Forward Air (FWRD) 10-Q 30 Oct 20 2020 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 27, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	000-22490
Entity Registrant Name	FORWARD AIR CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	TN
Entity Tax Identification Number	62-1120025
Entity Address, Address Line One	1915 Snapps Ferry Road
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Building N
Entity Address, City or Town	Greeneville
Entity Address, State or Province	TN
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	37745
City Area Code	423
Local Phone Number	636-7000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	FWRD
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		27,507,750
Entity Central Index Key	0000912728
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 42,990	$ 64,749
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $2,448 in 2020 and $2,053 in 2019	153,070	136,214
Other current assets	22,062	20,403
Current assets held for sale	16,925	14,952
Total current assets	235,047	236,318
Property and equipment	379,306	373,571
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	189,042	180,815
Total property and equipment, net	190,264	192,756
Operating lease, right-of-use asset	115,551	105,170
Goodwill and other acquired intangibles:
Goodwill	240,933	215,699
Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $89,540 in 2020 and $79,250 in 2019	145,086	124,857
Total goodwill and other acquired intangibles, net	386,019	340,556
Other assets	43,266	39,374
Noncurrent assets held for sale	78,063	76,704
Total assets	1,048,210	990,878
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	32,581	25,411
Accrued expenses	52,454	44,154
Other current liabilities	4,277	5,318
Current portion of debt and finance lease obligations	1,557	1,421
Current portion of operating lease obligations	40,258	35,886
Current liabilities held for sale	26,006	24,974
Total current liabilities	157,133	137,164
Debt and finance lease obligations, less current portion	116,583	72,249
Operating lease obligations, less current portion	76,003	69,678
Other long-term liabilities	61,536	56,448
Deferred income taxes	45,532	41,214
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale	39,227	36,943
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares - 50,000,000, Issued and outstanding shares - 27,258,493 in 2020 and 27,850,233 in 2019	273	279
Additional paid-in capital	237,497	226,869
Retained earnings	314,426	350,034
Total shareholders' equity	552,196	577,182
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,048,210	990,878
Noncurrent assets held for sale	$ 78,063	$ 76,704

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 2,448	$ 2,053
Other acquired intangibles, accumulated amortization	$ 89,540	$ 79,250
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, issued shares (in shares)	27,258,493	27,850,233
Common stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	27,258,493	27,850,233

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Operating revenue	$ 331,997	$ 313,683	$ 919,232	$ 895,531
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	173,054	150,296	465,721	426,283
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	66,927	68,532	200,258	192,330
Operating leases	17,327	15,860	52,598	46,861
Depreciation and amortization	9,172	9,016	27,919	27,531
Insurance and claims	8,671	9,532	26,437	29,276
Fuel expense	2,715	4,637	9,247	13,219
Other operating expenses	30,621	26,624	83,854	78,071
Total operating expenses	308,487	284,497	866,034	813,571
Income from continuing operations	23,510	29,186	53,198	81,960
Other expense:
Interest expense	(1,304)	(761)	(3,355)	(1,917)
Other, net	0	1	0	(1)
Total other expense	(1,304)	(760)	(3,355)	(1,918)
Income before income taxes	22,206	28,426	49,843	80,042
Income tax expense	5,214	7,372	12,209	20,055
Net income from continuing operations	16,992	21,054	37,634	59,987
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(345)	1,141	(9,458)	2,945
Net income attributable to Forward Air shareholders	$ 16,647	$ 22,195	$ 28,176	$ 62,932
Basic net income (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.61	$ 0.74	$ 1.35	$ 2.10
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0.04	(0.34)	0.10
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	0.60	0.78	1.01	2.20
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.61	0.74	1.35	2.09
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0.04	(0.34)	0.10
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	0.60	0.78	1.01	2.19
Dividends per share:
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.54	$ 0.54

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Operating activities:
Net income from continuing operations	$ 37,634	$ 59,987
Adjustments to reconcile net income of continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations
Depreciation and amortization	27,919	27,531
Change in fair value of earn-out liability	(2,209)	890
Share-based compensation	7,852	8,536
Loss on disposal of property and equipment, net	108	781
Provision for loss on receivables	606	819
Provision for revenue adjustments	2,972	2,239
Deferred income tax expense	4,317	5,881
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	(20,436)	(3,778)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(173)	(4,380)
Income taxes	1,426	(2,557)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	20,477	11,876
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	80,493	107,825
Investing activities:
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	1,415	1,693
Purchases of property and equipment	(16,439)	(23,240)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	(55,931)	(39,000)
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations	(70,955)	(60,547)
Financing activities:
Payments of finance lease obligations	(529)	(528)
Proceeds from senior credit facility	65,000	20,000
Payments on senior credit facility	(20,000)	0
Payments on earn-out liability	(5,284)	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,901	2,063
Payments of cash dividends	(15,090)	(15,421)
Repurchase of common stock (repurchase program)	(45,248)	(47,906)
Proceeds from common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	294	261
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings	(3,444)	(3,032)
(Distributions to) contributions from subsidiary held for sale	8,897	6,452
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations	(31,297)	(38,111)
Net (decrease) increase in cash of continuing operations	(21,759)	9,167
Cash from discontinued operations:
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operations, net	(8,090)	9,906
Cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations, net	(807)	(3,454)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations, net	8,897	(6,452)
Net (decrease) increase in cash	(21,759)	9,167
Cash at beginning of period of continuing operations	64,749	25,657
Cash at beginning of period of discontinued operations/held for sale	0	0
Cash at end of period of continuing operations	$ 42,990	$ 34,824

