include claims for property damage or personal injury incurred in connection with the Company’s services. Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate disposition of these proceedings, the Company does not believe, based upon the information available at this time, that these property damage or personal injury claims, in the aggregate, will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company maintains an aggregate of $100 million of auto liability and general liability insurance. The Company maintains auto liability insurance coverage for claims in excess of $1.0 million per occurrence and cargo coverage for claims in excess of $100,000 per occurrence. The Company is self-insured up to $1.0 million for workers compensation. The Company believes it has adequate insurance to cover losses in excess of the self-insured and deductible amounts. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company had reserves for estimated uninsured losses of $30.2 million and $28.4 million , respectively, included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Jeffrey Cox and David Chidester filed a Complaint against certain of the Company’s subsidiaries in state court in California in a post-acquisition dispute. The Complaint alleges contract, statutory and tort based claims arising out of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated November 2, 2012, between the defendants, as buyers, and the plaintiffs, as sellers, for the purchase of the shares of Central Cal Transportation, Inc. and Double C Transportation, Inc. (the “Central Cal Agreement”). The plaintiffs claim that a contingent purchase obligation payment is due and owing pursuant to the Central Cal Agreement, and that defendants have furnished fraudulent calculations to the plaintiffs to avoid payment. The plaintiffs also claim violations of California’s Labor Code related to the plaintiffs’ respective employment with Central Cal Transportation, LLC. On October 27, 2017, the state court granted the Company’s motion to compel arbitration of all non-employment claims alleged in the Complaint. The plaintiffs are now required to comply with the dispute resolution process outlined in the Central Cal Agreement, and submit the dispute to a Settlement Accountant. In February 2018, Plaintiff David Chidester agreed to dismiss his employment-related claims from the Los Angeles Superior Court matter, while Plaintiff Jeffrey Cox transferred his employment claims from Los Angeles Superior Court to the related employment case pending in the Eastern District of California. The parties are proceeding with discovery. In addition to the legal proceeding described above, the Company is a defendant in various purported class-action lawsuits alleging violations of various California labor laws and one purported class-action lawsuit alleging violations of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Additionally, the California Division of Labor Standards and Enforcement has brought administrative actions against the Company alleging that the Company violated various California labor laws. In 2017 and 2018, the Company reached settlement agreements on a number of these labor related lawsuits and administrative actions. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company recorded a reserve for settlements, litigation, and defense costs related to these labor matters and post-acquisition disputes of $12.2 million and $13.2 million , respectively, which are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Following the Company's press release on January 30, 2017, three putative class actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin against the Company and its former officers, Mark A. DiBlasi and Peter R. Armbruster. On May 19, 2017, the Court consolidated the actions under the caption In re Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc. Securities Litigation (Case No. 17-cv-00144), and appointed Public Employees’ Retirement System as lead plaintiff. On March 12, 2018, the lead plaintiff filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint (“CAC”) on behalf of a class of persons who purchased the Company’s common stock between March 14, 2013 and January 30, 2017, inclusive. The CAC alleges (i) the Company and Messrs. DiBlasi and Armbruster violated Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5, and (ii) Messrs. DiBlasi and Armbruster, the Company’s former Chairman Scott Rued, HCI Equity Partners, L.L.C., and HCI Equity Management, L.P. violated Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, by making or causing to be made materially false or misleading statements, or failing to disclose material facts, regarding (a) the accuracy of the Company’s financial statements; (b) the Company’s true earnings and expenses; (c) the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and controls over financial reporting; (d) the true nature and depth of financial risk associated with the Company’s tractor lease guaranty program; (e) the Company’s leverage ratios and compliance with its credit facilities; and (f) the value of the goodwill the Company carried on its balance sheet. The CAC seeks certification as a class action, compensatory damages, and attorney’s fees and costs. The parties are currently engaged in mediation. On May 25, 2017, Richard Flanagan filed a complaint alleging derivative claims on the Company's behalf in the Circuit Court of Milwaukee County, State of Wisconsin (Case No. 17-cv-004401) against Scott Rued, Mark DiBlasi, Christopher Doerr, John Kennedy, III, Brian Murray, James Staley, Curtis Stoelting, William Urkiel, Judith Vijums, Michael Ward, Chad Utrup, Ivor Evans, Peter Armbruster, and Brian van Helden. Count I of the Complaint alleges the Director Defendants breached their fiduciary duties by “knowingly failing to ensure that the Company implemented and maintained adequate internal controls over its accounting and financial reporting functions,” and seeks unspecified damages. Count II of the Complaint alleges the Officer Defendants DiBlasi, Armbruster, and van Helden received substantial performance-based compensation and bonuses for fiscal year 2014 that should be disgorged. The action has been stayed by agreement pending a decision on an anticipated motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint filed in the securities class action described above. The parties are currently engaged in