Knight-Swift Transportation (KNX) 10-Q 2 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 25, 2017
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	SWFT
Entity Registrant Name	SWIFT TRANSPORTATION Co
Entity Central Index Key	1,492,691
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		83,539,116
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,741,938

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 61,770	$ 89,391
Cash and cash equivalents – restricted		54,945	57,046
Restricted investments, held to maturity, amortized cost	[1]	22,859	22,717
Accounts receivable, net		396,251	408,593
Equipment sales receivable		2,243	0
Income tax refund receivable		272	206
Inventories and supplies		16,663	16,630
Assets held for sale		5,333	6,969
Prepaid taxes, licenses, insurance, and other		48,557	47,038
Current portion of notes receivable		6,414	6,961
Total current assets		615,307	655,551
Property and equipment, at cost:
Revenue and service equipment		2,229,531	2,266,137
Land		132,335	132,084
Facilities and improvements		283,949	281,390
Furniture and office equipment		109,189	113,880
Total property and equipment		2,755,004	2,793,491
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(1,271,973)	(1,244,890)
Net property and equipment		1,483,031	1,548,601
Other assets		23,511	21,953
Intangible assets, net		262,101	266,305
Goodwill		253,256	253,256
Total assets		2,637,206	2,745,666
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		114,147	115,063
Accrued liabilities		163,033	132,712
Current portion of claims accruals		86,191	80,866
Current portion of long-term debt		5,946	8,459
Current portion of capital lease obligations		60,060	72,473
Total current liabilities		429,377	409,573
Revolving line of credit	[2],[3]	10,000	130,000
Long-term debt, less current portion		470,932	493,346
Capital lease obligations, less current portion		151,468	161,463
Claims accruals, less current portion		174,662	165,726
Deferred income taxes		408,795	427,722
Accounts receivable securitization		304,374	279,285
Other liabilities		5,804	6,296
Total liabilities		1,955,412	2,073,411
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 10 and 11)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock		0	0
Class A common stock		835	833
Class B common stock		497	497
Additional paid-in capital		688,234	701,065
Accumulated deficit		(7,874)	(30,242)
Noncontrolling interest		102	102
Total stockholders’ equity		681,794	672,255
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$ 2,637,206	$ 2,745,666
Preferred stock, par value		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized		10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued		0	0
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders’ equity:
Total stockholders’ equity		$ 835	$ 833
Common stock, par value		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized		500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued		83,518,819	83,299,118
Common stock, shares outstanding		83,518,819	83,299,118
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders’ equity:
Total stockholders’ equity		$ 497	$ 497
Common stock, par value		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized		250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued		49,741,938	49,741,938
Common stock, shares outstanding		49,741,938	49,741,938
Common stock, shares outstanding		49,741,938	49,741,938
[1]	Restricted investments are included in "Restricted investments, held to maturity, amortized cost."
[2]	Refer to Note 14 for information regarding the fair value of long-term debt.
[3]	The Company also had outstanding letters of credit under the Revolver, primarily related to workers' compensation and self-insurance liabilities of $95.2 million at March 31, 2017 and $97.0 million at December 31, 2016.

Consolidated Income Statements

Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Operating revenue:
Revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue	$ 871,090	$ 906,913
Fuel surcharge revenue	92,741	60,910
Operating revenue	963,831	967,823
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits	283,338	288,633
Operating supplies and expenses	104,119	90,215
Fuel	94,961	74,987
Purchased transportation	265,511	267,309
Rental expense	55,694	56,252
Insurance and claims	50,176	47,710
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	67,769	66,951
Amortization of intangibles	4,204	4,204
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	(4,195)	(6,326)
Communication and utilities	8,503	6,900
Operating taxes and licenses	18,166	18,505
Total operating expenses	948,246	915,340
Operating income	15,585	52,483
Other expenses (income):
Interest expense	7,521	8,594
Interest income	(488)	(751)
Merger transaction costs	2,157	0
Other income, net	(1,183)	(776)
Total other expenses (income), net	8,007	7,067
Income before income taxes	7,578	45,416
Income tax expense	2,371	13,511
Net income	$ 5,207	$ 31,905
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.04	$ 0.23
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.04	$ 0.23
Shares used in per share calculations
Basic	133,147	136,519
Diluted	134,089	137,655

Consolidated Statement Of Stock

Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2017 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class B Common Stock [Member]
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016					83,299,118	49,741,938
Beginning balance, value at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 672,255	$ 701,065	$ (30,242)	$ 102	$ 833	$ 497
Common stock issued under stock plans, shares					206,532
Common stock issued under stock plans, value	1,583	1,581			$ 2
Stock-based compensation expense	2,444	2,076	368
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	(16,793)	16,793
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan, shares					13,169
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan, value	305	305			$ 0
Net income	5,207		5,207
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2017					83,518,819	49,741,938
Ending balance, value at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 681,794	$ 688,234	$ (7,874)	$ 102	$ 835	$ 497

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 5,207	$ 31,905
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, and intangibles	71,973	71,155
Amortization of debt issuance costs, and other	336	351
Gain on disposal of property and equipment, less write-off of totaled tractors	(2,969)	(5,763)
Deferred income taxes	(19,196)	(4,473)
Reduction of losses on accounts receivable	(540)	(1,233)
Stock-based compensation expense	2,673	1,417
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in:
Accounts receivable	12,882	14,885
Inventories and supplies	(33)	(52)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,585)	8,226
Other assets	(797)	2,332
Accounts payable, and accrued and other liabilities	50,947	13,365
Net cash provided by operating activities	118,898	132,115
Cash flows from investing activities:
Increase in cash and cash equivalents – restricted	2,101	(2,115)
Proceeds from maturities of investments	4,790	6,386
Purchases of investments	(5,003)	(6,429)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	27,124	34,271
Capital expenditures	(35,566)	(34,450)
Payments received on notes receivable	663	1,127
Expenditures on assets held for sale	(4,355)	(6,960)
Payments received on assets held for sale	5,092	5,620
Net cash used in investing activities	(5,154)	(2,550)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt and capital leases	(47,427)	(50,535)
Net repayments on revolving line of credit	(120,000)	0
Borrowings under accounts receivable securitization	25,000	0
Proceeds from common stock issued	1,888	1,411
Repurchases of Class A common stock	0	(45,000)
Share withholding for taxes due on equity awards	(826)	(307)
Net cash used in financing activities	(141,365)	(94,431)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(27,621)	35,134
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	89,391	107,590
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	61,770	142,724
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	7,346	8,081
Income taxes	136	944
Non-cash investing activities:
Equipment purchase accrual	4,543	593
Notes receivable from sale of assets	919	520
Equipment sales receivables	$ 2,261	$ 6,710

Introduction and Basis Of Prese

Introduction and Basis Of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Introduction and Basis Of Presentation	Introduction and Basis of Presentation Certain acronyms and terms used throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are specific to our company, commonly used in our industry, or are otherwise frequently used throughout our document. Definitions for these acronyms and terms are provided in the "Glossary of Terms," available in the front of this document. Description of Business Swift is a transportation solutions provider, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. As of March 31, 2017 , the Company's fleet of revenue equipment included 18,656 tractors (comprised of 14,017 company tractors and 4,639 owner-operator tractors), 63,207 trailers, and 9,130 intermodal containers. The Company’s four reportable segments are Truckload, Dedicated, Refrigerated (formerly "Swift Refrigerated"), and Intermodal. Subsequent Events Merger On April 10, 2017, Swift announced an all-stock merger agreement with Knight Transportation, Inc. ("Knight"), which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Swift and Knight and is expected to close during the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The combined company will be named Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. ("Knight-Swift"). Knight is expected to be the accounting acquirer. Under the terms of the definitive agreement each Swift share will convert into 0.72 shares of Knight-Swift by means of a reverse stock split. Each share of Knight will be exchanged for one Knight-Swift share. Based on the $30.65 closing price of Knight shares on April 7, 2017, the last trading day prior to the announcement, the implied value per share of Swift is $22.07 . Upon closing of the transaction, Swift stockholders will own approximately 54.0% and Knight stockholders will own approximately 46.0% of the combined company. Based on Knight’s closing share price on April 7, 2017, the number of combined company shares expected to be outstanding after closing and the combined net debt of Swift and Knight as of December 31, 2016, the combined company would have an implied enterprise value of approximately $6.0 billion . The merger agreement provides for certain termination rights for both Knight and the Company. Upon termination of the merger agreement under certain specified circumstances, the Company may be required to pay Knight a termination fee of $89.1 million and Knight may be required to pay the Company a termination fee of $75.3 million . In addition, if the merger agreement is terminated because of a failure of either Knight’s or the Company’s stockholders to approve the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, the other party may be required to reimburse transaction expenses up to $10.0 million . Legal Settlement On April 13, 2017, the Company proposed a tentative settlement arrangement with regard to certain litigation in the Refrigerated segment, which was finalized on April 28, 2017, subject to final court approval. As such, the Company increased its legal accrual by $11.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Seasonality In the truckload industry, results of operations generally show a seasonal pattern. As customers ramp up for the year-end holiday season, the late third quarter and fourth quarter have historically been the Company's strongest volume periods. As customers reduce shipments after the winter holiday season, the first quarter has historically been a lower-volume quarter than the other three quarters. In recent years, the macro consumer buying patterns combined with shippers’ supply chain management, which historically contributed to the fourth quarter "peak" season, continued to evolve. As a result, the Company's fourth quarter 2016, 2015, and 2014 volumes were more evenly distributed throughout the quarter, rather than peaking early in the quarter. In the eastern and mid-western United States, and to a lesser extent in the western United States, the Company's equipment utilization typically declines and operating expenses generally increase during the winter season. This tends to be attributed to declines in fuel efficiency from engine idling and increases in accident frequency, claims, and equipment repairs from severe weather. The Company's revenue is directly related to shippers' available working days. As such, curtailed operations and vacation shutdowns around the holidays may affect the Company's revenue. From time to time, the Company also suffers short-term impacts from severe weather and similar events, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, ice storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, and explosions that could add volatility to, or harm, the Company's results of operations. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Swift Transportation Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. In management's opinion, these consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP and include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the periods presented. Changes in Presentation Segment Reorganization — During the quarter ended March 31, 2017, the Company reorganized its reportable segments to reflect management’s revised reporting structure of its Dedicated and Refrigerated (formerly “Swift Refrigerated”) reportable segments. In association with the reorganization, the operations of the Company's dedicated grocery line of business, which were previously reported within the Company’s Dedicated segment, are now reported within the Company's Refrigerated segment. This resulted in all temperature-controlled lines of business reporting under the Refrigerated segment. Prior periods have been retrospectively adjusted to align with the current period presentation. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement — In March 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting , which amended ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. The amendments in this ASU are intended to simplify various aspects of accounting for stock-based compensation, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as equity or liability, as well as classification of activities within the statement of cash flows. For public business entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and the interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance during the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The amendments that affected the Company's financial statements are discussed below. • Accounting for Income Tax Benefits/Deficiencies : All excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards) should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. The tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. An entity should also recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. Modified retrospective application is required, by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity. Upon adoption, the Company reclassified approximately $16.8 million in historical net tax benefit/deficiency amounts previously recorded within "Additional paid-in capital" into "Accumulated deficit." Starting January 1, 2017, tax benefit/deficiency amounts are recorded in "Income tax expense" in the consolidated income statements. • Classification of Excess Tax Benefits on the Statement of Cash Flows : Excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. Application is permitted to be prospective or retrospective. GAAP previously required classification within cash flows from financing activities. The Company retrospectively adjusted the statement of cash flows for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 to align with the current period presentation by increasing cash flows from operating activities by $0.1 million and correspondingly decreasing cash flows from financing activities by $0.1 million , reflecting the amount of excess tax benefits previously presented for that period. • Forfeitures : An entity can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest (prior GAAP) or account for forfeitures when they occur. Modified retrospective application is required, by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity. Upon adoption, the Company transitioned to accounting for forfeitures when they occur. This resulted in approximately a $0.4 million (net of income tax) cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings/accumulated deficit to catch-up the previously unrecognized stock-based compensation associated with historical assumed forfeiture rates. Starting January 1, 2017, forfeitures are recorded as adjustments to stock-based compensation as they occur. • Classification of Employee Taxes Paid on the Statement of Cash Flows When an Employer Withholds Shares for Tax-withholding purposes : Cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity. Retrospective application is required. I n 2016, the Company began allowing certain members of management to have shares withheld for taxes when their restricted stock awards and performance units vest. As such, upon adopting the amendments in this ASU, the Company reclassified the amounts out of cash flows from operating activities and into cash flows from financing activities for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 to align with the current period presentation. For the quarter-ended March 31, 2016, the amount was approximately $0.3 million .