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 553,244	$ 285	$ 210,296	$ 342,663
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		28,535,000
Net income and comprehensive income	18,407			18,407
Other	2	$ 2
Exercise of stock options	830		830
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		(18,000)
Share-based compensation	3,047		3,047
Dividends	(5,189)		1	(5,190)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings	(2,721)	$ (1)		(2,720)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings (in shares)		(44,000)
Share repurchases	(14,181)	$ (2)		(14,179)
Share repurchases, shares		(230,000)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		136,000
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	553,439	$ 284	214,174	338,981
Balance, shares (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		28,415,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 553,244	$ 285	210,296	342,663
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		28,535,000
Share repurchases, shares	(789,000)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 561,145	$ 279	221,629	339,237
Balance, shares (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019		27,915,000
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	553,439	$ 284	214,174	338,981
Balance, shares (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		28,415,000
Net income and comprehensive income	22,330			22,330
Other	(4)		(2)	(2)
Exercise of stock options	448		448
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		(10,000)
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	261		261
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		5,000
Share-based compensation	3,197		3,197
Dividends	(5,144)		2	(5,146)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings	(49)			(49)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings (in shares)		(1,000)
Share repurchases	(24,436)	$ (4)		(24,432)
Share repurchases, shares		(407,000)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		18,000
Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	550,042	$ 280	218,080	331,682
Balance, shares (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019		28,040,000
Net income and comprehensive income	22,195			22,195
Exercise of stock options	785		785
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		(17,000)
Share-based compensation	2,762		2,762
Dividends	(5,088)		2	(5,090)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings	(262)			(262)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings (in shares)		(4,000)
Share repurchases	$ (9,289)	$ (1)		(9,288)
Share repurchases, shares	(152,000)	(152,000)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		14,000
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 561,145	$ 279	221,629	339,237
Balance, shares (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019		27,915,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 577,182	$ 279	226,869	350,034
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	27,850,233	27,850,000
Net income and comprehensive income	$ 8,375			8,375
Share-based compensation	3,266		3,266
Dividends	(5,050)		2	(5,052)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings	(2,672)			(2,672)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings (in shares)		(42,000)
Share repurchases	(15,259)	$ (3)		(15,256)
Share repurchases, shares		(268,000)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares	(1)	$ 1	(2)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		139,000
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	565,841	$ 277	230,135	335,429
Balance, shares (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020		27,679,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 577,182	$ 279	226,869	350,034
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	27,850,233	27,850,000
Share repurchases, shares	(787,000)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 552,196	$ 273	237,497	314,426
Balance, shares (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020	27,258,493	27,258,000
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 565,841	$ 277	230,135	335,429
Balance, shares (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020		27,679,000
Net income and comprehensive income	3,155			3,155
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	295		295
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		7,000
Share-based compensation	2,654		2,654
Dividends	(5,039)		3	(5,042)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings	(613)			(613)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings (in shares)		(13,000)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares	(1)		(1)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		56,000
Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	566,292	$ 277	233,086	332,929
Balance, shares (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020		27,729,000
Net income and comprehensive income	16,647			16,647
Exercise of stock options	1,902	$ (1)	1,901
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		42,000
Share-based compensation	2,507		2,507
Dividends	(5,005)		3	(5,008)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings	(158)			(158)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for tax withholdings (in shares)		(3,000)
Share repurchases	$ (29,989)	$ (5)		(29,984)
Share repurchases, shares	(519,000)	(519,000)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		9,000
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 552,196	$ 273	$ 237,497	$ 314,426
Balance, shares (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020	27,258,493	27,258,000

Consolidated Statements of Sh_2

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) Parenthetical - $ / shares	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.54	$ 0.54

Description of Business and Bas

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Forward Air Corporation ("the Company", "We", "Our") is a leading asset-light freight and logistics company. Prior to the Company’s Board of Directors’ (the "Board") approval of a strategy to divest the Company's Pool Distribution business (“Pool”), its services were classified into three principal reportable segments: Expedited Freight, Intermodal and Pool. As a result of the decision to divest Pool, which has been classified as a discontinued operation, the Company now has two principal reportable segments: Expedited Freight and Intermodal (see Note 14, Segment Reporting ). See Note 4, Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale , for additional information regarding the decision to divest Pool. Through the Expedited Freight segment, the Company operates a comprehensive national network to provide expedited regional, inter-regional and national less-than-truckload ("LTL") services. Expedited Freight offers customers local pick-up and delivery and other services including final mile, truckload, shipment consolidation and deconsolidation, warehousing, customs brokerage and other handling. The Company's Intermodal segment provides first- and last-mile high value intermodal container drayage services both to and from seaports and railheads. Intermodal also offers dedicated contract and container freight station ("CFS") warehouse and handling services. Today, Intermodal operates primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, with a smaller operational presence in the Southwest United States. Pool, which has been classified as a discontinued operation, provides high-frequency handling and distribution of time sensitive product to numerous destinations within a specific geographic region. Pool offers this service throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest and Southwest United States. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The Company’s operating results are subject to seasonal trends (as described in the Company's 2019 Form 10-K) when measured on a quarterly basis; therefore operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Forward Air Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company include Forward Air Corporation and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial information to conform to the current year presentation. Discontinued Operations On April 23, 2020, the Board approved a strategy to divest Pool within the next year and accordingly, has been classified as assets held for sale as of September 30, 2020 and for all prior periods presented. Pool assets and liabilities are reflected as “Assets and liabilities held for sale” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in this report. In addition, the results of operations for Pool have been presented in this report as discontinued operations. Amounts for all periods discussed below reflect the results of operations, financial condition and cash flows from Forward Air’s continuing operations, unless otherwise noted. See Note 4, Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale . Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In particular, management has made estimates and assumptions related to the impact of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") on its business. The current environment resulting from COVID-19 is unprecedented and comes with a great deal of uncertainty as discussed further throughout this document.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting PronouncementsIn June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), which replaces the incurred loss methodology previously employed to measure credit losses for most financial assets and requires the use of a forward-looking expected loss model. Under current accounting guidance, credit losses are recognized when it is probable a loss has been incurred. The updated guidance will require financial assets to be measured at amortized costs less a reserve, equal to the net amount expected to be collected. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2020, which resulted in the Company revising its allowance for doubtful accounts policy on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.The Company has a broad range of customers, including freight forwarders, third-party logistics (“3PL”) companies, passenger and cargo airlines, steamship lines, and retailers, located across a diverse geography. In addition, the Company does not have a significant concentration of credit risk; no single customer accounts for more than 10% of its consolidated revenue. In circumstances in which the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company (for example, bankruptcy filings, accounts turned over for collection, or litigation), the Company records a specific reserve for these bad debts against amounts due, in order to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes a general reserve based on a percentage of revenue to ensure accounts receivables are properly recorded at the net amount expected to be collected. Management evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivables at least quarterly and sets the reserve based on historical and current collection history and reasonable and supportable forecasts about any expected changes to our collection experience in the future due to changing economic conditions. If circumstances change (i.e., the Company experiences higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to the Company), the estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be changed by a material amount. Accounts are written off after all means of collection, including legal action, have been exhausted.