mediation. On June 28, 2017, Jesse Kent filed a complaint alleging derivative claims on the Company's behalf and class action claims in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. On December 22, 2017, Chester County Employees Retirement Fund filed a Complaint alleging derivative claims on the Company's behalf in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. On March 21, 2018, the Court entered an order consolidating the Kent and Chester County actions under the caption In re Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc. Stockholder Derivative Litigation (Case No. 17-cv-00893). On March 28, 2018, Plaintiffs filed their Verified Consolidated Shareholder Derivative Complaint alleging claims on behalf of the Company against Peter Armbruster, Mark DiBlasi, Scott Dobak, Christopher Doerr, Ivor Evans, Brian van Helden, John Kennedy III, Ralph Kittle, Brian Murray, Scott Rued, James Staley, Curtis Stoelting, William Urkiel, Chad Utrup, Judith Vijums, and Michael Ward. Count I alleges that several of the Defendants violated Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 based upon alleged misrepresentations and omissions in several of the Company’s proxy statements. Count II alleges that all the Defendants breached their fiduciary duty. Count III alleges that all the Defendants wasted corporate assets. Count IV alleges that certain of the Defendants were unjustly enriched. The Complaint seeks monetary damages, improvements to the Company’s corporate governance and internal procedures, an accounting from Defendants of the damages allegedly caused by them and the improper amounts the Defendants allegedly obtained, and punitive damages. The parties are currently engaged in mediation. In addition, subsequent to the Company's announcement that certain previously filed financial statements should not be relied upon, the Company was contacted by the SEC, FINRA, and the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and Division of Enforcement of the SEC have commenced investigations into the events giving rise to the restatement. The Company has received formal requests for documents and other information. In addition, in June 2018 two of the Company's former employees were indicted on charges of conspiracy, securities fraud, and wire fraud as part of the ongoing DOJ and SEC investigation. The Company is cooperating fully with the joint DOJ and SEC investigation. Given the status of the matters above, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the potential costs or range of costs at this time.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related party transactions	11. Related Party Transactions The Company had an advisory agreement with HCI Equity Management L.P. (“HCI”) that required the Company to pay transaction fees and an annual advisory fee of $0.1 million . On May 2, 2017, the Company and HCI entered into a Termination Agreement in which HCI waived the Company’s payment of any and all unpaid fees and expenses accrued under the advisory agreement through May 2, 2017. The Company's operating companies have contracts with certain purchased transportation providers that are considered related parties. The Company paid an aggregate of $6.6 million and $2.6 million to these purchased transportation providers during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company has a number of facility leases with related parties and paid an aggregate of $0.4 million and $0.8 million under these leases during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company owns 37.5% of CML which operates as one of the Company's brokerage agents. The Company paid CML broker commissions of $0.7 million and $0.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company has a jet fuel purchase agreement with a related party and paid an aggregate of $0.6 million and $0.5 million under this agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company leases certain equipment through leasing companies owned by related parties and paid an aggregate of $0.7 million and $0.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment reporting	12. Segment Reporting The Company determines its 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 segments: TES, LTL, and Ascent. The Company changed its segment reporting in 2018 when it integrated its truckload brokerage business into the Ascent domestic freight management business. Segment information for prior periods has been revised to align with the new segment structure. 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 corporate, which is not a segment and includes corporate salaries, insurance and administrative costs, and long-term incentive compensation expense. The following table reflects certain financial data of the Company’s segments for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 and as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Revenues: TES $ 326,067 $ 227,487 LTL 113,125 108,776 Ascent 134,943 145,472 Eliminations (4,151 ) (2,815 ) Total $ 569,984 $ 478,920 Operating (loss) income: TES $ 4,400 $ (1,721 ) LTL (8,684 ) (2,721 ) Ascent 6,707 7,635 Corporate (15,853 ) (21,103 ) Total $ (13,430 ) $ (17,910 ) Interest expense 9,543 6,525 Loss before income taxes $ (22,973 ) $ (24,435 ) Depreciation and amortization: TES $ 6,296 $ 6,276 LTL 913 961 Ascent 1,188 1,656 Corporate 668 412 Total $ 9,065 $ 9,305 Capital expenditures: TES $ 2,997 $ 3,344 LTL 200 244 Ascent 354 282 Corporate 2,424 60 Total $ 5,975 $ 3,930 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assets: TES $ 478,020 $ 458,945 LTL 79,620 79,065 Ascent 248,732 271,400 Corporate 80,686 68,445 Eliminations (1) (2,568 ) (1,812 ) Total $ 884,490 $ 876,043 (1) Eliminations represents intercompany trade receivable balances between the three segments.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Series E-1 Preferred Stock Investment Agreement and related issuances On April 24, 2018, pursuant to the Series E-1 Investment Agreement with Elliott, the Company issued and sold to Elliott an additional 18,228 shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $17.5 million . The proceeds of the sale of such shares of Series E-1 Preferred Stock were used to provide working capital to support the Company’s current operations and future growth and to repay a portion of the indebtedness under the ABL Facility as required by the credit agreement governing that facility.