Recently Issued Accounting Pron

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Not Yet Adopted	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Not Yet Adopted Date Issued Reference Description Expected Adoption Date and Method Financial Statement Impact May 2016 2016-12: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Narrow-scope Improvements and Practical Expedients The amendments in this ASU clarify certain aspects regarding the collectibility criterion, sales taxes collected from customers, noncash consideration, contract modifications, and completed contracts at transition. It additionally clarifies that retrospective application only requires disclosure of the accounting change effect on prior periods presented, not on the period of adoption. January 2018, Modified retrospective Currently under evaluation (1) April 2016 2016-10: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing The amendments in this ASU clarify the following two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. The amendments do not change the core principle of the guidance. January 2018, Modified retrospective Currently under evaluation (1) March 2016 2016-08: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) The amendments in this ASU are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations, but do not change the core principle of the guidance. January 2018, Modified retrospective Currently under evaluation (1) February 2016 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842) The new standard requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities arising from both operating and financing leases on the balance sheet. Lessor accounting for leases is largely unaffected by the new guidance. January 2019, Modified retrospective Currently under evaluation; expected to be material, but not yet quantifiable. August 2015 2015-14: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Deferral of the Effective Date This ASU deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606) to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. January 2018, Modified retrospective Currently under evaluation (1) ____________ (1) Management is in the diagnostic phase of assessing the financial and business impacts of implementing ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , including identifying revenue sources within the Company's lines of business, reviewing a sample of contracts, and developing a preliminary assessment. Based upon these preliminary procedures, management anticipates that the following key considerations will impact the Company's accounting and reporting under the new standard: • identification of what constitutes a contract in Swift's business practices, • variability in individual contracts, such as customer-specific terms that may vary from the master agreement, • principal versus agent determinations, • timing of revenue recognition (for example, point-in-time versus over time and/or accelerated versus deferred), • single versus multiple performance obligations, • new/changed estimates and management judgments (for example, system estimation of in-transit accruals versus manual estimation), • disaggregation of revenue by category within segments, and • others. Management expects that there will also be changes in sales, contracting, accounting, reporting, tax, debt covenants, and other business processes, policies, and controls, as a result of implementing ASC Topic 606. The Company is currently implementing a new ERP system and transacting a merger (as discussed in Note 1), which will also affect the implementation process. Based on the information currently available from the diagnostic phase, management cannot yet determine the quantitative impact on the financial statements; however, the impact is expected to be immaterial (potentially with changes only to the timing of revenue recognition between reportable periods, as well as changes in the requirements for accounting policy and other new disclosures). The financial impact has not yet been quantified. The Company is transitioning into the design and planning phase of implementing ASC Topic 606. Since management is continuing to evaluate the impact of ASC Topic 606, disclosures around their preliminary assessments are subject to change.

Restricted Investments

Restricted Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Schedule of Investments [Abstract]
Restricted Investments	Restricted Investments The following table presents the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and temporary losses, and estimated fair value of the Company’s restricted investments: March 31, 2017 Gross Unrealized Cost or Amortized Gains Temporary Estimated Fair Value (In thousands) United States corporate securities $ 16,403 $ — $ (14 ) $ 16,389 Municipal bonds 4,931 — (2 ) 4,929 Negotiable certificate of deposits 1,525 — — 1,525 Restricted investments, held to maturity $ 22,859 $ — $ (16 ) $ 22,843 December 31, 2016 Gross Unrealized Cost or Amortized Gains Temporary Estimated Fair Value (In thousands) United States corporate securities $ 16,432 $ — $ (23 ) $ 16,409 Municipal bonds 4,760 — (6 ) 4,754 Negotiable certificate of deposits 1,525 — — 1,525 Restricted investments, held to maturity $ 22,717 $ — $ (29 ) $ 22,688 Refer to Note 14 for additional information regarding fair value measurements of restricted investments. As of March 31, 2017 , the contractual maturities of the restricted investments were one year or less. There were 40 securities and 42 securities that were in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Company did not recognize any impairment losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 or 2016 .

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets There were no goodwill impairments recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 or 2016 . Other intangible asset balances were as follows: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Customer Relationships: Gross carrying value $ 275,324 $ 275,324 Accumulated amortization (194,260 ) (190,056 ) Customer relationships, net 81,064 85,268 Trade Name: Gross carrying value 181,037 181,037 Intangible assets, net $ 262,101 $ 266,305 The following table presents amortization of intangible assets related to the 2007 Transactions and intangible assets existing prior to the 2007 Transactions: Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Amortization of intangible assets related to the 2007 Transactions $ 3,912 $ 3,912 Amortization related to intangible assets existing prior to the 2007 Transactions 292 292 Amortization of intangibles $ 4,204 $ 4,204

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Effective Tax Rate — The effective tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 was 31.3% , which was lower than management's expectation of 36.0% . The difference was primarily due to certain benefits relating to stock compensation deductions due to the Company's adoption of ASU 2016-09, partially offset by capitalized transaction costs relating to the merger with Knight recognized as discrete items in the quarter. Refer to Note 1 for further details regarding the Company's adoption of ASU 2016-09 and the merger with Knight. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 was 29.8% , which was lower than management's expectation of 38.0% . The difference was primarily due to certain income tax credits received by the Company's foreign subsidiary and a reduction in the uncertain tax position reserve, recognized as discrete items in the quarter. Interest and Penalties — Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were approximately $0.4 million and $0.4 million , respectively. The Company does not anticipate a decrease of unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months . Tax Examinations — Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service and various state jurisdictions for tax years ranging from 2012 through 2015 . At the completion of these examinations, management does not expect any adjustments that would have a material impact on the Company’s effective tax rate. Years subsequent to 2012 remain subject to examination.

Accounts Receivable Securitizat

Accounts Receivable Securitization	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable Securitization	Accounts Receivable Securitization On December 10, 2015, SRCII, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into the 2015 RSA, which further amended the 2013 RSA. The parties to the 2015 RSA include SRCII as the seller, Swift Transportation Services, LLC as the servicer, the various conduit purchasers, the various related committed purchasers, the various purchaser agents, the various letters of credit participants, and PNC Bank, National Association as the issuing bank of letters of credit and as administrator. Pursuant to the 2015 RSA, the Company's receivable originator subsidiaries sell, on a revolving basis, undivided interests in all of their eligible accounts receivable to SRCII. In turn, SRCII sells a variable percentage ownership interest in the eligible accounts receivable to the various purchasers. The facility qualifies for treatment as a secured borrowing under ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing. As such, outstanding amounts are classified as liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 14 for information regarding the fair value of the 2015 RSA. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , interest accrued on the aggregate principal balance at a rate of 1.5% and 1.3% , respectively. Program fees and unused commitment fees are recorded in "Interest expense" in the consolidated income statements. The Company incurred program fees of $1.4 million and $0.9 million related to the 2015 RSA during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The 2015 RSA is subject to customary fees and contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants, representations and warranties, and default and termination provisions. Collections on the underlying receivables by the Company are held for the benefit of SRCII and the Purchasers in the facility and are unavailable to satisfy claims of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Debt And Financing

Debt And Financing	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt And Financing	Debt and Financing Other than the Company’s accounts receivable securitization, as discussed in Note 6 , and its outstanding capital lease obligations as discussed in Note 9 , the Company's long-term debt consisted of the following: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) 2015 Agreement: Term Loan A, due July 2020, net of $1,244 and $1,338 DLCs as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively (1) $ 470,506 $ 492,912 Other 6,372 8,893 Long-term debt 476,878 501,805 Less: current portion of long-term debt (5,946 ) (8,459 ) Long-term debt, less current portion $ 470,932 $ 493,346 March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Long-term debt $ 476,878 $ 501,805 Revolving line of credit, due July 2020 (1) (2) 10,000 130,000 Long-term debt, including revolving line of credit $ 486,878 $ 631,805 ____________ (1) Refer to Note 14 for information regarding the fair value of long-term debt. (2) The Company also had outstanding letters of credit under the Revolver, primarily related to workers' compensation and self-insurance liabilities of $95.2 million at March 31, 2017 and $97.0 million at December 31, 2016 . Credit Agreement On July 27, 2015, the Company entered into the 2015 Agreement, which includes a Revolver and a Term Loan A. The following table presents the key terms of the 2015 Agreement: Description Term Loan A Revolver (2) (Dollars in thousands) Maximum borrowing capacity $680,000 $600,000 Final maturity date July 27, 2020 July 27, 2020 Interest rate base LIBOR LIBOR LIBOR floor —% —% Interest rate minimum margin (1) 1.50% 1.50% Interest rate maximum margin (1) 2.25% 2.25% Minimum principal payment – amount (3) $6,625 $— Minimum principal payment – frequency Quarterly Once Minimum principal payment – commencement date (3) December 31, July 27, ____________ (1) The interest rate margin for the Term Loan A and Revolver is based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2017 , interest accrued at 2.38% on the Term Loan A and 2.39% on the Revolver. As of December 31, 2016, interest accrued at 2.18% on the Term Loan A and 2.18% on the Revolver. (2) The commitment fee for the unused portion of the Revolver is based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio and ranges from 0.25% to 0.35% . As of March 31, 2017 , commitment fees on the unused portion of the Revolver accrued at 0.25% and outstanding letter of credit fees accrued at 1.50% . As of December 31, 2016, commitment fees on the unused portion of the Revolver accrued at 0.25% and outstanding letter of credit fees accrued at 1.50% . (3) Commencing in March 2017, the minimum required quarterly payment amount on the Term Loan A is $12.3 million , at which it would remain until final maturity. However, as of January 2017, the Company has voluntarily prepaid all minimum quarterly principal payments through final maturity. The Revolver and Term Loan A of the 2015 Agreement contain certain financial covenants with respect to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio. The 2015 Agreement provides flexibility regarding the use of proceeds from asset sales, payment of dividends, stock repurchases, and equipment financing. In addition to the financial covenants, the 2015 Agreement includes customary events of default, including a change in control default and certain affirmative and negative covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions, subject to certain exceptions, on incremental indebtedness, asset sales, certain restricted payments (including dividends and stock repurchases), certain incremental investments or advances, transactions with affiliates, engagement in additional business activities, and prepayment of certain other indebtedness. The anticipated merger with Knight discussed in Note 1 is not expected to be deemed a change in control, as defined in the 2015 Agreement. Borrowings under the 2015 Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and are guaranteed by Swift Transportation Company, IEL, Central Refrigerated Transportation, LLC and its subsidiaries, and Swift Transportation Co., LLC and its domestic subsidiaries (other than its captive insurance subsidiaries, driver academy subsidiary, and its bankruptcy-remote special purpose subsidiary).

Deferred Loan Costs

Deferred Loan Costs	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Issuance Costs, Net [Abstract]
Deferred Loan Costs	Deferred Loan Costs The following table presents the classification of DLCs in the Company's consolidated balance sheets: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) ASSETS: Other assets $ 1,087 $ 1,169 LIABILITIES: Current portion of long-term debt — — Long-term debt, less current portion 1,244 1,338 Accounts receivable securitization 626 715 Total DLCs $ 2,957 $ 3,222

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company finances a portion of its revenue equipment under capital and operating leases and certain terminals under operating leases. Capital Leases (as Lessee) — The Company’s capital leases are typically structured with balloon payments at the end of the lease term equal to the residual value the Company is contracted to receive from certain equipment manufacturers upon sale or trade back to the manufacturers. If the Company does not receive proceeds of the contracted residual value from the manufacturer, the Company is still obligated to make the balloon payment at the end of the lease term. Certain leases contain renewal or fixed price purchase options. The present value of obligations under capital leases is included under "Current portion of capital lease obligations" and "Capital lease obligations, less current portion" in the consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2017 , the leases were collateralized by revenue equipment with a cost of $296.0 million and accumulated amortization of $91.3 million . As of December 31, 2016 , the leases were collateralized by revenue equipment with a cost of $319.8 million and accumulated amortization of $97.0 million . Amortization of equipment under capital leases is included in "Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment" in the Company’s consolidated income statements. Operating Leases (as Lessee) — Rent expense related to operating leases was $55.7 million and $56.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Purchase Commitments

Purchase Commitments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Long-term Commitment (Excluding Unconditional Purchase Obligation) [Abstract]
Purchase Commitments	Purchase Commitments As of March 31, 2017 , the Company's outstanding commitments to acquire revenue equipment were as follows: • remainder of 2017 : $277.0 million ( $195.4 million of which were tractor commitments), and • thereafter: none . The Company typically has the option to cancel tractor purchase orders with 60 to 90 days' notice prior to the scheduled production, although there is a certain group of tractors we are committed to purchase in 2017 that cannot be canceled (even with advance notice). The notice period to cancel currently committed tractor purchase orders has lapsed for 78.0% of the total tractor commitments outstanding as of March 31, 2017 . Purchases are expected to be financed by the combination of operating leases, capital leases, debt, proceeds from sales of existing equipment, and cash flows from operations. As of March 31, 2017 , the Company's outstanding purchase commitments to acquire facilities and non-revenue equipment were as follows: • remainder of 2017 : $10.7 million • 2018 and 2019: $8.8 million , and • thereafter: $3.9 million . Factors such as potential future terminal expansions and changes in information technology infrastructure may change the amount of such expenditures.