Revenue

Revenue	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue [Abstract]
Revenue	Revenue The Company's revenue is generated from providing transportation and related services to customers in accordance with contractual agreements, bill of lading ("BOL") contracts and general tariff provisions. Related services include accessorial charges such as terminal handling, storage, equipment rentals and customs brokerage. These services are distinct and are accounted for as separate performance obligations. Generally, the Company's performance obligations begin when a customer's BOL is received and are satisfied when the delivery of a shipment and related services are completed. The Company generally recognizes revenue for its services over time to coincide with when its customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of these services. Performance obligations are short-term with transit days typically less than a week. Upon delivery of a shipment or related service, customers are billed and remit payment according to payment terms. Excluding Pool, the Company's revenue from contracts with customers is disclosed within two reportable segments: Expedited Freight and Intermodal. This is consistent with disclosures in earnings releases and annual reports and with the information regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") for evaluating financial performance. See additional discussion in Note 14, Segment Reporting .

Discontinued Operations and Hel

Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale On April 23, 2020, the Board approved a strategy to divest Pool within the next year. Accordingly, Pool has been classified as assets held for sale as of September 30, 2020 and for all prior periods presented. Pool assets and liabilities are reflected as “Assets and liabilities held for sale” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in this report. In addition, the results of operations for Pool have been presented in this report as discontinued operations. Upon meeting the assets held for sale criteria and during its annual goodwill impairment analysis, the Company evaluated whether Pool's estimated fair value, less costs to sell, exceeded the carrying value of its assets and liabilities. As a result of that assessment, we determined that the fair value of Pool exceeded its carrying value by approximately 5%. In addition, during the three months ended September 30, 2020, no indicators of goodwill impairment were identified, and the Company believes the fair value of Pool exceeds its carrying value. The results of Pool were previously included in its own segment. The Company will continue to have two reporting segments: Expedited Freight and Intermodal, which is consistent with the way the CODM reviews operating results and makes resource decisions (See Note 14, Segment Reporting ). Certain corporate overhead and other costs previously allocated to Pool for segment reporting purposes did not qualify for classification within discontinued operations and have been reallocated to continuing operations. These costs have been reclassified to the eliminations and other column in the segment reconciliation that appears in Note 14, Segment Reporting . Summarized Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations Financial Information The following table provides a reconciliation of the carrying amounts of major classes of assets and liabilities which are included in assets and liabilities held for sale in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of each of the periods presented below: September 30, December 31, Assets Current assets: Accounts receivable, less allowance of $108 in 2020 and $49 in 2019 $ 16,164 $ 13,983 Other current assets 761 969 Total current assets held for sale $ 16,925 $ 14,952 Property and equipment $ 51,199 $ 53,166 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 31,480 32,891 Total property and equipment, net 19,719 20,275 Operating lease right-of-use assets 47,568 46,487 Goodwill and other acquired intangibles: Goodwill 5,406 5,406 Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $12,679 in 2020 and $12,359 in 2019 2,621 2,941 Total goodwill and other acquired intangibles, net 8,027 8,347 Other assets 2,749 1,595 Total noncurrent assets held for sale $ 78,063 $ 76,704 Liabilities Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 3,501 $ 4,575 Accrued expenses 5,720 5,668 Other current liabilities — 2 Current portion of operating lease obligations 16,785 14,729 Total current liabilities held for sale $ 26,006 $ 24,974 Operating lease obligations, less current portion $ 30,851 $ 31,847 Other long-term liabilities 4,192 2,368 Deferred income taxes 4,184 2,728 Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale $ 39,227 $ 36,943 The following table summarizes the results of operations classified as discontinued operations, net of tax, in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Operating revenue $ 37,521 $ 47,980 $ 88,447 $ 133,359 Operating expenses: Purchased transportation 8,700 13,310 21,383 36,461 Salaries, wages and employee benefits 17,012 18,727 42,519 51,569 Operating leases 5,304 4,661 15,950 13,159 Depreciation and amortization — 1,512 1,657 4,505 Insurance and claims 1,525 1,398 4,538 4,254 Fuel expense 1,045 1,468 2,785 4,423 Other operating expenses 4,467 5,401 12,309 14,975 Total operating expenses 38,053 46,477 101,141 129,346 (Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes (532) 1,503 (12,694) 4,013 Income tax (benefit) expense (187) 362 (3,236) 1,068 (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (345) $ 1,141 $ (9,458) $ 2,945