Organization, Nature of Busin19

Organization, Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business	Nature of Business Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) is headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois with operations primarily in the United States and is organized in the following three segments: Truckload & Express Services (“TES”), Less-than-Truckload (“LTL”), and Ascent Global Logistics (“Ascent”). Within its TES segment, the Company operates an air and ground expedite and scheduled truckload operating group which serves customers throughout North America, an intermodal services operating group, a temperature controlled truckload operating group, and other truckload and logistics operations. Within its LTL segment, the Company operates service centers, complemented by relationships with numerous pick-up and delivery agents. Within its Ascent segment, the Company provides third-party domestic freight management, international freight forwarding, customs brokerage and retail consolidation solutions.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the Company's opinion, except as noted below with respect to the change in accounting principle and the change in segments, these financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the operations for the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
Changes in Accounting Principles	Change in Accounting Principle On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), which was updated in August 2015 by ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). 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. In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-08 (“ASU 2016-08”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). Under ASU 2016-08, when another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, an entity is required to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide the specified good or service (that is, the entity is a principal) or to arrange for that good or service to be provided by another party. When the principal entity satisfies a performance obligation, the entity recognizes revenue in the gross amount. When an entity that is an agent satisfies the performance obligation, that entity recognizes revenue in the amount of any fee or commission to which it expects to be entitled. The Company determined key factors from the five-step process to recognize revenue as prescribed by the new standard that may be applicable to each of the Company's operating businesses that roll up into its three segments. Significant customers and contracts from each business unit were identified and the Company reviewed these contracts. The Company completed the evaluation of the provisions of these contracts and compared the historical accounting policies and practices to the requirements of the new standard including the related qualitative disclosures regarding the potential impact of the effects of the accounting policies and a comparison to the Company's previous revenue recognition policies. The Company determined that certain transactions with customers required a change in the timing of when revenue and related expense is recognized. The guidance was applied only to contracts that were not completed at the date of initial adoption. The Company elected the modified retrospective method which required a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings instead of retrospectively adjusting prior periods. The Company recorded a $0.9 million benefit to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 for the cumulative impact of adoption related to the recognition of in-transit revenue. Results for 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior periods were not adjusted. The adoption of Topic 606 did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The disclosure requirements of Topic 606 are included within the Company's revised revenue recognition accounting policy below.
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 as of 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.
Revenue Recognition, Policy	Revenue Recognition (effective January 1, 2018) The Company’s revenues are primarily derived from transportation services which includes providing freight and carrier services both domestically and internationally via land, air, and sea. The Company disaggregates revenue among its three segments, TES, LTL and Ascent, as presented in Note 12. Performance Obligations - A performance obligation is created once a customer agreement with an agreed upon transaction price exists. The terms and conditions of the Company’s agreements with customers are generally consistent within each segment. The transaction price is typically fixed and determinable and is not contingent upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of any other event. The transaction price is generally due 30 to 60 days from the date of invoice. The Company’s transportation service is a promise to move freight to a customer’s destination, with the transit period typically being less than one week. The Company views the transportation services it provides to its customers as a single performance obligation. These performance obligations are satisfied and recognized in revenue over the requisite transit period as the customer’s goods move from origin to destination. The Company determines the period to recognize revenue in transit based upon the departure date and the delivery date, which may be estimated if delivery has not occurred as of the