Contingencies and Legal Proceed

Contingencies and Legal Proceedings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies and Legal Proceedings	Contingencies and Legal Proceedings Accounting Policy The Company is involved in certain claims and pending litigation primarily arising in the normal course of business. The majority of these claims relate to workers' compensation, auto collision and liability, physical damage, and cargo damage. The Company accrues for the uninsured portion of claims losses and the gross amount of other losses when the likelihood of the loss is probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. These accruals are based on management's best estimate within a possible range of loss. When there is no amount within the range of loss that appears to be a better estimate than any other amount, then management accrues to the low end of the range. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. When it is reasonably possible that exposure exists in excess of the related accrual (which could be no accrual), management discloses an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, unless an estimate cannot be determined. If the likelihood of a loss is remote, the Company does not accrue for the loss. However if the likelihood of a loss is remote, but it is at least reasonably possible that one or more future confirming events may materially change management's estimate within twelve months from the date of the financial statements, management discloses an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, unless an estimate cannot be determined. Legal Proceedings Information is provided below regarding the nature, status, and contingent loss amounts, if any, associated with the Company's pending legal matters. There are inherent uncertainties in these legal matters, some of which are beyond management's control, making the ultimate outcomes difficult to predict. Moreover, management's views and estimates related to these matters may change in the future, as new events and circumstances arise and the matters continue to develop. For the matters below, an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss cannot be determined for certain cases because, among other reasons, (1) the proceedings are in various stages that do not allow for assessment; (2) damages have not been sought; (3) damages are unsupported and/or exaggerated; (4) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals; and/or (5) there are significant factual issues to be resolved. Based on currently available information, and in certain cases, advice of outside counsel, management does not believe that loss contingencies arising from pending matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's overall financial position, after taking into consideration any existing accruals. However, actual outcomes could be material to the Company's operating results or liquidity for any particular period. EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND PAY PRACTICES MATTERS Aggregate information regarding accruals for the below employee compensation and pay practices matters: Aggregate accrual Aggregate range of loss in excess of accrual Explanation if no accrual has been made $1.3 million $— - $— For certain matters, it is not probable that a loss was incurred and/or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated. For those matters, no accrual has been made. California Private Attorneys General Act ("PAGA") Class Action The plaintiff alleges that the Company violated California law by failing to timely pay wages and failing to reimburse employees for business expenses. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Theron Christopher (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC July 8, 2016 Superior Court of California, County of Riverside Recent Developments and Current Status The parties have agreed to a settlement of this matter and are currently seeking court approval of the settlement. The expected settlement amount is not material to the Company's financial statements. California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Driver Class Actions The plaintiffs generally allege one or more of the following: that the Company 1) failed to pay the California minimum wage; 2) failed to provide proper meal and rest periods; 3) failed to timely pay wages upon separation from employment; 4) failed to pay for all hours worked; 5) failed to pay overtime; 6) failed to properly reimburse work-related expenses; and 7) failed to provide accurate wage statements. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in John Burnell (1) Swift Transportation Co., Inc March 22, 2010 United States District Court for the Central District of California James R. Rudsell (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Company April 5, 2012 United States District Court for the Central District of California Lawrence Peck (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC September 25, 2014 United States District Court for the Central District of California Lawrence Peck (1)(2) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC, et al. November 20, 2014 Superior Court of California, County of Riverside Sadashiv Mares (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC February 27, 2015 United States District Court for the Central District of California Rafael McKinsty (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC, et al. April 15, 2015 United States District Court for the Central District of California Thor Nilsen (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC October 15, 2015 United States District Court for the Central District of California Recent Developments and Current Status Before and during 2016, the Rudsell, Peck, Peck PAGA, Mares, McKinsty, and Nilsen complaints were stayed, pending resolution of earlier-filed cases. In May 2016, the Burnell plaintiffs were denied class certification. Their subsequent petition to appeal the decertification order was also denied. Following the Burnell plaintiffs' failure to certify the class, the stays on certain cases were lifted. The Peck case is currently in discovery. The parties in the Mares and McKinsty cases are currently completing class certification briefing. Based on the current procedural nature of the cases, the final disposition of the matter and impact to the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Yard Hostler Class Actions The plaintiffs, representing yard hostlers employed by the Company in California, generally allege one or more of the following: that the Company 1) failed to pay minimum wage; 2) failed to pay overtime and doubletime wages required by California law; 3) failed to provide accurate, itemized wage statements; 4) failed to timely pay wages upon separation from employment; 5) failed to reimburse for business expenses; and 6) failed to provide proper meal and rest periods. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Grant Fritsch (1) Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Company January 28, 2016 Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino Bill Barker, Tab Bachman, and William Yingling (1) Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC April 1, 2016 United States District Court for the Eastern District of California Recent Developments and Current Status The Barker and Fritsch complaints are currently in discovery. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages related to these lawsuits. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of these matters and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. National Customer Service Misclassification Class Action The plaintiff, a former Customer Service Representative IV, alleges that the Company failed to pay overtime under the FLSA. Additionally, with respect to California state law, the plaintiff alleges that the Company: 1) failed to pay overtime; 2) failed to pay timely final wages; 3) failed to provide meal and rest periods; and 4) violated the unfair competition law. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Salvador Castro (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC May 11, 2016 United States District Court for the Central District of California Recent Developments and Current Status Castro, along with five other former Customer Service Representative IV employees opted into this collective action lawsuit, which was being pursued under the FLSA. In addition to the Castro collective action, thirteen Customer Service Representative IV employees pursued similar claims in individual arbitrations. The parties conducted three arbitrations regarding the individual claimants. The parties agreed to mediation, which was held in January 2017. The parties have reached a global settlement to the collective action and the individual arbitrations. The individual arbitration claimants have been paid pursuant to this settlement and the parties are seeking court approval of the settlement in the collective action. Arizona Fair Labor Standards Act Class Action The plaintiff alleges that the Company violated the FLSA by failing to pay its trainee drivers minimum wage for all work performed and by failing to pay overtime. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Pamela Julian (1) Swift Transportation Inc., et al. December 29, 2015 United States District Court for the District of Arizona Recent Developments and Current Status In March 2016, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff's overtime claims, which was granted by the district court in May 2016. The parties recently completed briefing on the plaintiff's Motion for Conditional Class Certification and are awaiting a ruling on the Motion from the Court. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages for the remaining claims. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of the matter and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. Washington Overtime Class Actions The plaintiffs allege one or more of the following, pertaining to Washington state-based drivers: that the Company 1) failed to pay minimum wage; 2) failed to pay overtime; 3) failed to pay all wages due at established pay periods; 4) failed to provide proper meal and rest periods; 5) failed to provide accurate wage statements; and 6) unlawfully deducted from employee wages. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Troy Slack (1) Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Corporation September 9, 2011 United States District Court for the Western District of Washington Julie Hedglin (1) Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Corporation January 14, 2016 United States District Court for the Western District of Washington Recent Developments and Current Status The parties in the Slack matter are currently completing dispositive motion briefing. The case is scheduled for trial in September 2017. The Hedglin matter is currently in discovery. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages for both matters. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of the matter and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. ___________ (1) Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. (2) Peck PAGA complaint. OWNER-OPERATOR MATTERS Aggregate information regarding accruals for the below owner-operator matters: Aggregate accrual Aggregate range of loss in excess of accrual Explanation if no accrual has been made $36.7 million $— - $— For certain matters, it is not probable that a loss was incurred and/or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated. For those matters, no accrual has been made. Arizona Owner-operator Class Action The putative class alleges that the Company improperly compensated owner-operators (later expanding the class to include employee drivers) using the contracted and industry standard remuneration based upon dispatched miles, instead of using a method of calculating mileage that the plaintiffs allege would be more accurate. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Leonel Garza (1) Swift Transportation Co., Inc. January 30, 2004 Maricopa County Superior Court Recent Developments and Current Status The original trial court's decision was to deny class certification of the owner-operators, which was reversed and reinstated several times by various courts prior to 2016. The class is currently certified, based on an appellate court's decision from July 2016. The Company filed a petition for review with the Arizona Supreme Court in August 2016, which was denied in January 2017. The matter will now proceed in the Maricopa County Superior Court. The final disposition of the matter and impact to the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. Ninth Circuit Owner-operator Misclassification Class Action The putative class alleges that the Company misclassified owner-operators as independent contractors in violation of the FLSA and various state laws, and that such owner-operators should be considered employees. The lawsuit also raises certain related issues with respect to the lease agreements that certain owner-operators have entered into with IEL. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Joseph Sheer, Virginia Van Dusen, Jose Motolinia, Vickii Schwalm, Peter Wood (1) Swift Transportation Co., Inc., Interstate Equipment Leasing, Inc., Jerry Moyes, and Chad Killebrew December 22, 2009 Unites States District Court of Arizona and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Recent Developments and Current Status For several years, the parties have been arguing over the proper venue in which to proceed. The plaintiffs argue that they signed contracts of employment, thus exempting them from arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act, and claim that their case should be heard in court by a judge. The Company takes the position that these individuals signed independent contractor agreements and therefore can properly be required to submit their claims to arbitration. In January 2017, the district court issued an order finding that the plaintiffs had signed contracts of employment and thus the case could properly proceed in court. The Company has appealed this decision to the Ninth Circuit and the district court stayed the proceedings, pending resolution of the appeal. The Company intends to vigorously defend against any proceedings. The final disposition of the matter and impact to the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. Utah Collective and Individual Arbitration The plaintiffs allege that the Central Parties (defined below) misclassified owner-operator drivers as independent contractors and were therefore liable to these drivers for minimum wages and other employee benefits under the FLSA. The complaint also alleges a federal forced labor claim under U.S.C. §1589 and §1595, as well as fraud and other state-law claims. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Gabriel Ciluffo, Kevin Shire, and Bryan Ratterree (1) Central Refrigerated Service, Inc., Central Leasing, Inc., Jon Isaacson, and Jerry Moyes (the "Central Parties"), as well as Swift Transportation Company June 1, 2012 American Arbitration Association Recent Developments and Current Status In June 2016, mediation commenced, but there was ultimately no settlement of the matter. In October 2016, the arbitrator ruled that approximately 1,300 Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. drivers were improperly classified as independent contractors, when they should have been classified and compensated as employees. The arbitrator ruled that damages could ultimately be assessed in a collective proceeding and denied the Company's motion to decertify the collective proceeding. Based upon the October 2016 arbitration ruling, the Company increased its legal accrual related to this matter for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. On April 14, 2017, the Company proposed a tentative settlement arrangement, which was finalized by and between the parties on April 28, 2017, subject to final court approval. As such, the Company increased its legal accrual again for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is probable. ___________ (1) Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. EMPLOYEE HIRING PRACTICES MATTERS Aggregate information regarding accruals for the below employee hiring practices matters: Aggregate accrual Aggregate range of loss in excess of accrual Explanation if no accrual has been made $— $— - $— It is not probable that a loss was incurred and/or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated for these matters. Indiana Fair Credit Reporting Act Class Action The plaintiff alleges that Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by failing to provide job applicants with adverse action notices and copies of their consumer reports and statements of rights. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Melvin Banks (1) Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. March 18, 2015 United States District Court for the District of Utah Recent Developments and Current Status The first phase of discovery, regarding potential for identifying and certifying a class of affected job applicants, has been completed. The parties recently completed class certification briefing and the Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment. Rulings on these Motions are pending from the court. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of the matter and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. California Class and Collective Action for Pre-employment Physical Testing The plaintiff alleges that pre-employment tests of physical strength administered by a third party on behalf of Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. had an unlawfully discriminatory impact on female applicants and applicants over the age of 40. The suit seeks damages under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the age Discrimination Act, and parallel California state law provisions, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Robin Anderson (1) Central Refrigerated Service, Inc., Workwell Systems, Inc., and Swift Transportation Company October 6, 2014 United States District Court for the Central District of California Recent Developments and Current Status Litigation is at a very preliminary stage and no trial date has been set. Additionally, there is a motion for class certification pending, for which the Company is preparing a response. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the plaintiff's claims and to oppose certification of any class of plaintiffs. The final disposition of this case and the financial impact cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. ___________ (1) Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. Other Contingencies Demand for Inspection of Books and Records and Stockholder Derivative Lawsuit — During 2016, the Company received several shareholder demands requesting to inspect the Company's books and records, pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Section 220"). The demands relate to the shareholders' alleged investigation pertaining to whether the Board and Jerry Moyes have breached their fiduciary duties with respect to matters that have been publicly disclosed concerning the Company's securities trading policy, limitations on the pledging of Company stock on margin, share repurchases, the status of Board members as independent directors and other related matters. The Company has responded to the shareholders' requests received thus far. On February 9, 2017, a civil lawsuit was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (captioned as: Shiva Stein derivatively on behalf of Swift Transportation Company v. Jerry Moyes et al. and Swift Transportation Company as nominal defendant (the "Complaint")). The Complaint, initially filed as a confidential filing, is a purported derivative action alleging that the individual members of the Company's Board breached their fiduciary duties related to the Company's administration of its Securities Trading Policy and certain compensation actions related to Mr. Moyes. In February 2017, the Company received a shareholder demand under Section 220 for books and records related to an alleged investigation into whether the Board breached its fiduciary duties in connection with the September 8, 2016 retirement agreement between the Company and Mr. Moyes. The Company is in the process of responding to this request. Any future disposition or resolution of these matters cannot be determined at this time. Environmental The Company's tractors and trailers are involved in motor vehicle accidents, and experience damage, mechanical failures, and cargo issues as an incidental part of its normal course of operations. From time to time, these matters result in the discharge of diesel fuel, motor oil, or other hazardous materials into the environment. Depending on local regulations and who is determined to be at fault, the Company is sometimes responsible for the clean-up costs associated with these discharges. As of March 31, 2017, the Company's estimate for its total legal liability for all such clean-up and remediation costs was approximately $0.3 million in the aggregate for all current and prior year claims.