Acquisitions and Long-Lived Ass

Acquisitions and Long-Lived Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Long-Lived Assets	Acquisitions and Long-Lived Assets Expedited Freight Acquisitions As part of the Company's strategy to expand final mile pickup and delivery operations, in January 2020, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of Linn Star Holdings, Inc., Linn Star Transfer, Inc. and Linn Star Logistics, LLC (collectively, “Linn Star”) for $57,239. This acquisition increased the Company's Final Mile capabilities with an additional 20 locations. In addition, in April 2019, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of FSA Network, Inc., doing business as FSA Logistix (“FSA”), for $27,000 and a potential earnout of up to $15,000. Both transactions were funded using cash flows from operations. The assets, liabilities, and operating results of these acquisitions have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition and have been assigned to the Expedited Freight reportable segment. The FSA acquisition agreement provides the sellers an earnout opportunity of up to $15,000 based on the achievement of certain revenue milestones over two one-year periods, beginning May 1, 2019. Upon acquisition, the fair value of the earn-out liability was $11,803 and was included in other current and long-term liabilities in the opening consolidated balance sheet. The earn-out liability was classified as level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as defined in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“the FASB Codification”) and the value was determined based on estimated revenues and the probability of achieving them. The fair value was based on the two-year performance of FSA's acquired customer revenue and was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The initial weighted average assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation are summarized in the following table: FSA Earn-out April 21, 2019 December 31, 2019 September 30, 2020 Risk-free rate 2.9% 2.2% 2.0% Revenue discount rate 4.4% 4.4% 3.2% Revenue volatility 3.0% 5.0% 7.0% In June 2020, the Company paid the first period earn-out payment of $5,284; the second and final payment is expected to be paid in the second quarter of 2021. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the earn-out fair valu e increased $493 to $4,277, which is classified as a current liability. The change in fair value is included in other operating expenses and is based on changes in expected cash flows and expected new business wins. Intermodal Acquisitions As part of the Company's strategy to expand its Intermodal operations, in July 2019, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of O.S.T. Logistics, Inc. and O.S.T. Trucking Co., Inc. (together referred to as “OST”) for $12,000. OST is a drayage company and expanded the Company's intermodal footprint on the East Coast, primarily in Baltimore, Maryland, with additional locations in Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia. This transaction was funded using cash flows from operations. The assets, liabilities, and operating results of the acquisition have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition and have been included in the Intermodal reportable segment. Allocations of Purchase Price The following table presents the allocations of the previously discussed acquisition purchase prices to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values and resulting residual goodwill (in thousands): FSA OST Linn Star April 21, 2019 July 14, 2019 January 12, 2020 Tangible assets: Cash $ 202 $ — $ 1,308 Other receivables 1,491 — — Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — 1,182 Property and equipment 40 10,371 605 Operating lease right-of-use assets 3,209 1,672 10,011 Total tangible assets 4,942 12,043 13,106 Intangible assets: Non-compete agreements 900 850 450 Customer relationships 17,900 5,700 29,800 Goodwill 19,963 2,050 25,234 Total intangible assets 38,763 8,600 55,484 Total assets acquired 43,705 20,643 68,590 Liabilities assumed: Current liabilities 8,466 — 1,340 Other liabilities 5,030 — — Debt and finance lease obligations — 6,971 — Operating lease obligations 3,209 1,672 10,011 Total liabilities assumed 16,705 8,643 11,351 Net assets acquired $ 27,000 $ 12,000 $ 57,239 The above purchase price allocation for Linn Star is preliminary as the Company is still in the process of finalizing the valuation of the acquired assets and liabilities assumed. The above estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on the information that was available as of the acquisition date through the date of this filing. The acquired definite-lived intangible assets have the following useful lives: Useful Lives FSA OST Linn Star Non-compete agreements 5 years 3 years 1 year Customer relationships 15 years 10 years 15 years The fair value of the non-compete agreements and customer relationships were estimated using an income approach (level 3). Under this method, an intangible asset's fair value is equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows (excess earnings) attributable solely to the intangible asset over its remaining useful life. To estimate fair value, the Company used cash flows discounted at rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with each type of asset. The Company believed the level and timing of cash flows appropriately reflected market participant assumptions. Cash flows were assumed to extend through the remaining economic useful life of each class of intangible asset. Goodwill Goodwill is allocated to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the business combinations generating the goodwill. Excluding Pool, the Company has four reporting units - Expedited LTL, Truckload, Final Mile and Intermodal. As discussed in Note 4, Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale , the carrying amounts of Pool's assets and liabilities, including goodwill, are classified as held for sale in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and its operating results are not part of the continuing operations of the Company. In evaluating whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that an interim impairment assessment is required, management considers if there were any indicators that exist that may impair the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, no indicators of goodwill impairment were identified and an interim impairment test was not required as the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that the carrying value of any of its reporting units exceeds its fair value. The following is a summary of the Company's goodwill as of September 30, 2020. Approximately $161,789 of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Beginning balance, December 31, 2019 Linn Star Acquisition Ending balance, September 30, 2020 Expedited LTL Goodwill $ 97,593 $ — $ 97,593 Accumulated Impairment — — — Truckload Goodwill 45,164 — 45,164 Accumulated Impairment (25,686) — (25,686) Final Mile Goodwill 19,963 25,234 45,197 Accumulated Impairment — — — Intermodal Goodwill 78,665 — 78,665 Accumulated Impairment — — — Total Goodwill 241,385 25,234 266,619 Accumulated Impairment (25,686) — (25,686) $ 215,699 $ 25,234 $ 240,933 Other Long-Lived Assets The Company tests its long-lived assets (asset groups) for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Management evaluates long-lived assets for impairment at the lowest level for which cashflows are identifiable. In general, these assets are reviewed at the reporting unit level, discussed above, by significant asset category. Examples of significant asset categories include land, buildings, tractors, trailers, other equipment, leasehold improvements, right-of-use lease assets, customer relationships, non-compete agreements, software and inventory.