reporting date. Determining the transit period and the percentage of completion as of the reporting date requires management to make judgments that affect the timing of revenue recognized. The Company has determined that revenue recognition over the transit period provides a reasonable estimate of the transfer of goods and services to its customers as the Company’s obligation is performed over the transit period. Principal vs. Agent Considerations - The Company utilizes independent contractors and third-party carriers in the performance of some transportation services. The Company evaluates whether its performance obligation is a promise to transfer services to the customer (as the principal) or to arrange for services to be provided by another party (as the agent) using a control model. This evaluation determined that the Company is in control of establishing the transaction price, managing all aspects of the shipments process and taking the risk of loss for delivery, collection, and returns. Based on the Company’s evaluation of the control model, it determined that all of the Company’s major businesses act as the principal rather than the agent within their revenue arrangements and such revenues are reported on a gross basis. Contract Balances and Costs - The Company applies the practical expedient in Topic 606 that permits the Company to not disclose the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of the period as the Company's contracts have an expected length of one year or less. The Company also applies the practical expedient in Topic 606 that permits the recognition of incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of such costs is one year or less. These costs are included purchased transportation costs.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company determines its 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 segments: TES, LTL, and Ascent. The Company changed its segment reporting effective January 1, 2018 when it integrated its truckload brokerage business into the Ascent domestic freight management business. Segment information for prior periods has been revised to align with the new segment structure.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which will be effective for the Company in 2019. For financing leases, a lessee is required to: (1) recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments; (2) recognize interest on the lease liability separately from amortization of the right-of-use asset; and (3) classify repayments of the principal portion of the lease liability within financing activities and payments of interest on the lease liability and variable lease payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For operating leases, a lessee is required to: (1) recognize the right-to-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments; (2) recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term generally on a straight-line basis; and (3) classify all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying assets not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company is in the process of evaluating the guidance in ASU 2016-02 and will determine the total impact of the new guidance based on the current lease arrangements that are expected to remain in place. The Company expects adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheets given the Company will be required to record operating leases with lease terms greater than 12 months within assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has not yet determined how it will handle lease terms of 12 months or less. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”), which will be effective for the Company in 2018. GAAP currently prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for intra-entity asset transfers other than inventory (e.g. property and equipment) until the asset has been sold to an outside party. Under ASU 2016-16, the FASB decided that an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset when the transfer occurs. ASU 2016-16 does not include any new disclosure requirements; however, existing disclosure around the rate reconciliations and types of temporary differences and/or carryforward that give rise to a significant portion of deferred income taxes may be applicable. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 effective January 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment	TES LTL Ascent Total Goodwill $ 92,926 $ — $ 171,900 $ 264,826
ScheduleofAccumulatedImpairmentLoss [Table Text Block]	TES LTL Ascent Total Accumulated goodwill impairment charges $ 132,408 $ 197,312 $ 46,763 $ 376,483
Intangible assets	March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Accumulated Net Carrying Gross Accumulated Net Carrying TES $ 55,008 $ (19,604 ) $ 35,404 $ 55,008 $ (18,470 ) $ 36,538 LTL 2,498 (1,794 ) 704 2,498 (1,748 ) 750 Ascent 27,152 (15,408 ) 11,744 27,152 (14,792 ) 12,360 Total $ 84,658 $ (36,806 ) $ 47,852 $ 84,658 $ (35,010 ) $ 49,648
Estimated amortization expense	Remainder 2018 $ 5,327 2019 6,819 2020 6,447 2021 6,265 2022 5,826 Thereafter 17,168 Total $ 47,852

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	March 31, December 31, Revolving credit facility $ 147,037 $ 147,037 Term loans 50,987 55,858 Total debt $ 198,024 $ 202,895 Less: Debt issuance costs and discount (3,287 ) (3,485 ) Total debt, net of debt issuance costs and discount 194,737 199,410 Less: Current maturities (10,087 ) (9,950 ) Total debt, net of current maturities $ 184,650 $ 189,460