Share Repurchase Programs

Share Repurchase Programs	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Share Repurchase Programs	Share Repurchase Programs The following table presents our repurchases of our Class A common stock under the respective share repurchase programs, net of advisory fees: Quarter Ended March 31, As of Share Repurchase Program 2017 2016 March 31, 2017 Authorized Amount Board Approval Date Shares Amount Shares Amount Amount Remaining (In thousands) $100,000 September 24, 2015 — $ — 2,221 $ 30,000 $ — $150,000 February 22, 2016 — $ — 903 $ 15,000 $ 62,881 — $ — 3,124 $ 45,000 $ 62,881

Weighted Average Shares Outstan

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding The following table reconciles basic weighted average shares outstanding to diluted weighted average shares outstanding: Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 133,147 136,519 Dilutive effect of stock options 942 1,136 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 134,089 137,655 Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the dilutive-effect calculation (1) 153 452 ____________ (1) Shares were excluded from the dilutive-effect calculation because the outstanding options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company's common shares during the period.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated (In thousands) Financial Assets: Restricted investments (1) $ 22,859 $ 22,843 $ 22,717 $ 22,688 Financial Liabilities: 2015 Agreement: Term Loan A, due July 2020 (2) 470,506 471,750 492,912 494,250 2015 RSA, due January 2019 (3) 304,374 305,000 279,285 280,000 Revolving line of credit, due July 2020 10,000 10,000 130,000 130,000 ____________ The carrying amounts of the financial instruments shown in the table are included in the consolidated balance sheets, as follows: (1) Restricted investments are included in "Restricted investments, held to maturity, amortized cost." (2) Carrying value is net of $1.2 million and $1.3 million DLCs as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Term Loan A is included in "Long-term debt, less current portion," as the Company has voluntarily prepaid all minimum quarterly principal payments through final maturity. (3) Carrying value is net of $0.6 million and $0.7 million DLCs as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Recurring Fair Value Measurements — As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , no major categories of assets or liabilities included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets at estimated fair value were measured on a recurring basis. Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements — As of March 31, 2017 , there were no assets or liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet estimated at fair value that were measured on a nonrecurring basis. The following table depicts the level in the fair value hierarchy of the inputs used to estimate fair value of assets measured on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2016: Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using: Estimated Level 1 Inputs Level 2 Inputs Level 3 Inputs Total Gains (Losses) As of December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Software (1) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (520 ) Equipment (2) 1,963 — — 1,963 (250 ) ____________ (1) During the three months ended December 31, 2016, certain operations software related to the Company's logistics business was determined to be fully impaired based on a significant decrease in the expected useful life of the software. This resulted in a pre-tax impairment loss of $0.5 million , which was recorded in "Impairments" within operating income in the consolidated income statement. (2) During the three months ended December 31, 2016, management reassessed the fair value of certain IEL tractors, which had a total book value of $2.2 million , determining that there was a pre-tax impairment loss of $0.3 million . The impairment loss was recorded in "Impairments" within operating income in the consolidated income statement. As of December 31, 2016 , there were no liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet estimated at fair value that were measured on a nonrecurring basis.

Jerry Moyes' Retirement

Jerry Moyes' Retirement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Jerry Moyes' Retirement	Jerry Moyes' Retirement In conjunction with the Company's September 8, 2016 announcement that Jerry Moyes would retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer effective December 31, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Moyes to memorialize the terms of his retirement. The Company contracted with Mr. Moyes to serve as a non-employee consultant from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019 , during which time the Company will pay Mr. Moyes a monthly consulting fee of $0.2 million in cash. Additionally, the Company modified the vesting terms and forfeiture conditions of Mr. Moyes' previously-granted equity awards. As a result of the terms of the agreement, the Company incurred a one-time expense in September 2016 of $7.1 million , consisting of $6.8 million in accrued consulting fees and $0.3 million for the impact of the equity award modifications. The amounts were included in "Salaries, wages, and employee benefits " within the non-reportable segments ' income statement. The following schedule is a rollforward of the accrued liability for the consulting fees: March 31, 2017 (In thousands) Accrued consulting fees – Jerry Moyes, December 31, 2016 (1) $ 6,675 Additions to accrual — Less: payments (600 ) Accrued consulting fees – Jerry Moyes, March 31, 2017 (1) $ 6,075 ____________ (1) The balance is included in "Other liabilities" (noncurrent) and "Accrued liabilities" (current) in the consolidated balance sheet, based on the timing of the expected payment. The $0.3 million impact of the equity award modification is excluded from the accrual balance because it is classified as "Additional paid-in capital" in the consolidated balance sheet.

Information by Segment and Geog

Information by Segment and Geography	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information by Segment and Geography	Information by Segment and Geography Segment Information The Company’s four reportable operating segments are Truckload, Dedicated, Refrigerated (formerly "Swift Refrigerated"), and Intermodal. See Note 1 regarding the reorganization of the Company's Dedicated and Refrigerated segments. Truckload — The Truckload segment consists of one-way movements over irregular routes throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This service utilizes both company and owner-operator tractors with dry van, flatbed, and other specialized trailing equipment. Dedicated — Through the Dedicated segment, the Company devotes use of equipment to specific customers and offers tailored solutions under long-term contracts. This segment utilizes dry van, flatbed, and other specialized trailing equipment. Refrigerated — This segment primarily consists of shipments for customers that require temperature-controlled trailers. These shipments include one-way movements over irregular routes, as well as dedicated truck operations. Intermodal — The Intermodal segment includes revenue generated by moving freight over the rail in the Company's containers and other trailing equipment, combined with revenue for drayage to transport loads between the railheads and customer locations. Non-reportable Segments — The non-reportable segments include the Company's logistics and freight brokerage services, as well as support services that its subsidiaries provide to customers and owner-operators, including repair and maintenance shop services, equipment leasing, and insurance. Intangible amortization related to the 2007 Transactions, certain legal settlements and reserves, and certain other corporate expenses are also included in the non-reportable segments. Intersegment Eliminations — Certain operating segments provide transportation and related services for other affiliates outside their reportable segment. Revenues for such services are based on negotiated rates, which we believe approximate fair value, and are reflected as revenues of the billing segment. These rates are adjusted from time to time, based on market conditions. Such intersegment revenues and expenses are eliminated in our consolidated results. The following tables present the company's financial information by segment: Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (recast) Operating revenue: (In thousands) Truckload $ 481,546 $ 492,522 Dedicated 150,836 142,911 Refrigerated 177,491 169,688 Intermodal 86,233 82,548 Subtotal 896,106 887,669 Non-reportable segments 82,714 99,248 Intersegment eliminations (14,989 ) (19,094 ) Consolidated operating revenue $ 963,831 $ 967,823 Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (recast) Operating income (loss): (In thousands) Truckload $ 15,917 $ 36,287 Dedicated 11,613 18,741 Refrigerated (6,335 ) 4,785 Intermodal (109 ) (2,908 ) Subtotal 21,086 56,905 Non-reportable segments (5,501 ) (4,422 ) Consolidated operating income $ 15,585 $ 52,483 Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (recast) Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment: (In thousands) Truckload $ 31,934 $ 31,283 Dedicated 13,082 12,017 Refrigerated 9,007 8,975 Intermodal 2,955 3,179 Subtotal 56,978 55,454 Non-reportable segments 10,791 11,497 Consolidated depreciation and amortization of property and equipment $ 67,769 $ 66,951 Geographical Information In aggregate, operating revenue from the Company's foreign operations was less than 5.0% of consolidated operating revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 . Additionally, long-lived assets on the Company's foreign subsidiaries' balance sheets were less than 5.0% of consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

Accounting Policies Contingenci

Accounting Policies Contingencies and Legal Proceedings (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Contingencies and Legal Proceedings, Policy	The Company is involved in certain claims and pending litigation primarily arising in the normal course of business. The majority of these claims relate to workers' compensation, auto collision and liability, physical damage, and cargo damage. The Company accrues for the uninsured portion of claims losses and the gross amount of other losses when the likelihood of the loss is probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. These accruals are based on management's best estimate within a possible range of loss. When there is no amount within the range of loss that appears to be a better estimate than any other amount, then management accrues to the low end of the range. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. When it is reasonably possible that exposure exists in excess of the related accrual (which could be no accrual), management discloses an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, unless an estimate cannot be determined. If the likelihood of a loss is remote, the Company does not accrue for the loss. However if the likelihood of a loss is remote, but it is at least reasonably possible that one or more future confirming events may materially change management's estimate within twelve months from the date of the financial statements, management discloses an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, unless an estimate cannot be determined.

Recently Issued Accounting Pr23

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Not Yet Adopted (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Table Text Block]	Date Issued Reference Description Expected Adoption Date and Method Financial Statement Impact May 2016 2016-12: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Narrow-scope Improvements and Practical Expedients The amendments in this ASU clarify certain aspects regarding the collectibility criterion, sales taxes collected from customers, noncash consideration, contract modifications, and completed contracts at transition. It additionally clarifies that retrospective application only requires disclosure of the accounting change effect on prior periods presented, not on the period of adoption. January 2018, Modified retrospective Currently under evaluation (1) April 2016 2016-10: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing The amendments in this ASU clarify the following two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. The amendments do not change the core principle of the guidance. January 2018, Modified retrospective Currently under evaluation (1) March 2016 2016-08: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) The amendments in this ASU are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations, but do not change the core principle of the guidance. January 2018, Modified retrospective Currently under evaluation (1) February 2016 2016-02: Leases (Topic 842) The new standard requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities arising from both operating and financing leases on the balance sheet. Lessor accounting for leases is largely unaffected by the new guidance. January 2019, Modified retrospective Currently under evaluation; expected to be material, but not yet quantifiable. August 2015 2015-14: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Deferral of the Effective Date This ASU deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606) to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. January 2018, Modified retrospective Currently under evaluation (1) ____________ (1) Management is in the diagnostic phase of assessing the financial and business impacts of implementing ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , including identifying revenue sources within the Company's lines of business, reviewing a sample of contracts, and developing a preliminary assessment. Based upon these preliminary procedures, management anticipates that the following key considerations will impact the Company's accounting and reporting under the new standard: • identification of what constitutes a contract in Swift's business practices, • variability in individual contracts, such as customer-specific terms that may vary from the master agreement, • principal versus agent determinations, • timing of revenue recognition (for example, point-in-time versus over time and/or accelerated versus deferred), • single versus multiple performance obligations, • new/changed estimates and management judgments (for example, system estimation of in-transit accruals versus manual estimation), • disaggregation of revenue by category within segments, and • others. Management expects that there will also be changes in sales, contracting, accounting, reporting, tax, debt covenants, and other business processes, policies, and controls, as a result of implementing ASC Topic 606. The Company is currently implementing a new ERP system and transacting a merger (as discussed in Note 1), which will also affect the implementation process. Based on the information currently available from the diagnostic phase, management cannot yet determine the quantitative impact on the financial statements; however, the impact is expected to be immaterial (potentially with changes only to the timing of revenue recognition between reportable periods, as well as changes in the requirements for accounting policy and other new disclosures). The financial impact has not yet been quantified. The Company is transitioning into the design and planning phase of implementing ASC Topic 606. Since management is continuing to evaluate the impact of ASC Topic 606, disclosures around their preliminary assessments are subject to change.