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-Based Payments	Share-Based Payments The Company’s general practice has been to make a single annual grant of share-based compensation in the first quarter to key employees and to make other employee grants only in connection with new employment or promotions. Forms of share-based compensation granted to employees by the Company include stock options, non-vested shares of common stock (“non-vested shares”), and performance shares. The Company also typically makes a single annual grant of non-vested shares to non-employee directors in conjunction with the annual election of non-employee directors to the Board of Directors. Share-based compensation is based on the grant date fair value of the instrument and is recognized ratably over the requisite service period or vesting period. All share-based compensation expense is recognized in salaries, wages and employee benefits. Share-based compensation amounts below are disclosed on both a continuing and discontinuing basis. Employee Activity - Stock Options Stock option grants to employees generally expire seven years from the grant date and typically vest ratably over a three-year period. All forfeitures were recognized as they occurred. The Company used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the grant-date fair value of options granted. On a continuing basis, there were no options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Further, there were no options granted to employees of the Company's discontinued operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 or 2019. The weighted-average fair value of options granted and assumptions used to estimate their fair value during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were as follows (on a continuing basis): Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Expected dividend yield 1.1 % Expected stock price volatility 24.1 % Weighted average risk-free interest rate 1.5 % Expected life of options (years) 5.9 Weighted average grant date fair value $ 15 The following tables summarize the Company’s employee stock option activity and related information on a continuing basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Aggregate Remaining Exercise Intrinsic Contractual Options Price Value Term Outstanding at December 31, 2019 417 $ 53 Granted 36 66 Exercised (42) 46 Forfeited (4) 60 Outstanding at September 30, 2020 407 $ 55 $ (133) 3.8 Exercisable at September 30, 2020 311 $ 53 $ 682 3.4 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for options $ 869 $ 1,178 Tax benefit for option compensation $ 225 $ 304 Unrecognized compensation cost for options $ 1,065 $ 1,846 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 1.4 The following tables summarize the Company’s employee stock option activity and related information on a discontinued basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Aggregate Remaining Exercise Intrinsic Contractual Options Price Value Term Outstanding at December 31, 2019 14 $ 52 Granted — — Exercised — — Forfeited — — Outstanding at September 30, 2020 14 $ 52 $ 37 3.0 Exercisable at September 30, 2020 12 $ 52 $ 41 2.9 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for options $ 16 $ 31 Tax benefit for option compensation $ 4 $ 8 Unrecognized compensation cost for options $ 6 $ 32 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 0.4 Employee Activity - Non-vested Shares The fair value of non-vested shares issued was estimated using the closing market prices for the business day of the grant. The share-based compensation for the non-vested shares is recognized ratably over the requisite service period or vesting period, which is a three-year period. All forfeitures were recognized as they occurred. The following tables summarize the Company’s employee non-vested share activity and related information on a continuing basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Average Aggregate Non-vested Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Fair Value Outstanding and non-vested at December 31, 2019 264 $ 58 Granted 114 66 Vested (149) 57 Forfeited (16) 62 Outstanding and non-vested at September 30, 2020 213 $ 63 $ 13,409 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for non-vested shares $ 5,416 $ 5,934 Tax benefit for non-vested share compensation $ 1,399 $ 1,510 Unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested shares $ 9,397 $ 10,243 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 1.9 The following tables summarize the Company’s employee non-vested share activity and related information on a discontinued basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Average Aggregate Non-vested Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Fair Value Outstanding and non-vested at December 31, 2019 13 $ 58 Granted 6 63 Vested (8) 58 Forfeited — — Outstanding and non-vested at September 30, 2020 11 $ 61 $ 678 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for non-vested shares $ 282 $ 276 Tax benefit for non-vested share compensation $ 73 $ 71 Unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested shares $ 471 $ 462 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 1.9 Employee Activity - Performance Shares The Company annually grants performance shares to key employees. Under the terms of the performance share agreements, following the end of a three-year performance period, the Company may issue to these employees a calculated number of common stock shares if certain performance targets are met. For shares granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 50% of the performance share issuances will be based on meeting three-year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") per share targets and the remaining 50% of the performance share issuances will be based on the three-year performance of the Company’s total shareholder return ("TSR") as compared to the TSR of a selected peer group. All forfeitures were recognized as they occurred. Depending upon the EBITDA per share targets met, 0% to 200% of the granted shares may ultimately be issued. For shares granted based on total shareholder return, 0% of the shares will be issued if the Company's total shareholder return outperforms 25% or less of the peer group, but 200% of the shares will be issued if the Company's total shareholder return performs better than 90% of the peer group. The fair value of the performance shares granted based on meeting EBITDA per share targets were estimated using the closing market prices on the day of grant and the probability of meeting these targets as of the measurement date. The fair value of the performance shares granted based on the three-year performance of the Company’s total shareholder return was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The following table contains the weighted-average assumptions, on both a continuing and discontinued basis, used to estimate the fair value of performance shares granted using the Monte Carlo simulation. These assumptions are subjective and changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate. Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Expected stock price volatility 23.5 % 23.4 % Weighted average risk-free interest rate 1.4 % 2.5 % The following tables summarize the Company’s employee performance share activity, assuming median share awards, and related information on a continuing basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Average Aggregate Performance Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Fair Value Outstanding and non-vested at December 31, 2019 58 $ 62 Granted 38 69 Additional shares awarded based on performance 13 51 Vested (33) 51 Forfeited (11) 66 Outstanding and non-vested at September 30, 2020 65 $ 68 $ 4,425 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for performance shares $ 1,007 $ 767 Tax benefit for performance share compensation $ 260 $ 198 Unrecognized compensation cost for performance shares $ 2,466 $ 1,766 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 2.1 The following tables summarize the Company’s employee performance share activity, assuming median share awards, and related information on a discontinued basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Average Aggregate Performance Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Fair Value Outstanding and non-vested at December 31, 2019 4 $ 62 Granted 2 69 Additional shares awarded based on performance 1 51 Vested (2) 51 Forfeited — — Outstanding and non-vested at September 30, 2020 5 $ 66 $ 275 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for performance shares $ 62 $ 54 Tax benefit for performance share compensation $ 16 $ 14 Unrecognized compensation cost for performance shares $ 142 $ 118 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 1.9 Employee Activity – Employee Stock Purchase Plan Under the 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), which has been approved by shareholders, the Company is authorized to issue up to a remaining 344 shares of common stock to employees of the Company. These shares may be issued at a price equal to 90% of the lesser of the market value on the first day or the last day of each six-month purchase period. Common stock purchases are paid for through periodic payroll deductions and/or up to two large lump sum contributions. The following table summarizes the Company's employee stock purchase activity and related information on a continuing basis: Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Shares purchased by participants under plan 6 4 Average purchase price $ 45 $ 49 Weighted-average fair value of each purchase right under the ESPP granted ¹ $ 5 $ 10 Share-based compensation for ESPP shares $ 30 $ 46 ¹ Equal to the discount from the market value of the common stock at the end of each six month purchase period The following table summarizes the Company's employee stock purchase activity and related information on a discontinued basis: Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Shares purchased by participants under plan 1 1 Average purchase price $ 45 $ 49 Weighted-average fair value of each purchase right under the ESPP granted ¹ $ 5 $ 10 Share-based compensation for ESPP shares $ 3 $ 6 ¹ Equal to the discount from the market value of the common stock at the end of each six month purchase period Non-employee Director Activity - Non-vested Shares In May 2006, the Company’s shareholders approved the Company’s 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The Company’s shareholders then approved the Company’s Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (the “Amended Plan”) on May 22, 2007. The Amended Plan was then further amended and restated on December 17, 2008. Under the Amended Plan, on the first business day after each Annual Meeting of Shareholders, each non-employee director will automatically be granted an award (the “Annual Grant”), in such form and size as the Board determines from year to year. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, Annual Grants will become vested and nonforfeitable on the earlier of (a) the day immediately prior to the first Annual Meeting that occurs after the Grant Date or (b) the first anniversary of the Grant Date so long as the non-employee director’s service with the Company does not earlier terminate. Each director may elect to defer receipt of the shares under a non-vested share award until the director terminates service on the Board of Directors. If a director elects to defer receipt, the Company will issue deferred stock units to the director, which do not represent actual ownership in shares and the director will not have voting rights or other incidents of ownership until the shares are issued. However, the Company will credit the director with dividend equivalent payments in the form of additional deferred stock units for each cash dividend payment made by the Company. All forfeitures were recognized as they occurred. In May 2016, with the approval of shareholders, the Company further amended the Amended Plan to reserve for issuance an additional 160 common shares, increasing the total number of reserved common shares under the Amended Plan to 360. As of September 30, 2020, there were approximately 92 shares remaining available for grant. There were no shares granted to non-employee directors classified as discontinued operations in any period. The following tables summarize the Company’s non-employee non-vested share activity and related information on a continuing basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Average Aggregate Non-vested Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Fair Value Outstanding and non-vested at December 31, 2019 16 $ 62 Granted 24 43 Vested (16) 62 Forfeited — — Outstanding and non-vested at September 30, 2020 24 $ 43 $ 1,035 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for non-vested shares $ 766 $ 714 Tax benefit for non-vested share compensation $ 198 $ 184 Unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested shares $ 636 $ 554 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 0.6