Preferred Stock (Tables)

Preferred Stock (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]	Preferred stock as of as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, December 31, Preferred stock: Series B Preferred $ 155,761 $ 146,649 Series C Preferred 75,968 76,096 Series D Preferred 2,331 6,672 Series E Preferred 35,643 33,900 Series E-1 Preferred 17,171 — Total Preferred stock $ 286,874 $ 263,317 Certain Terms of the Preferred Stock Series B Series C Series D Series E Series E-1 Shares at $0.01 Par Value at Issuance 155,000 55,000 100 90,000 17,500 Shares Outstanding at March 31, 2018 155,000 55,000 100 37,500 17,500 Price / Share $1,000 $1,000 $1.00 $1,000 $1,000 Dividend Rate Adjusted LIBOR + 3.00% + Additional Rate (4.75-12.50%) based on leverage. Additional 3.00% upon certain triggering events. Adjusted LIBOR + 3.00% + Additional Rate (4.75-12.50%) based on leverage. Additional 3.00% upon certain triggering events. Right to participate equally and ratably in all cash dividends paid on common stock. Adjusted LIBOR + 5.25% + Additional Rate (8.50%). Additional 3.00% upon certain triggering events. Adjusted LIBOR + 5.25% + Additional Rate (8.50%). Additional 3.00% upon certain triggering events. Dividend Rate at March 31, 2018 17.059% 17.059% N/A 15.309% 15.309% Redemption Term 8 Years 8 Years 8 Years 6 Years 6 Years Redemption Rights From Closing Date: 12-24 months: 105% 65% premium (subject to stock movement) From Closing Date: 0-12 months: 106.5% From Closing Date: 0-12 months: 106.5%

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
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 preferred stock liability balance as of March 31, 2018 . March 31, Balance, beginning of period $ 263,317 Issuance of preferred stock at fair value 17,500 Redemption of preferred stock — Change in fair value of preferred stock (1) 6,057 Balance, end of period $ 286,874

Stockholders' Investment (Table

Stockholders' Investment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in stockholders' investment	Changes in stockholders’ investment for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 111,733 $ 197,468 Net loss (23,643 ) (19,943 ) Share-based compensation 523 610 Issuance of restricted stock units, net of taxes paid (75 ) (195 ) Ending balance $ 88,538 $ 177,940

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Revenues: TES $ 326,067 $ 227,487 LTL 113,125 108,776 Ascent 134,943 145,472 Eliminations (4,151 ) (2,815 ) Total $ 569,984 $ 478,920 Operating (loss) income: TES $ 4,400 $ (1,721 ) LTL (8,684 ) (2,721 ) Ascent 6,707 7,635 Corporate (15,853 ) (21,103 ) Total $ (13,430 ) $ (17,910 ) Interest expense 9,543 6,525 Loss before income taxes $ (22,973 ) $ (24,435 ) Depreciation and amortization: TES $ 6,296 $ 6,276 LTL 913 961 Ascent 1,188 1,656 Corporate 668 412 Total $ 9,065 $ 9,305 Capital expenditures: TES $ 2,997 $ 3,344 LTL 200 244 Ascent 354 282 Corporate 2,424 60 Total $ 5,975 $ 3,930 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assets: TES $ 478,020 $ 458,945 LTL 79,620 79,065 Ascent 248,732 271,400 Corporate 80,686 68,445 Eliminations (1) (2,568 ) (1,812 ) Total $ 884,490 $ 876,043 (1) Eliminations represents intercompany trade receivable balances between the three segments.