Restricted Investments (Tables)

Restricted Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Schedule of Investments [Abstract]
Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains And Losses, Estimated Fair Value Of Fixed Maturity Securities	The following table presents the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and temporary losses, and estimated fair value of the Company’s restricted investments: March 31, 2017 Gross Unrealized Cost or Amortized Gains Temporary Estimated Fair Value (In thousands) United States corporate securities $ 16,403 $ — $ (14 ) $ 16,389 Municipal bonds 4,931 — (2 ) 4,929 Negotiable certificate of deposits 1,525 — — 1,525 Restricted investments, held to maturity $ 22,859 $ — $ (16 ) $ 22,843 December 31, 2016 Gross Unrealized Cost or Amortized Gains Temporary Estimated Fair Value (In thousands) United States corporate securities $ 16,432 $ — $ (23 ) $ 16,409 Municipal bonds 4,760 — (6 ) 4,754 Negotiable certificate of deposits 1,525 — — 1,525 Restricted investments, held to maturity $ 22,717 $ — $ (29 ) $ 22,688

Goodwill and Other Intangible25

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets, net [Table Text Block]	Other intangible asset balances were as follows: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Customer Relationships: Gross carrying value $ 275,324 $ 275,324 Accumulated amortization (194,260 ) (190,056 ) Customer relationships, net 81,064 85,268 Trade Name: Gross carrying value 181,037 181,037 Intangible assets, net $ 262,101 $ 266,305
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	The following table presents amortization of intangible assets related to the 2007 Transactions and intangible assets existing prior to the 2007 Transactions: Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Amortization of intangible assets related to the 2007 Transactions $ 3,912 $ 3,912 Amortization related to intangible assets existing prior to the 2007 Transactions 292 292 Amortization of intangibles $ 4,204 $ 4,204

Debt and Financing (Tables)

Debt and Financing (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt Balances by Instrument [Table Text Block]	Other than the Company’s accounts receivable securitization, as discussed in Note 6 , and its outstanding capital lease obligations as discussed in Note 9 , the Company's long-term debt consisted of the following: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) 2015 Agreement: Term Loan A, due July 2020, net of $1,244 and $1,338 DLCs as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively (1) $ 470,506 $ 492,912 Other 6,372 8,893 Long-term debt 476,878 501,805 Less: current portion of long-term debt (5,946 ) (8,459 ) Long-term debt, less current portion $ 470,932 $ 493,346 March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Long-term debt $ 476,878 $ 501,805 Revolving line of credit, due July 2020 (1) (2) 10,000 130,000 Long-term debt, including revolving line of credit $ 486,878 $ 631,805 ____________ (1) Refer to Note 14 for information regarding the fair value of long-term debt. (2) The Company also had outstanding letters of credit under the Revolver, primarily related to workers' compensation and self-insurance liabilities of $95.2 million at March 31, 2017 and $97.0 million at December 31, 2016 .
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	The following table presents the key terms of the 2015 Agreement: Description Term Loan A Revolver (2) (Dollars in thousands) Maximum borrowing capacity $680,000 $600,000 Final maturity date July 27, 2020 July 27, 2020 Interest rate base LIBOR LIBOR LIBOR floor —% —% Interest rate minimum margin (1) 1.50% 1.50% Interest rate maximum margin (1) 2.25% 2.25% Minimum principal payment – amount (3) $6,625 $— Minimum principal payment – frequency Quarterly Once Minimum principal payment – commencement date (3) December 31, July 27, ____________ (1) The interest rate margin for the Term Loan A and Revolver is based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2017 , interest accrued at 2.38% on the Term Loan A and 2.39% on the Revolver. As of December 31, 2016, interest accrued at 2.18% on the Term Loan A and 2.18% on the Revolver. (2) The commitment fee for the unused portion of the Revolver is based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio and ranges from 0.25% to 0.35% . As of March 31, 2017 , commitment fees on the unused portion of the Revolver accrued at 0.25% and outstanding letter of credit fees accrued at 1.50% . As of December 31, 2016, commitment fees on the unused portion of the Revolver accrued at 0.25% and outstanding letter of credit fees accrued at 1.50% . (3) Commencing in March 2017, the minimum required quarterly payment amount on the Term Loan A is $12.3 million , at which it would remain until final maturity. However, as of January 2017, the Company has voluntarily prepaid all minimum quarterly principal payments through final maturity.

Deferred Loan Costs (Tables)

Deferred Loan Costs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Issuance Costs, Net [Abstract]
Debt Issuance Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the classification of DLCs in the Company's consolidated balance sheets: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) ASSETS: Other assets $ 1,087 $ 1,169 LIABILITIES: Current portion of long-term debt — — Long-term debt, less current portion 1,244 1,338 Accounts receivable securitization 626 715 Total DLCs $ 2,957 $ 3,222

Contingencies and Legal Proce28

Contingencies and Legal Proceedings (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block]	Legal Proceedings Information is provided below regarding the nature, status, and contingent loss amounts, if any, associated with the Company's pending legal matters. There are inherent uncertainties in these legal matters, some of which are beyond management's control, making the ultimate outcomes difficult to predict. Moreover, management's views and estimates related to these matters may change in the future, as new events and circumstances arise and the matters continue to develop. For the matters below, an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss cannot be determined for certain cases because, among other reasons, (1) the proceedings are in various stages that do not allow for assessment; (2) damages have not been sought; (3) damages are unsupported and/or exaggerated; (4) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals; and/or (5) there are significant factual issues to be resolved. Based on currently available information, and in certain cases, advice of outside counsel, management does not believe that loss contingencies arising from pending matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's overall financial position, after taking into consideration any existing accruals. However, actual outcomes could be material to the Company's operating results or liquidity for any particular period. EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND PAY PRACTICES MATTERS Aggregate information regarding accruals for the below employee compensation and pay practices matters: Aggregate accrual Aggregate range of loss in excess of accrual Explanation if no accrual has been made $1.3 million $— - $— For certain matters, it is not probable that a loss was incurred and/or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated. For those matters, no accrual has been made. California Private Attorneys General Act ("PAGA") Class Action The plaintiff alleges that the Company violated California law by failing to timely pay wages and failing to reimburse employees for business expenses. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Theron Christopher (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC July 8, 2016 Superior Court of California, County of Riverside Recent Developments and Current Status The parties have agreed to a settlement of this matter and are currently seeking court approval of the settlement. The expected settlement amount is not material to the Company's financial statements. California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Driver Class Actions The plaintiffs generally allege one or more of the following: that the Company 1) failed to pay the California minimum wage; 2) failed to provide proper meal and rest periods; 3) failed to timely pay wages upon separation from employment; 4) failed to pay for all hours worked; 5) failed to pay overtime; 6) failed to properly reimburse work-related expenses; and 7) failed to provide accurate wage statements. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in John Burnell (1) Swift Transportation Co., Inc March 22, 2010 United States District Court for the Central District of California James R. Rudsell (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Company April 5, 2012 United States District Court for the Central District of California Lawrence Peck (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC September 25, 2014 United States District Court for the Central District of California Lawrence Peck (1)(2) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC, et al. November 20, 2014 Superior Court of California, County of Riverside Sadashiv Mares (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC February 27, 2015 United States District Court for the Central District of California Rafael McKinsty (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC, et al. April 15, 2015 United States District Court for the Central District of California Thor Nilsen (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC October 15, 2015 United States District Court for the Central District of California Recent Developments and Current Status Before and during 2016, the Rudsell, Peck, Peck PAGA, Mares, McKinsty, and Nilsen complaints were stayed, pending resolution of earlier-filed cases. In May 2016, the Burnell plaintiffs were denied class certification. Their subsequent petition to appeal the decertification order was also denied. Following the Burnell plaintiffs' failure to certify the class, the stays on certain cases were lifted. The Peck case is currently in discovery. The parties in the Mares and McKinsty cases are currently completing class certification briefing. Based on the current procedural nature of the cases, the final disposition of the matter and impact to the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Yard Hostler Class Actions The plaintiffs, representing yard hostlers employed by the Company in California, generally allege one or more of the following: that the Company 1) failed to pay minimum wage; 2) failed to pay overtime and doubletime wages required by California law; 3) failed to provide accurate, itemized wage statements; 4) failed to timely pay wages upon separation from employment; 5) failed to reimburse for business expenses; and 6) failed to provide proper meal and rest periods. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Grant Fritsch (1) Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Company January 28, 2016 Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino Bill Barker, Tab Bachman, and William Yingling (1) Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC April 1, 2016 United States District Court for the Eastern District of California Recent Developments and Current Status The Barker and Fritsch complaints are currently in discovery. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages related to these lawsuits. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of these matters and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. National Customer Service Misclassification Class Action The plaintiff, a former Customer Service Representative IV, alleges that the Company failed to pay overtime under the FLSA. Additionally, with respect to California state law, the plaintiff alleges that the Company: 1) failed to pay overtime; 2) failed to pay timely final wages; 3) failed to provide meal and rest periods; and 4) violated the unfair competition law. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Salvador Castro (1) Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC May 11, 2016 United States District Court for the Central District of California Recent Developments and Current Status Castro, along with five other former Customer Service Representative IV employees opted into this collective action lawsuit, which was being pursued under the FLSA. In addition to the Castro collective action, thirteen Customer Service Representative IV employees pursued similar claims in individual arbitrations. The parties conducted three arbitrations regarding the individual claimants. The parties agreed to mediation, which was held in January 2017. The parties have reached a global settlement to the collective action and the individual arbitrations. The individual arbitration claimants have been paid pursuant to this settlement and the parties are seeking court approval of the settlement in the collective action. Arizona Fair Labor Standards Act Class Action The plaintiff alleges that the Company violated the FLSA by failing to pay its trainee drivers minimum wage for all work performed and by failing to pay overtime. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Pamela Julian (1) Swift Transportation Inc., et al. December 29, 2015 United States District Court for the District of Arizona Recent Developments and Current Status In March 2016, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff's overtime claims, which was granted by the district court in May 2016. The parties recently completed briefing on the plaintiff's Motion for Conditional Class Certification and are awaiting a ruling on the Motion from the Court. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages for the remaining claims. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of the matter and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. Washington Overtime Class Actions The plaintiffs allege one or more of the following, pertaining to Washington state-based drivers: that the Company 1) failed to pay minimum wage; 2) failed to pay overtime; 3) failed to pay all wages due at established pay periods; 4) failed to provide proper meal and rest periods; 5) failed to provide accurate wage statements; and 6) unlawfully deducted from employee wages. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Troy Slack (1) Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Corporation September 9, 2011 United States District Court for the Western District of Washington Julie Hedglin (1) Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Corporation January 14, 2016 United States District Court for the Western District of Washington Recent Developments and Current Status The parties in the Slack matter are currently completing dispositive motion briefing. The case is scheduled for trial in September 2017. The Hedglin matter is currently in discovery. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages for both matters. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of the matter and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. ___________ (1) Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. (2) Peck PAGA complaint. OWNER-OPERATOR MATTERS Aggregate information regarding accruals for the below owner-operator matters: Aggregate accrual Aggregate range of loss in excess of accrual Explanation if no accrual has been made $36.7 million $— - $— For certain matters, it is not probable that a loss was incurred and/or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated. For those matters, no accrual has been made. Arizona Owner-operator Class Action The putative class alleges that the Company improperly compensated owner-operators (later expanding the class to include employee drivers) using the contracted and industry standard remuneration based upon dispatched miles, instead of using a method of calculating mileage that the plaintiffs allege would be more accurate. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Leonel Garza (1) Swift Transportation Co., Inc. January 30, 2004 Maricopa County Superior Court Recent Developments and Current Status The original trial court's decision was to deny class certification of the owner-operators, which was reversed and reinstated several times by various courts prior to 2016. The class is currently certified, based on an appellate court's decision from July 2016. The Company filed a petition for review with the Arizona Supreme Court in August 2016, which was denied in January 2017. The matter will now proceed in the Maricopa County Superior Court. The final disposition of the matter and impact to the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. Ninth Circuit Owner-operator Misclassification Class Action The putative class alleges that the Company misclassified owner-operators as independent contractors in violation of the FLSA and various state laws, and that such owner-operators should be considered employees. The lawsuit also raises certain related issues with respect to the lease agreements that certain owner-operators have entered into with IEL. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Joseph Sheer, Virginia Van Dusen, Jose Motolinia, Vickii Schwalm, Peter Wood (1) Swift Transportation Co., Inc., Interstate Equipment Leasing, Inc., Jerry Moyes, and Chad Killebrew December 22, 2009 Unites States District Court of Arizona and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Recent Developments and Current Status For several years, the parties have been arguing over the proper venue in which to proceed. The plaintiffs argue that they signed contracts of employment, thus exempting them from arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act, and claim that their case should be heard in court by a judge. The Company takes the position that these individuals signed independent contractor agreements and therefore can properly be required to submit their claims to arbitration. In January 2017, the district court issued an order finding that the plaintiffs had signed contracts of employment and thus the case could properly proceed in court. The Company has appealed this decision to the Ninth Circuit and the district court stayed the proceedings, pending resolution of the appeal. The Company intends to vigorously defend against any proceedings. The final disposition of the matter and impact to the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. Utah Collective and Individual Arbitration The plaintiffs allege that the Central Parties (defined below) misclassified owner-operator drivers as independent contractors and were therefore liable to these drivers for minimum wages and other employee benefits under the FLSA. The complaint also alleges a federal forced labor claim under U.S.C. §1589 and §1595, as well as fraud and other state-law claims. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Gabriel Ciluffo, Kevin Shire, and Bryan Ratterree (1) Central Refrigerated Service, Inc., Central Leasing, Inc., Jon Isaacson, and Jerry Moyes (the "Central Parties"), as well as Swift Transportation Company June 1, 2012 American Arbitration Association Recent Developments and Current Status In June 2016, mediation commenced, but there was ultimately no settlement of the matter. In October 2016, the arbitrator ruled that approximately 1,300 Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. drivers were improperly classified as independent contractors, when they should have been classified and compensated as employees. The arbitrator ruled that damages could ultimately be assessed in a collective proceeding and denied the Company's motion to decertify the collective proceeding. Based upon the October 2016 arbitration ruling, the Company increased its legal accrual related to this matter for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. On April 14, 2017, the Company proposed a tentative settlement arrangement, which was finalized by and between the parties on April 28, 2017, subject to final court approval. As such, the Company increased its legal accrual again for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is probable. ___________ (1) Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. EMPLOYEE HIRING PRACTICES MATTERS Aggregate information regarding accruals for the below employee hiring practices matters: Aggregate accrual Aggregate range of loss in excess of accrual Explanation if no accrual has been made $— $— - $— It is not probable that a loss was incurred and/or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated for these matters. Indiana Fair Credit Reporting Act Class Action The plaintiff alleges that Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by failing to provide job applicants with adverse action notices and copies of their consumer reports and statements of rights. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Melvin Banks (1) Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. March 18, 2015 United States District Court for the District of Utah Recent Developments and Current Status The first phase of discovery, regarding potential for identifying and certifying a class of affected job applicants, has been completed. The parties recently completed class certification briefing and the Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment. Rulings on these Motions are pending from the court. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of the matter and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. California Class and Collective Action for Pre-employment Physical Testing The plaintiff alleges that pre-employment tests of physical strength administered by a third party on behalf of Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. had an unlawfully discriminatory impact on female applicants and applicants over the age of 40. The suit seeks damages under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the age Discrimination Act, and parallel California state law provisions, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Plaintiff(s) Defendant(s) Date instituted Court or agency currently pending in Robin Anderson (1) Central Refrigerated Service, Inc., Workwell Systems, Inc., and Swift Transportation Company October 6, 2014 United States District Court for the Central District of California Recent Developments and Current Status Litigation is at a very preliminary stage and no trial date has been set. Additionally, there is a motion for class certification pending, for which the Company is preparing a response. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the plaintiff's claims and to oppose certification of any class of plaintiffs. The final disposition of this case and the financial impact cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote. ___________ (1) Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated.