Senior Credit Facility

Senior Credit Facility	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Senior Credit Facility [Abstract]
Senior Credit Facility	Senior Credit Facility The Company has a five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) that was entered into on September 29, 2017 and amended on April 16, 2020. The Facility has a maximum aggregate principal amount of $225,000, with a sublimit of $30,000 for letters of credit and a sublimit of $30,000 for swing line loans. The Facility may be increased by up to $25,000 to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $250,000 pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement, subject to the lenders’ agreement to increase their commitments or the addition of new lenders extending such commitments. Such increases to the Facility may be in the form of additional revolving credit loans, term loans or a combination thereof, and are contingent upon there being no events of default under the Facility and satisfaction of other conditions precedent and are subject to the other limitations set forth in the credit agreement. The Facility is scheduled to mature in September 2022 and may be used to refinance existing indebtedness of the Company and for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The Facility refinanced the Company’s obligations for its unsecured credit facility under the credit agreement dated as of February 4, 2015, as amended, which was terminated as of the date of the new Facility. Unless the Company elects otherwise under the credit agreement, interest on borrowings under the Facility will be at the base interest rate (which cannot be less than 3.00% ) and will be the highest of (a) the federal funds rate (which cannot be less than 0.00%) plus 0.50%, (b) the administrative agent's prime rate and (c) the LIBOR Rate (which cannot be less than 1.00%) plus 1.00% and, in each case, a margin for LIBOR Rate Loans and Letter of Credit Fees that can range from 1.25% to 1.75% with respect to the Facility depending on the Company’s ratio of consolidated funded indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as set forth in the credit agreement. Payments of interest for each loan that is based on the LIBOR Rate are due in arrears on the last day of the interest period applicable to such loan (with interest periods of one, two or three months being available, at the Company’s option). Payments of interest on loans that are not based on the LIBOR Rate are due on the last day of each quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. All unpaid amounts of principal and interest are due at maturity. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $112,500 in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility, $15,367 utilized for outstanding letters of credit and $97,133 of available borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility. The interest rate on the outstanding borrowing under the revolving credit facility was 3.27% as of September 30, 2020.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Numerator: Net income and comprehensive income from continuing operations $ 16,992 $ 21,054 $ 37,634 $ 59,987 Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income from discontinued operations (345) 1,141 (9,458) 2,945 Net income attributable to Forward Air shareholders $ 16,647 $ 22,195 $ 28,176 $ 62,932 Income allocated to participating securities (150) (236) (184) (696) Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share for continuing operations $ 16,842 $ 20,818 $ 37,450 $ 59,291 Numerator for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for discontinued operations $ (345) $ 1,141 $ (9,458) $ 2,945 Denominator: Denominator for basic income per share - weighted-average shares 27,559 27,981 27,732 28,286 Effect of dilutive stock options 32 74 34 76 Effect of dilutive performance shares 15 27 23 31 Denominator for diluted income per share - adjusted weighted-average shares 27,606 28,082 27,789 28,393 Basic net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.61 $ 0.74 $ 1.35 $ 2.10 Discontinued operations (0.01) 0.04 (0.34) 0.10 Net income per share $ 0.60 $ 0.78 $ 1.01 $ 2.20 Diluted net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.61 $ 0.74 $ 1.35 $ 2.09 Discontinued operations (0.01) 0.04 (0.34) 0.10 Net income per share $ 0.60 $ 0.78 $ 1.01 $ 2.19 The number of instruments that could potentially dilute net income per basic share in the future, but that were not included in the computation of net income per diluted share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented, are as follows: September 30, September 30, Anti-dilutive stock options 219 188 Anti-dilutive performance shares 31 — Anti-dilutive non-vested shares and deferred stock units 100 — Total anti-dilutive shares 350 188