Organization Nature of Business

Organization Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)Segment	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Operations [Line Items]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	$ (315,460)		$ (292,703)
Number of operating segments | Segment	3
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Operations [Line Items]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		$ 900

(Narrative) (Details)

(Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)SegmentUnits	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | Segment	3
Number of reporting units | Units	4
Goodwill	$ 264,826		$ 264,826
Finite-lived intangible assets	47,852		49,648
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 1,800	$ 2,100
Customer Relationships | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Period of amortization of intangible assets	5 years
Customer Relationships | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Period of amortization of intangible assets	12 years
TES [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of reporting units | Units	1
Goodwill	$ 92,926
Finite-lived intangible assets	$ 35,404		36,538
LTL
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of reporting units | Units	1
Goodwill	$ 0
Finite-lived intangible assets	$ 704		$ 750

(Goodwill acquired in business

(Goodwill acquired in business combination by reportable segment) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)Units	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of reporting units | Units	4
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 376,483
Rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment
Goodwill	$ 264,826	$ 264,826
TES [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of reporting units | Units	1
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 132,408
Rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment
Goodwill	$ 92,926
LTL [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of reporting units | Units	1
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 197,312
Rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment
Goodwill	$ 0
Ascent [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of reporting units | Units	2
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 46,763
Rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment
Goodwill	171,900
Adjustments | TES And Ascent [Member]
Rollforward of goodwill by reportable segment
Goodwill	5,800
Adjustments | TES [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 25,100

(Intangible Assets Acquired fro

(Intangible Assets Acquired from Business Acquisitions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 1,800	$ 2,100
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	84,658		$ 84,658
Accumulated Amortization	(36,806)		(35,010)
Net Carrying Value	47,852		49,648
TES [Member]
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	55,008		55,008
Accumulated Amortization	(19,604)		(18,470)
Net Carrying Value	35,404		36,538
LTL
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	2,498		2,498
Accumulated Amortization	(1,794)		(1,748)
Net Carrying Value	704		750
Ascent [Member]
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	27,152		27,152
Accumulated Amortization	(15,408)		(14,792)
Net Carrying Value	11,744		$ 12,360
Adjustments | TES And Ascent [Member]
Intangible assets
Net Carrying Value	$ 300

(Amortization of Intangibles) (

(Amortization of Intangibles) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Estimated amortization expense
Remainder 2,016	$ 5,327
2,017	6,819
2,018	6,447
2,019	6,265
2,020	5,826
Thereafter	17,168
Net Carrying Value	$ 47,852	$ 49,648

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Senior debt:
Less: Debt issuance costs and discount	$ (3,287)	$ (3,485)
Total debt, net of debt issuance costs and discount	194,737	199,410
Less: Current maturities	(10,087)	(9,950)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	184,650	189,460
Revolving credit facility
Senior debt:
Total debt	147,037	147,037
Term loans [Member]
Senior debt:
Total debt	50,987	55,858
ABL Facility [Member]
Senior debt:
Total debt	$ 198,024	$ 202,895

Long-Term Debt (Details Textual

Long-Term Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 14, 2018	Dec. 15, 2017	Jul. 21, 2017
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Letter of Credit		$ 30
Outstanding letters of credit		16.4
Total availability under revolving credit facility		$ 21.6
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity	$ 52.5
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.25%
Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Capital Leases and Purchase Money Indebtedness				$ 35
Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Capital Leases and Purchase Money Indebtedness				$ 60
ABL Facility [Member] | Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.50%
ABL Facility [Member] | Minimum | Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.50%
ABL Facility [Member] | Maximum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.25%
ABL Facility [Member] | Maximum | Base Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.25%
ABL Facility [Member] | Revolving credit facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					$ 15	$ 200
ABL Facility [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						20
ABL Facility [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						30
ABL Facility [Member] | Term Loan Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						56.8
ABL Facility [Member] | Asset-Based Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						$ 35

Preferred Stock (Details)

Preferred Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs		$ 1,058	$ 0
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction		54,750
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity	$ 52,500
PreferredStockFairValue		$ 286,874		$ 263,317
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		155,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share		$ 1,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		155,000
PreferredStockFairValue		$ 155,761		146,649
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage		17.059%
Preferred Stock, Redemption Term		8 years
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		55,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share		$ 1,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		55,000
PreferredStockFairValue		$ 75,968		76,096
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage		17.059%
Preferred Stock, Redemption Term		8 years
Series D Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		100
Shares Issued, Price Per Share		$ 1
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		100
PreferredStockFairValue		$ 2,331		6,672
Preferred Stock, Redemption Term		8 years
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		90,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share		$ 1,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,500
PreferredStockFairValue		$ 35,643		33,900
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage		15.309%
Preferred Stock, Redemption Term		6 years
Series E-1 Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction		17,500
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		17,500
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity		$ 17,500
Shares Issued, Price Per Share		$ 1,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		17,500
PreferredStockFairValue		$ 17,171		$ 0
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage		15.309%
Preferred Stock, Redemption Term		6 years
Series E-1 Preferred Stock Tranche 2
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction		18,228
Shares Issued, Price Per Share		$ 960
Series E-1 Preferred Stock Tranche 3
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction		19,022
Shares Issued, Price Per Share		$ 920