Share Repurchase Programs (Tabl

Share Repurchase Programs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Share Repurchases [Table Text Block]	The following table presents our repurchases of our Class A common stock under the respective share repurchase programs, net of advisory fees: Quarter Ended March 31, As of Share Repurchase Program 2017 2016 March 31, 2017 Authorized Amount Board Approval Date Shares Amount Shares Amount Amount Remaining (In thousands) $100,000 September 24, 2015 — $ — 2,221 $ 30,000 $ — $150,000 February 22, 2016 — $ — 903 $ 15,000 $ 62,881 — $ — 3,124 $ 45,000 $ 62,881

Weighted Average Shares Outst30

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable To Stockholders	The following table reconciles basic weighted average shares outstanding to diluted weighted average shares outstanding: Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 133,147 136,519 Dilutive effect of stock options 942 1,136 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 134,089 137,655 Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the dilutive-effect calculation (1) 153 452 ____________ (1) Shares were excluded from the dilutive-effect calculation because the outstanding options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company's common shares during the period.

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated (In thousands) Financial Assets: Restricted investments (1) $ 22,859 $ 22,843 $ 22,717 $ 22,688 Financial Liabilities: 2015 Agreement: Term Loan A, due July 2020 (2) 470,506 471,750 492,912 494,250 2015 RSA, due January 2019 (3) 304,374 305,000 279,285 280,000 Revolving line of credit, due July 2020 10,000 10,000 130,000 130,000 ____________ The carrying amounts of the financial instruments shown in the table are included in the consolidated balance sheets, as follows: (1) Restricted investments are included in "Restricted investments, held to maturity, amortized cost." (2) Carrying value is net of $1.2 million and $1.3 million DLCs as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Term Loan A is included in "Long-term debt, less current portion," as the Company has voluntarily prepaid all minimum quarterly principal payments through final maturity. (3) Carrying value is net of $0.6 million and $0.7 million DLCs as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring	The following table depicts the level in the fair value hierarchy of the inputs used to estimate fair value of assets measured on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2016: Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using: Estimated Level 1 Inputs Level 2 Inputs Level 3 Inputs Total Gains (Losses) As of December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Software (1) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (520 ) Equipment (2) 1,963 — — 1,963 (250 ) ____________ (1) During the three months ended December 31, 2016, certain operations software related to the Company's logistics business was determined to be fully impaired based on a significant decrease in the expected useful life of the software. This resulted in a pre-tax impairment loss of $0.5 million , which was recorded in "Impairments" within operating income in the consolidated income statement. (2) During the three months ended December 31, 2016, management reassessed the fair value of certain IEL tractors, which had a total book value of $2.2 million , determining that there was a pre-tax impairment loss of $0.3 million . The impairment loss was recorded in "Impairments" within operating income in the consolidated income statement.

Jerry Moyes' Retirement (Tables

Jerry Moyes' Retirement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities for Consulting Fees, Rollforward[Table Text Block]	The following schedule is a rollforward of the accrued liability for the consulting fees: March 31, 2017 (In thousands) Accrued consulting fees – Jerry Moyes, December 31, 2016 (1) $ 6,675 Additions to accrual — Less: payments (600 ) Accrued consulting fees – Jerry Moyes, March 31, 2017 (1) $ 6,075 ____________ (1) The balance is included in "Other liabilities" (noncurrent) and "Accrued liabilities" (current) in the consolidated balance sheet, based on the timing of the expected payment. The $0.3 million impact of the equity award modification is excluded from the accrual balance because it is classified as "Additional paid-in capital" in the consolidated balance sheet.

Information by Segment and Ge33

Information by Segment and Geography (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary Of Financial Information By Segments	The following tables present the company's financial information by segment: Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (recast) Operating revenue: (In thousands) Truckload $ 481,546 $ 492,522 Dedicated 150,836 142,911 Refrigerated 177,491 169,688 Intermodal 86,233 82,548 Subtotal 896,106 887,669 Non-reportable segments 82,714 99,248 Intersegment eliminations (14,989 ) (19,094 ) Consolidated operating revenue $ 963,831 $ 967,823 Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (recast) Operating income (loss): (In thousands) Truckload $ 15,917 $ 36,287 Dedicated 11,613 18,741 Refrigerated (6,335 ) 4,785 Intermodal (109 ) (2,908 ) Subtotal 21,086 56,905 Non-reportable segments (5,501 ) (4,422 ) Consolidated operating income $ 15,585 $ 52,483 Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (recast) Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment: (In thousands) Truckload $ 31,934 $ 31,283 Dedicated 13,082 12,017 Refrigerated 9,007 8,975 Intermodal 2,955 3,179 Subtotal 56,978 55,454 Non-reportable segments 10,791 11,497 Consolidated depreciation and amortization of property and equipment $ 67,769 $ 66,951

Introduction and Basis Of Pre34

Introduction and Basis Of Presentation (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)SegmentVehicle	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities		$ 118,898	$ 132,115
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities		(141,365)	(94,431)
Share withholding for taxes due on equity awards		$ 826	307
Number of tractors in fleet | Vehicle		18,656
Number of company tractors | Vehicle		14,017
Number of owner-operator tractors | Vehicle		4,639
Number of trailers | Vehicle		63,207
Number of intermodal containers | Vehicle		9,130
Number of reportable segments | Segment		4
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax	$ 16,800
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 forfeiture assumption [Member]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax	$ 400
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities			100
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities			100
Share withholding for taxes due on equity awards			$ (300)

Introduction and Basis Of Pre35

Introduction and Basis Of Presentation Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jul. 15, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 07, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Enterprise Value				$ 6,000
Increase in legal accrual		$ 11.7
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss	$ 89.1
Estimate of possible gain	75.3
Contingent transaction expense reimbursement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss	$ 10
Swift Transportation Company [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Reverse Stock Splits	0.72
Share Price			$ 22.07
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	54.00%
Knight Swift [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Reverse Stock Splits	1
Knight Transportation Company [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Share Price			$ 30.65
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	46.00%

Recently Issued Accounting Pr36

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Not Yet Adopted (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]
Accounting pronouncement description	This ASU deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606) to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.
Adoption date and method	January 2018, Modified retrospective
Financial statement impact	Currently under evaluation (1)	[1]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-12 [Member]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]
Accounting pronouncement description	The amendments in this ASU clarify certain aspects regarding the collectibility criterion, sales taxes collected from customers, noncash consideration, contract modifications, and completed contracts at transition. It additionally clarifies that retrospective application only requires disclosure of the accounting change effect on prior periods presented, not on the period of adoption.
Adoption date and method	January 2018, Modified retrospective
Financial statement impact	Currently under evaluation (1)	[1]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-10 [Member]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]
Accounting pronouncement description	The amendments in this ASU clarify the following two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. The amendments do not change the core principle of the guidance.
Adoption date and method	January 2018, Modified retrospective
Financial statement impact	Currently under evaluation (1)	[1]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-08 [Member]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]
Accounting pronouncement description	The amendments in this ASU are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations, but do not change the core principle of the guidance.
Adoption date and method	January 2018, Modified retrospective
Financial statement impact	Currently under evaluation (1)	[1]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]
Accounting pronouncement description	The new standard requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities arising from both operating and financing leases on the balance sheet. Lessor accounting for leases is largely unaffected by the new guidance.
Adoption date and method	January 2019, Modified retrospective
Financial statement impact	Currently under evaluation; expected to be material, but not yet quantifiable.
[1]	(1)Management is in the diagnostic phase of assessing the financial and business impacts of implementing ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, including identifying revenue sources within the Company's lines of business, reviewing a sample of contracts, and developing a preliminary assessment. Based upon these preliminary procedures, management anticipates that the following key considerations will impact the Company's accounting and reporting under the new standard: •identification of what constitutes a contract in Swift's business practices,•variability in individual contracts, such as customer-specific terms that may vary from the master agreement,•principal versus agent determinations,•timing of revenue recognition (for example, point-in-time versus over time and/or accelerated versus deferred),•single versus multiple performance obligations, •new/changed estimates and management judgments (for example, system estimation of in-transit accruals versus manual estimation), •disaggregation of revenue by category within segments, and•others.Management expects that there will also be changes in sales, contracting, accounting, reporting, tax, debt covenants, and other business processes, policies, and controls, as a result of implementing ASC Topic 606. The Company is currently implementing a new ERP system and transacting a merger (as discussed in Note 1), which will also affect the implementation process.Based on the information currently available from the diagnostic phase, management cannot yet determine the quantitative impact on the financial statements; however, the impact is expected to be immaterial (potentially with changes only to the timing of revenue recognition between reportable periods, as well as changes in the requirements for accounting policy and other new disclosures). The financial impact has not yet been quantified. The Company is transitioning into the design and planning phase of implementing ASC Topic 606. Since management is continuing to evaluate the impact of ASC Topic 606, disclosures around their preliminary assessments are subject to change.

Restricted Investments (Details

Restricted Investments (Details) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)Securities	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Securities	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)Securities
Restricted Investments [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	[1]	$ 22,859	$ 22,717	$ 22,859
Gross Unrealized Gains		0	0	0
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses		(16)	(29)	(16)
Estimated Fair Value	[1]	$ 22,843	$ 22,688	$ 22,843
Securities with unrealized losses for less than 12 months | Securities		40	42	40
Maximum [Member]
Restricted Investments [Line Items]
Contractual maturities of fixed maturity securities				1 year
SWFT_Duration of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position		12 months	12 months
United States corporate securities [Member]
Restricted Investments [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost		$ 16,403	$ 16,432	$ 16,403
Gross Unrealized Gains		0	0	0
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses		(14)	(23)	(14)
Estimated Fair Value		16,389	16,409	16,389
Municipal bonds [Member]
Restricted Investments [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost		4,931	4,760	4,931
Gross Unrealized Gains		0	0	0
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses		(2)	(6)	(2)
Estimated Fair Value		4,929	4,754	4,929
Negotiable certificate of deposits [Member]
Restricted Investments [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost		1,525	1,525	1,525
Gross Unrealized Gains		0	0	0
Gross Unrealized Temporary Losses		0	0	0
Estimated Fair Value		$ 1,525	$ 1,525	$ 1,525
[1]	Restricted investments are included in "Restricted investments, held to maturity, amortized cost."

Goodwill and Other Intangible38

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets- Impairments (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 0	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible39

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets-Intangible Asset Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Customer Relationships:
Gross carrying value	$ 275,324	$ 275,324
Accumulated amortization	(194,260)	(190,056)
Customer relationships, net	81,064	85,268
Trade Name:
Gross carrying value	181,037	181,037
Intangible assets, net	$ 262,101	$ 266,305

Goodwill and Other Intangible40

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets-Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	$ 4,204	$ 4,204
Amortization of intangible assets related to the 2007 Transactions [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	3,912	3,912
Amortization related to intangible assets existing prior to the 2007 Transactions [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	$ 292	$ 292

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rate	31.30%	29.80%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	36.00%	38.00%
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 0.4		$ 0.4
change in unrecognized tax benefits is not anticipated	twelve months
Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination	2,012
Year subject to examination	2,012
Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination	2,015

Accounts Receivable Securitiz42

Accounts Receivable Securitization (Details) - 2015 RSA [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest accrual rate	1.50%	1.30%
Debt Instrument, Collateral Fee			$ 1.4	$ 0.9

Debt and Financing-Debt Balance

Debt and Financing-Debt Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 476,878	$ 501,805
Deferred loan costs, Term Loan A		2,957	3,222
Less: current portion of long-term debt		(5,946)	(8,459)
Long-term debt, less current portion		470,932	493,346
Revolving line of credit	[1],[2]	10,000	130,000
Long-term debt, including revolving line of credit		486,878	631,805
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount		95,200	97,000
2015 Agreement, New Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	[1],[3]	470,506	492,912
Deferred loan costs, Term Loan A		1,244	1,338
Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 6,372	$ 8,893
[1]	Refer to Note 14 for information regarding the fair value of long-term debt.
[2]	The Company also had outstanding letters of credit under the Revolver, primarily related to workers' compensation and self-insurance liabilities of $95.2 million at March 31, 2017 and $97.0 million at December 31, 2016.
[3]	Carrying value is net of $1.2 million and $1.3 million DLCs as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Term Loan A is included in "Long-term debt, less current portion," as the Company has voluntarily prepaid all minimum quarterly principal payments through final maturity.