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states and Canada. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or Canadian examinations by tax authorities for years before 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the effective income tax rates varied from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0%, primarily as a result of the effect of state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, and permanent differences between book and tax net income. The combined federal and state effective tax rate for continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was 24.5% compared to a rate of 25.1% for the same period in 2019. The lower tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily due to decreased stock based compensation vesting and exercises and return to provision adjustments that were recorded in the current period when compared to the same period in 2019.

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases A contract is or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. An entity controls the use of the identified asset if both of the following are true: (1) the entity obtains the right to substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset and (2) the entity has the right to direct the use of the identified asset. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company leased facilities and equipment under operating and finance leases, which were accounted for in accordance with ASU 2016-02, Leases. The Company elected the practical expedients as allowed per this guidance to combine lease and non-lease components and to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, after the consideration of options, off the balance sheet. Additionally, variable lease and variable nonlease components were not contemplated in the calculation of the right-of-use asset and corresponding liability. For leases and subleases with terms greater than 12 months, the Company records the related right-of-use asset as the balance of the related lease liability, adjusted for any prepaid or accrued lease payments. Unamortized initial direct costs and lease incentives were not significant as of September 30, 2020. The lease liability was recorded at the present value of the lease payments over the term. Many of the Company's leases include rental escalation clauses, renewal options and/or termination options that were contemplated in the determination of lease payments when appropriate. As of September 30, 2020, the Company was not reasonably certain of exercising any renewal options. Further, as of September 30, 2020, it was reasonably certain that all termination options would not be exercised. As such, there were no adjustments made to its right-of-use lease assets or corresponding liabilities as a result. In addition, the Company does not have any leases with residual value guarantees or material restrictions or covenants as of September 30, 2020. For these leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, after the consideration of options, the Company recognizes the corresponding lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating Leases The Company leases some of its facilities under noncancelable operating leases that expire in various years through 2028. Certain leases may be renewed for periods varying from 1 to 10 years. In conjunction with the acquisition of Linn Star in January 2020, discussed further in Note 5, Acquisitions and Long-Lived Assets , the Company assumed operating facility leases that expire in various years through 2025 and had a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability of approximately $10,011 at acquisition. The Company has also historically entered into or assumed through acquisition several equipment operating leases for assets including tractors, straight trucks and trailers with original lease terms between 2 and 6 years. These leases expire in various years through 2025 and certain leases may be renewed for periods varying from 1 to 3 years. The Company did not enter into any material equipment leases outside the normal course of business during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. As of September 30, 2020, the Company has certain obligations to lease tractors, which will be delivered throughout 2020. These leases are expected to have terms of approximately 3 to 4 years and are not expected to materially impact the Company's right-of-use lease assets or liabilities as of September 30, 2020. Finance Leases Primarily through acquisitions, the Company assumes equipment leases that meet the criteria for classification as a finance lease with remaining lease terms between 2 and 7 years. These leases expire in various years through 2025 with no options to renew. The finance leased equipment is being amortized over the shorter of the lease term or useful life. The Company did not enter into any new finance leases during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments Off Balance Sheet Risk As of September 30, 2020, the Company had letters of credit outstanding totaling $15,367. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments: Accounts receivable and accounts payable: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value based on their short-term nature. Revolving credit facility: The Company’s revolving credit facility bears variable interest rates plus additional basis points based upon covenants related to total indebtedness to earnings. As the revolving credit facility bears a variable interest rate, the carrying value approximates fair value. The fair value estimates of earn-outs are discussed in Note 5, Acquisitions and Long-Lived Assets . Using interest rate quotes and discounted cash flows, the Company estimated the fair value of its outstanding finance lease obligations as follows: September 30, 2020 Carrying Value Fair Value Finance leases $ 5,757 $ 5,827