Fair Value Measurement Fair Val

Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Measurement (Reconciliation of Level 3 Liabilities) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Balance, end of period	$ 286,874
Level 3
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Issuances	17,500
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6,057
Balance, end of period	$ 263,317

Stockholders' Investment (Detai

Stockholders' Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	$ (315,460)			$ (292,703)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	111,733	$ 197,468
Net Income	(23,643)	(19,943)
Share-based compensation	523	610
Issuance of restricted stock units, net of taxes paid	(75)	(195)
Ending balance	$ 88,538	$ 177,940
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			$ 900

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,629,105	1,358,895

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	(2.90%)	18.40%
Federal corporate income tax rate	35.00%

Guarantees (Details)

Guarantees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantees ExpirationYear	2,021
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 10.7
Loss Contingency Accrual	1.5		$ 1.8
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments	0.7	$ 4
Property Lease Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$ 1.4

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserves for estimated uninsured losses	$ 1,500,000	$ 1,800,000
Insurance Claims
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Liability and cargo insurance coverage for claims	1,000,000
Cargo Claims
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Liability and cargo insurance coverage for claims	100,000
Uninsured Risk
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserves for estimated uninsured losses	30,200,000	28,400,000
Legal Reserve [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserves for estimated uninsured losses	$ 12,200,000	$ 13,200,000

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 12, 2011
Advisory Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual advisory fee			$ 0.1
Dedicated Carriers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party payment	$ 6.6	$ 2.6
Facilities Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party payment	0.4	0.8
Fuel Purchase Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party payment	0.6	0.5
Equipment Leases
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party payment	$ 0.7	0.3
Central Minnesota Logistics, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	37.50%
Central Minnesota Logistics, Inc. [Member] | Broker Commissions
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party payment	$ 0.7	$ 0.6

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)Segment	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | Segment	3
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Revenues	$ 569,984	$ 478,920
Operating Income	(13,430)	(17,910)
Interest expense:	9,543	6,525
Income before provision for income taxes	(22,973)	(24,435)
Depreciation and amortization	9,065	9,305
Capital expenditures, cash and non-cash	5,975	3,930
Total assets	884,490		$ 876,043
Operating Segments | TES [Member]
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Revenues	326,067	227,487
Operating Income	4,400	(1,721)
Depreciation and amortization	6,296	6,276
Capital expenditures, cash and non-cash	2,997	3,344
Total assets	478,020		458,945
Operating Segments | LTL
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Revenues	113,125	108,776
Operating Income	(8,684)	(2,721)
Depreciation and amortization	913	961
Capital expenditures, cash and non-cash	200	244
Total assets	79,620		79,065
Operating Segments | Ascent [Member]
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Revenues	134,943	145,472
Operating Income	6,707	7,635
Depreciation and amortization	1,188	1,656
Capital expenditures, cash and non-cash	354	282
Total assets	248,732		271,400
Eliminations
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Revenues	(4,151)	(2,815)
Total assets	(2,568)		(1,812)
Corporate
Schedule of financial data of reportable segments
Operating Income	(15,853)	(21,103)
Depreciation and amortization	668	412
Capital expenditures, cash and non-cash	2,424	$ 60
Total assets	$ 80,686		$ 68,445

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 30, 2018	May 24, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction			54,750
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity	$ 52.5
Series E-1 Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction			17,500
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity			$ 17.5
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued			17,500
Shares Issued, Price Per Share			$ 1,000
Preferred Stock, Redemption Term			6 years
Series E-1 Preferred Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction		18,228
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity		$ 17.5
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued			155,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share			$ 1,000
Preferred Stock, Redemption Term			8 years
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued			55,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share			$ 1,000
Preferred Stock, Redemption Term			8 years
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued			90,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share			$ 1,000
Preferred Stock, Redemption Term			6 years
Series D Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued			100
Shares Issued, Price Per Share			$ 1
Preferred Stock, Redemption Term			8 years