Debt And Financing-Credit Agree

Debt And Financing-Credit Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from revolving line of credit		$ (120,000)	$ 0
2015 Agreement, New Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		680,000
2015 Agreement, New Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	[1]	$ 600,000
[1]	The commitment fee for the unused portion of the Revolver is based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio and ranges from 0.25% to 0.35%. As of March 31, 2017, commitment fees on the unused portion of the Revolver accrued at 0.25% and outstanding letter of credit fees accrued at 1.50%. As of December 31, 2016, commitment fees on the unused portion of the Revolver accrued at 0.25% and outstanding letter of credit fees accrued at 1.50%

Debt and Financing-Debt Terms (

Debt and Financing-Debt Terms (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2020
2015 Agreement, New Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 680,000		$ 680,000
Final maturity date				Jul. 27, 2020
Interest rate base				LIBOR
LIBOR Floor				0.00%
Minimum principal payment - amount	[1]			$ 6,625
Minimum principal payment - frequency				Quarterly
Minimum principal payment - commencement date	[1]			Dec. 31, 2015
Interest accrual rate		2.38%	2.18%
2015 Agreement, New Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	[2]	$ 600,000		$ 600,000
Final maturity date	[2]			Jul. 27, 2020
Interest rate base	[2]			LIBOR
LIBOR Floor	[2]			0.00%
Minimum principal payment - amount	[2]			$ 0
Minimum principal payment - frequency	[2]			Once
Minimum principal payment - commencement date	[2]			Jul. 27, 2020
Interest accrual rate		2.39%	2.18%
Commitment fee percentage, unused portion		0.25%	0.25%
Outstanding letter of credit fees		1.50%	1.50%
Minimum [Member] | 2015 Agreement, New Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin	[3]			1.50%
Minimum [Member] | 2015 Agreement, New Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin	[2],[3]			1.50%
Commitment fee percentage, unused portion				0.25%
Maximum [Member] | 2015 Agreement, New Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin	[3]			2.25%
Maximum [Member] | 2015 Agreement, New Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin	[2],[3]			2.25%
Commitment fee percentage, unused portion				0.35%
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2015 Agreement, New Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum principal payment - amount					$ 12,300
[1]	Commencing in March 2017, the minimum required quarterly payment amount on the Term Loan A is $12.3 million, at which it would remain until final maturity. However, as of January 2017, the Company has voluntarily prepaid all minimum quarterly principal payments through final maturity.
[2]	The commitment fee for the unused portion of the Revolver is based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio and ranges from 0.25% to 0.35%. As of March 31, 2017, commitment fees on the unused portion of the Revolver accrued at 0.25% and outstanding letter of credit fees accrued at 1.50%. As of December 31, 2016, commitment fees on the unused portion of the Revolver accrued at 0.25% and outstanding letter of credit fees accrued at 1.50%
[3]	The interest rate margin for the Term Loan A and Revolver is based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2017, interest accrued at 2.38% on the Term Loan A and 2.39% on the Revolver. As of December 31, 2016, interest accrued at 2.18% on the Term Loan A and 2.18% on the Revolver.

Deferred Loan Costs (Details)

Deferred Loan Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Issuance Costs [Line Items]
Deferred loan costs	$ 2,957	$ 3,222
Other assets
Debt Issuance Costs [Line Items]
Deferred loan costs	1,087	1,169
Current portion of long-term debt
Debt Issuance Costs [Line Items]
Deferred loan costs	0	0
Long-term debt, less current portion
Debt Issuance Costs [Line Items]
Deferred loan costs	1,244	1,338
Accounts receivable securitization
Debt Issuance Costs [Line Items]
Deferred loan costs	$ 626	$ 715

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Collateral, revenue equipment, gross cost	$ 296,000		$ 319,800
Collateral, accumulated amortization	91,300		$ 97,000
Rental expense	$ 55,694	$ 56,252

Purchase Commitments (Details)

Purchase Commitments (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Percentage Of Cancel Tractor Purchase Orders	78.00%
Minimum [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Duration Of Option To Cancel Purchase Orders	60 days
Maximum [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Duration Of Option To Cancel Purchase Orders	90 days
Capital Addition Purchase Commitments Total Revenue Equipment [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Purchase Commitment, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 277
Purchase Obligation, Due in Fourth and Fifth Year	0
Capital Addition Purchase Commitments of Tractors [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Purchase Commitment, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year	195.4
Capital Addition Purchase Commitments Non revenue equipment [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Purchase Commitment, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year	10.7
Purchase Obligation, Due in Second and Third Year	8.8
Purchase Obligation, Due in Fourth and Fifth Year	$ 3.9

Contingencies and Legal Proce49

Contingencies and Legal Proceedings (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual	$ 1.3
Loss Contingency, Inestimable Loss	For certain matters, it is not probable that a loss was incurred and/or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated. For those matters, no accrual has been made.
Owner-Operator Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual	$ 36.7
Loss Contingency, Inestimable Loss	For certain matters, it is not probable that a loss was incurred and/or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated. For those matters, no accrual has been made.
Employee Hiring Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual	$ 0
Loss Contingency, Inestimable Loss	It is not probable that a loss was incurred and/or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated for these matters.
Other environmental [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss	$ 0.3
Minimum [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	0
Minimum [Member] | Owner-Operator Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	0
Minimum [Member] | Employee Hiring Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	0
Maximum [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	0
Maximum [Member] | Owner-Operator Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	0
Maximum [Member] | Employee Hiring Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	$ 0
California Private Attorneys General Act Class Action [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	The plaintiff alleges that the Company violated California law by failing to timely pay wages and failing to reimburse employees for business expenses.
Loss Contingency, Opinion of Counsel	The parties have agreed to a settlement of this matter and are currently seeking court approval of the settlement. The expected settlement amount is not material to the Company's financial statements.
California Private Attorneys General Act Class Action [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | California Private Attorney General Act Class Action [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Theron Christopher (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC
Lawsuit filing date	July 8, 2016
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	Superior Court of California, County of Riverside
California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Driver Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	The plaintiffs generally allege one or more of the following: that the Company 1) failed to pay the California minimum wage; 2) failed to provide proper meal and rest periods; 3) failed to timely pay wages upon separation from employment; 4) failed to pay for all hours worked; 5) failed to pay overtime; 6) failed to properly reimburse work-related expenses; and 7) failed to provide accurate wage statements.
Loss Contingency, Opinion of Counsel	Before and during 2016, the Rudsell, Peck, Peck PAGA, Mares, McKinsty, and Nilsen complaints were stayed, pending resolution of earlier-filed cases. In May 2016, the Burnell plaintiffs were denied class certification. Their subsequent petition to appeal the decertification order was also denied. Following the Burnell plaintiffs' failure to certify the class, the stays on certain cases were lifted. The Peck case is currently in discovery. The parties in the Mares and McKinsty cases are currently completing class certification briefing. Based on the current procedural nature of the cases, the final disposition of the matter and impact to the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote.
California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Driver Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | California Wage Meal And Rest Driver Class Action 1 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	John Burnell (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Co., Inc
Lawsuit filing date	March 22, 2010
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the Central District of California
California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Driver Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | California Wage Meal And Rest Driver Class Action 5 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	James R. Rudsell (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Company
Lawsuit filing date	April 5, 2012
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the Central District of California
California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Driver Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | California Wage Meal and Rest Driver Class Action 2 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Lawrence Peck (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC
Lawsuit filing date	September 25, 2014
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the Central District of California
California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Driver Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | California Wage Meal and Rest Employee Class Action 7 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Lawrence Peck (1)(2)	[1],[2]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC, et al.
Lawsuit filing date	November 20, 2014
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	Superior Court of California, County of Riverside
California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Driver Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | California Wage Meal And Rest Driver Class Action 3 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Sadashiv Mares (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC
Lawsuit filing date	February 27, 2015
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the Central District of California
California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Driver Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | California Wage Meal And Rest Driver Class Action 4 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Rafael McKinsty(1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC, et al.
Lawsuit filing date	April 15, 2015
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the Central District of California
California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Driver Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | California Wage Meal And Rest Driver Class Action 6 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Thor Nilsen (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC
Lawsuit filing date	October 15, 2015
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the Central District of California
California Meal, Wage, and Rest: Yard Hostler Class Action [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	The plaintiffs, representing yard hostlers employed by the Company in California, generally allege one or more of the following: that the Company 1) failed to pay minimum wage; 2) failed to pay overtime and doubletime wages required by California law; 3) failed to provide accurate, itemized wage statements; 4) failed to timely pay wages upon separation from employment; 5) failed to reimburse for business expenses; and 6) failed to provide proper meal and rest periods.
Loss Contingency, Opinion of Counsel	The Barker and Fritsch complaints are currently in discovery. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages related to these lawsuits. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of these matters and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote.
California Meal, Wage, and Rest: Yard Hostler Class Action [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Yard Hostler Class Action [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Grant Fritsch (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Company
Lawsuit filing date	January 28, 2016
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino
California Meal, Wage, and Rest: Yard Hostler Class Action [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | California Wage, Meal, and Rest: Yard Hostler Class Action 2 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Bill Barker, Tab Bachman, and William Yingling (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC
Lawsuit filing date	April 1, 2016
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
National Customer Service Misclassification Class Actions [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Opinion of Counsel	Castro, along with five other former Customer Service Representative IV employees opted into this collective action lawsuit, which was being pursued under the FLSA. In addition to the Castro collective action, thirteen Customer Service Representative IV employees pursued similar claims in individual arbitrations. The parties conducted three arbitrations regarding the individual claimants. The parties agreed to mediation, which was held in January 2017. The parties have reached a global settlement to the collective action and the individual arbitrations. The individual arbitration claimants have been paid pursuant to this settlement and the parties are seeking court approval of the settlement in the collective action.
National Customer Service Misclassification Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	The plaintiff, a former Customer Service Representative IV, alleges that the Company failed to pay overtime under the FLSA. Additionally, with respect to California state law, the plaintiff alleges that the Company: 1) failed to pay overtime; 2) failed to pay timely final wages; 3) failed to provide meal and rest periods; and 4) violated the unfair competition law.
National Customer Service Misclassification Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | National Customer Service Misclassification Class Action 2 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Salvador Castro (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC
Lawsuit filing date	May 11, 2016
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the Central District of California
Arizona Fair Labor Standards Act Class Actions [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Opinion of Counsel	In March 2016, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff's overtime claims, which was granted by the district court in May 2016. The parties recently completed briefing on the plaintiff's Motion for Conditional Class Certification and are awaiting a ruling on the Motion from the Court. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages for the remaining claims. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of the matter and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote.
Arizona Fair Labor Standards Act Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	The plaintiff alleges that the Company violated the FLSA by failing to pay its trainee drivers minimum wage for all work performed and by failing to pay overtime.
Arizona Fair Labor Standards Act Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | Delaware Fair Labor Standards Act Class Action [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Pamela Julian (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Inc., et al.
Lawsuit filing date	December 29, 2015
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the District of Arizona
Washington Overtime Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	The plaintiffs allege one or more of the following, pertaining to Washington state-based drivers: that the Company 1) failed to pay minimum wage; 2) failed to pay overtime; 3) failed to pay all wages due at established pay periods; 4) failed to provide proper meal and rest periods; 5) failed to provide accurate wage statements; and 6) unlawfully deducted from employee wages.
Loss Contingency, Opinion of Counsel	The parties in the Slack matter are currently completing dispositive motion briefing. The case is scheduled for trial in September 2017. The Hedglin matter is currently in discovery. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages for both matters. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of the matter and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote.
Washington Overtime Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | Washington Overtime Class Action [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Troy Slack (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Corporation
Lawsuit filing date	September 9, 2011
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
Washington Overtime Class Actions [Member] | Employee Compensation and Pay Practices Matters [Member] | Washington Overtime Class Action 2 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Julie Hedglin (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Company of Arizona, LLC and Swift Transportation Corporation
Lawsuit filing date	January 14, 2016
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
Arizona Owner-operator Class Actions [Member] | Arizona owner operator class action 1 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Leonel Garza (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Co., Inc.
Lawsuit filing date	January 30, 2004
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	Maricopa County Superior Court
Arizona Owner-operator Class Actions [Member] | Owner-Operator Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	The putative class alleges that the Company improperly compensated owner-operators (later expanding the class to include employee drivers) using the contracted and industry standard remuneration based upon dispatched miles, instead of using a method of calculating mileage that the plaintiffs allege would be more accurate.
Loss Contingency, Opinion of Counsel	The original trial court's decision was to deny class certification of the owner-operators, which was reversed and reinstated several times by various courts prior to 2016. The class is currently certified, based on an appellate court's decision from July 2016. The Company filed a petition for review with the Arizona Supreme Court in August 2016, which was denied in January 2017. The matter will now proceed in the Maricopa County Superior Court. The final disposition of the matter and impact to the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote.
Ninth Circuit Owner-operator Misclassification Class Actions [Member] | Owner-Operator Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	The putative class alleges that the Company misclassified owner-operators as independent contractors in violation of the FLSA and various state laws, and that such owner-operators should be considered employees. The lawsuit also raises certain related issues with respect to the lease agreements that certain owner-operators have entered into with IEL.
Loss Contingency, Opinion of Counsel	For several years, the parties have been arguing over the proper venue in which to proceed. The plaintiffs argue that they signed contracts of employment, thus exempting them from arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act, and claim that their case should be heard in court by a judge. The Company takes the position that these individuals signed independent contractor agreements and therefore can properly be required to submit their claims to arbitration. In January 2017, the district court issued an order finding that the plaintiffs had signed contracts of employment and thus the case could properly proceed in court. The Company has appealed this decision to the Ninth Circuit and the district court stayed the proceedings, pending resolution of the appeal. The Company intends to vigorously defend against any proceedings. The final disposition of the matter and impact to the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote.
Ninth Circuit Owner-operator Misclassification Class Actions [Member] | Owner-Operator Matters [Member] | Ninth circuit owner operator misclassification class action 1 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Joseph Sheer, Virginia Van Dusen, Jose Motolinia, Vickii Schwalm, Peter Wood (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Swift Transportation Co., Inc., Interstate Equipment Leasing, Inc., Jerry Moyes, and Chad Killebrew
Lawsuit filing date	December 22, 2009
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	Unites States District Court of Arizona and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Utah Collective and Individual Arbitration [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Opinion of Counsel	In June 2016, mediation commenced, but there was ultimately no settlement of the matter. In October 2016, the arbitrator ruled that approximately 1,300 Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. drivers were improperly classified as independent contractors, when they should have been classified and compensated as employees. The arbitrator ruled that damages could ultimately be assessed in a collective proceeding and denied the Company's motion to decertify the collective proceeding. Based upon the October 2016 arbitration ruling, the Company increased its legal accrual related to this matter for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. On April 14, 2017, the Company proposed a tentative settlement arrangement, which was finalized by and between the parties on April 28, 2017, subject to final court approval. As such, the Company increased its legal accrual again for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is probable.
Utah Collective and Individual Arbitration [Member] | Owner-Operator Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	The plaintiffs allege that the Central Parties (defined below) misclassified owner-operator drivers as independent contractors and were therefore liable to these drivers for minimum wages and other employee benefits under the FLSA. The complaint also alleges a federal forced labor claim under U.S.C. §1589 and §1595, as well as fraud and other state-law claims.
Utah Collective and Individual Arbitration [Member] | Owner-Operator Matters [Member] | Utah Collective And Individual Arbitration 1 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Gabriel Ciluffo, Kevin Shire, and Bryan Ratterree (1)	[1]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Central Refrigerated Service, Inc., Central Leasing, Inc., Jon Isaacson, and Jerry Moyes (the "Central Parties"), as well as Swift Transportation Company
Lawsuit filing date	June 1, 2012
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	American Arbitration Association
Indiana Fair Credit Reporting Act Class Actions [Member] | Indiana Fair Credit Reporting Act Class Action Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Melvin Banks (1)	[3]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Central Refrigerated Service, Inc.
Lawsuit filing date	March 18, 2015
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the District of Utah
Indiana Fair Credit Reporting Act Class Actions [Member] | Employee Hiring Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	The plaintiff alleges that Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by failing to provide job applicants with adverse action notices and copies of their consumer reports and statements of rights.
Loss Contingency, Opinion of Counsel	The first phase of discovery, regarding potential for identifying and certifying a class of affected job applicants, has been completed. The parties recently completed class certification briefing and the Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment. Rulings on these Motions are pending from the court. The Company retains all of its defenses against liability and damages. Additionally, the Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the claims and to challenge certification. The final disposition of the matter and the impact on the Company cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote.
California Class and Collective Action for Pre-employment Physical Testing Actions [Member] | California Class and Collective Action for Pre-Employment Physical Testing [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, name of plaintiffs	Robin Anderson (1)	[3]
Loss Contingency, Name of Defendant	Central Refrigerated Service, Inc., Workwell Systems, Inc., and Swift Transportation Company
Lawsuit filing date	October 6, 2014
Loss Contingency, Domicile of Litigation	United States District Court for the Central District of California
California Class and Collective Action for Pre-employment Physical Testing Actions [Member] | Employee Hiring Practices Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Allegations	The plaintiff alleges that pre-employment tests of physical strength administered by a third party on behalf of Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. had an unlawfully discriminatory impact on female applicants and applicants over the age of 40. The suit seeks damages under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the age Discrimination Act, and parallel California state law provisions, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Loss Contingency, Opinion of Counsel	Litigation is at a very preliminary stage and no trial date has been set. Additionally, there is a motion for class certification pending, for which the Company is preparing a response. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the merits of the plaintiff's claims and to oppose certification of any class of plaintiffs. The final disposition of this case and the financial impact cannot be determined at this time. The likelihood that a loss has been incurred is remote.
[1]	Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated.
[2]	Peck PAGA complaint.
[3]	Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated.

Share Repurchase Programs (Deta

Share Repurchase Programs (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity, Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Repurchase and cancellation of Class A Common Stock, shares	0	3,124
Repurchase and cancellation of Class A Common Stock, value	$ 0	$ 45,000
Amount Remaining	62,881
Repurchase Program authorized September 24, 2015 [Member]
Equity, Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 100,000
Repurchase and cancellation of Class A Common Stock, shares	0	2,221
Repurchase and cancellation of Class A Common Stock, value	$ 0	$ 30,000
Amount Remaining	0
Repurchase Program authorized February 22, 2016 [Member]
Equity, Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 150,000
Repurchase and cancellation of Class A Common Stock, shares	0	903
Repurchase and cancellation of Class A Common Stock, value	$ 0	$ 15,000
Amount Remaining	$ 62,881

Weighted Average Shares Outst51

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares shares in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		133,147	136,519
Dilutive effect of stock options		942	1,136
Diluted weighted average diluted shares outstanding		134,089	137,655
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the dilutive-effect calculation	[1]	153	452
[1]	Shares were excluded from the dilutive-effect calculation because the outstanding options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company's common shares during the period.

Fair Value Measurement-Estimate

Fair Value Measurement-Estimated Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Restricted investments, held to maturity, amortized cost	[1]	$ 22,859	$ 22,717
Restricted Investments, Estimated Fair Value	[1]	22,843	22,688
2015 Agreement, New Term Loan A, due July 2020, Carrying Amount		476,878	501,805
Accounts receivable securitization, due January 2019, Carrying Amount		304,374	279,285
Revolving line of credit, Carrying Amount	[2],[3]	10,000	130,000
Deferred loan costs		2,957	3,222
2015 Agreement, New Term Loan A [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
2015 Agreement, New Term Loan A, due July 2020, Carrying Amount	[2],[4]	470,506	492,912
2015 Agreement, New Term Loan A, due July 2020, Fair Value	[4]	471,750	494,250
Deferred loan costs		1,244	1,338
2015 RSA [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Accounts receivable securitization, due January 2019, Carrying Amount	[5]	304,374	279,285
Accounts receivable securitization, due January 2019, Fair Value	[5]	305,000	280,000
Deferred loan costs		600	700
2015 Agreement, New Revolver [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Revolving line of credit, Carrying Amount		10,000	130,000
Revolving line of credit, Fair Value		$ 10,000	$ 130,000
[1]	Restricted investments are included in "Restricted investments, held to maturity, amortized cost."
[2]	Refer to Note 14 for information regarding the fair value of long-term debt.
[3]	The Company also had outstanding letters of credit under the Revolver, primarily related to workers' compensation and self-insurance liabilities of $95.2 million at March 31, 2017 and $97.0 million at December 31, 2016.
[4]	Carrying value is net of $1.2 million and $1.3 million DLCs as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Term Loan A is included in "Long-term debt, less current portion," as the Company has voluntarily prepaid all minimum quarterly principal payments through final maturity.
[5]	Carrying value is net of $0.6 million and $0.7 million DLCs as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Fair Value Measurement-Recurrin

Fair Value Measurement-Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$ 0	$ 0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurement-Nonrecur

Fair Value Measurement-Nonrecurrirng Basis (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring						$ 0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Software | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	[1]	0		0
Non-cash impairments of non-operating assets		500,000		520,000	[1]
Software | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	[1]	0		0
Software | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	[1]	0		0
Software | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	[1]	0		0
Equipment | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure		1,963,000	[2]	1,963,000	[2]		$ 2,200,000
Non-cash impairments of non-operating assets		300,000		250,000	[2]
Equipment | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	[2]	0		0
Equipment | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	[2]	0		0
Equipment | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure	[2]	$ 1,963,000		$ 1,963,000
[1]	During the three months ended December 31, 2016, certain operations software related to the Company's logistics business was determined to be fully impaired based on a significant decrease in the expected useful life of the software. This resulted in a pre-tax impairment loss of $0.5 million, which was recorded in "Impairments" within operating income in the consolidated income statement.
[2]	During the three months ended December 31, 2016, management reassessed the fair value of certain IEL tractors, which had a total book value of $2.2 million, determining that there was a pre-tax impairment loss of $0.3 million. The impairment loss was recorded in "Impairments" within operating income in the consolidated income statement.

Jerry Moyes' Retirement (Detail

Jerry Moyes' Retirement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities, Initiation Date	Sep. 8, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities, Completion Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Monthly consulting fee	$ 200
One time expense for Jerry Moyes' retirement	7,100
Accrued consulting fees	6,800	$ 0
Impact of equity award modifications	$ 300
Income statement caption included in	"Salaries, wages, and employee benefits

Jerry Moyes' Retirement Rollfor

Jerry Moyes' Retirement Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Accrued consulting fees - Jerry Moyes, balance at December 31, 2016			$ 6,675
Additions to accrual		$ 6,800	0
Less: payments			(600)
Accrued consulting fees - Jerry Moyes, balance at March 31, 2017	[1]		$ 6,075
Impact of equity award modifications		$ 300
[1]	The balance is included in "Other liabilities" (noncurrent) and "Accrued liabilities" (current) in the consolidated balance sheet, based on the timing of the expected payment. The $0.3 million impact of the equity award modification is excluded from the accrual balance because it is classified as "Additional paid-in capital" in the consolidated balance sheet.

Information by Segment and Ge57

Information by Segment and Geography-Segment Descriptions (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	4
Segment Reporting, Description of All Other Segments	Non-reportable Segments — The non-reportable segments include the Company's logistics and freight brokerage services, as well as support services that its subsidiaries provide to customers and owner-operators, including repair and maintenance shop services, equipment leasing, and insurance. Intangible amortization related to the 2007 Transactions, certain legal settlements and reserves, and certain other corporate expenses are also included in the non-reportable segments.
Truckload [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information, Description of Products and Services	Truckload — The Truckload segment consists of one-way movements over irregular routes throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This service utilizes both company and owner-operator tractors with dry van, flatbed, and other specialized trailing equipment.
Dedicated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information, Description of Products and Services	Dedicated — Through the Dedicated segment, the Company devotes use of equipment to specific customers and offers tailored solutions under long-term contracts. This segment utilizes dry van, flatbed, and other specialized trailing equipment.
Swift Refrigerated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information, Description of Products and Services	Refrigerated — This segment primarily consists of shipments for customers that require temperature-controlled trailers. These shipments include one-way movements over irregular routes, as well as dedicated truck operations.
Intermodal [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information, Description of Products and Services	Intermodal — The Intermodal segment includes revenue generated by moving freight over the rail in the Company's containers and other trailing equipment, combined with revenue for drayage to transport loads between the railheads and customer locations.

Information by Segment and Ge58

Information by Segment and Geography-Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenue	$ 963,831	$ 967,823
Operating income (loss)	15,585	52,483
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	67,769	66,951
Truckload [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenue	481,546	492,522
Operating income (loss)	15,917	36,287
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	31,934	31,283
Dedicated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenue	150,836	142,911
Operating income (loss)	11,613	18,741
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	13,082	12,017
Swift Refrigerated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenue	177,491	169,688
Operating income (loss)	(6,335)	4,785
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	9,007	8,975
Intermodal [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenue	86,233	82,548
Operating income (loss)	(109)	(2,908)
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	2,955	3,179
Subtotal [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenue	896,106	887,669
Operating income (loss)	21,086	56,905
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	56,978	55,454
Non-reportable segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenue	82,714	99,248
Operating income (loss)	(5,501)	(4,422)
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	10,791	11,497
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenue	$ (14,989)	$ (19,094)

Information by Segment and Ge59

Information by Segment and Geography-Geography (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Percentages Of Foreign Operations Consolidated Revenue	5.00%	5.00%
Long lived assets of foreign operations	5.00%		5.00%