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders' Equity During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.21 per share of common stock. During each quarter of 2019 and the first, second and third quarter of 2020, the Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.18 per share of common stock. The Company expects to continue to pay regular quarterly cash dividends, though each subsequent quarterly dividend is subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors. On July 21, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase authorization for up to 3,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the "2016 Repurchase Plan"). On February 5, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors canceled the Company’s 2016 Repurchase Plan and approved a new stock repurchase plan authorizing the repurchase of up to 5,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “2019 Repurchase Plan”) that shall remain in effect until such time as the shares authorized for repurchase are exhausted or the plan is canceled. The Company is not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares and may suspend or cancel the plan at any time. The Company does not expect to repurchase any shares under this plan during the third quarter of 2020. The following tables summarize the Company's share repurchases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (shares and dollars in thousands, except average cost per share). Three months ended September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Shares repurchased Cost of shares repurchased Average cost per share Shares repurchased Cost of shares repurchased Average cost per share 2019 Repurchase Plan 519 $ 29,990 $ 57.84 152 $ 9,289 $ 61.01 Total 519 $ 29,990 $ 57.84 152 $ 9,289 $ 61.01 Nine months ended September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Shares repurchased Cost of shares repurchased Average cost per share Shares repurchased Cost of shares repurchased Average cost per share 2016 Repurchase Plan — $ — $ — 68 $ 3,850 $ 56.97 2019 Repurchase Plan 787 45,248 57.53 721 44,056 61.07 Total 787 $ 45,248 $ 57.53 789 $ 47,906 $ 60.72 As of September 30, 2020, 3,368 shares were available to be purchased under the 2019 Plan.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Self-Insurance Reserves From time to time, the Company is party to ordinary, routine litigation incidental to and arising in the normal course of business. The Company does not believe that any of these pending actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The primary claims in the Company’s business relate to workers’ compensation, property damage, vehicle liability and employee medical benefits. Most of the Company’s insurance coverage provides for self-insurance levels with primary and excess coverage which management believes is sufficient to adequately protect the Company from catastrophic claims. Such insurance coverage above the applicable self-insurance levels continues to be an important part of the Company's risk management process. In the opinion of management, adequate provision has been made for all incurred claims up to the self-insured limits, including provision for estimated claims incurred but not reported. The Company is responsible for the first $7,500 per incident until it meets the $6,000 aggregate deductible for incidents resulting in claims between $3,000 and $5,000 and the $2,500 aggregate deductible for incidents resulting in claims between $5,000 and $10,000. Due to the uncertainty of the ultimate resolution of outstanding claims, as well as uncertainty regarding claims incurred but not reported, it is possible that management’s provision for these losses could change materially in the near term. However, no estimate can currently be made of the range of additional loss that is at least reasonably possible. Litigation Occasionally, the Company is a party to various legal proceedings, regulatory examinations, investigations, administrative actions, and other legal matters, arising for the most part in the ordinary course of business, incidental to its operations. The Company aggressively defends these matters and has established liability provisions that management believes are adequate to cover expected costs. The outcome of litigation and other legal matters is always uncertain. The Company believes it has valid defenses to the legal matters currently pending against it, is defending itself vigorously, and has recorded accruals determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, where appropriate. In making a determination regarding accruals, using available information, the Company evaluates the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party to and records a loss contingency when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These subjective determinations are based on the status of such legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of the Company’s defenses and consultation with legal counsel. Actual outcomes of these legal and regulatory proceedings may materially differ from the current estimates. It is possible that resolution of one or more of the legal matters currently pending or threatened could result in losses material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company operates in two reportable segments based on information available to and used by the CODM. This classification is consistent with how the CODM makes decisions about resource allocation and assesses the Company's performance. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on income from operations. The Company’s business is conducted in the U.S. and Canada. Expedited Freight operates a comprehensive national network to provide expedited regional, inter-regional and national LTL services and offers customers local pick-up and delivery and other services including final mile, truckload, shipment consolidation and deconsolidation, warehousing, customs brokerage and other handling. Intermodal primarily provides first- and last-mile high value intermodal container drayage services both to and from seaports and railheads. Except for certain insurance activity, the accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies disclosed in Note 1, Description of Business and Basis of Presentation, to the Forward Air Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. For workers compensation and vehicle claims, each segment is charged an insurance premium and is also charged a deductible that corresponds with each segment's individual self-retention limit. However, any losses beyond these deductibles and any loss development factors applied to outstanding claims as a result of actuary analysis are not passed to the segments, but recorded at the corporate level ("Eliminations & other"). Segment data includes intersegment revenues and shared costs. Costs of the corporate headquarters, shared services and shared assets, such as trailers, are allocated to the segments based on usage. The cost basis of shared assets are not allocated. Instead, the cost basis for the majority of shared assets, such as trailers, are included in Expedited Freight. The following tables summarize segment information from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & other Continuing Operations External revenues $ 283,025 $ 48,940 $ 34 $ 331,999 Intersegment revenues 489 8 (499) (2) Depreciation 4,981 789 36 5,806 Amortization 1,799 1,567 — 3,366 Share-based compensation expense 2,208 415 (278) 2,345 Interest expense 3 38 1,263 1,304 Income (loss) from operations 23,461 4,837 (4,788) 23,510 Total assets 882,214 217,813 (146,805) 953,222 Capital expenditures 2,037 188 — 2,225 Three months ended September 30, 2019 (As Adjusted) Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & other Continuing Operations External revenues $ 255,404 $ 58,317 $ — $ 313,721 Intersegment revenues 711 29 (778) (38) Depreciation 5,256 1,050 (27) 6,279 Amortization 1,195 1,542 — 2,737 Share-based compensation expense 1,895 340 392 2,627 Interest expense 2 67 692 761 Income (loss) from operations 27,131 6,900 (4,845) 29,186 Total assets 706,632 205,444 (25,489) 886,587 Capital expenditures 8,818 207 — 9,025 Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & other Continuing Operations External revenues $ 771,585 $ 147,815 $ 33 $ 919,433 Intersegment revenues 1,216 21 (1,438) (201) Depreciation 14,897 2,923 79 17,899 Amortization 5,318 4,702 — 10,020 Share-based compensation expense 6,937 1,276 (361) 7,852 Interest expense 9 151 3,195 3,355 Income (loss) from operations 50,394 12,963 (10,159) 53,198 Total assets 882,214 217,813 (146,805) 953,222 Capital expenditures 15,987 452 — 16,439 Nine months ended September 30, 2019 (As Adjusted) Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & other Continuing Operations External revenues $ 732,825 $ 162,936 $ — $ 895,761 Intersegment revenues 2,230 64 (2,524) (230) Depreciation 18,261 1,983 (113) 20,131 Amortization 3,122 4,278 — 7,400 Share-based compensation expense 6,454 1,313 769 8,536 Interest expense 7 69 1,841 1,917 Income (loss) from operations 76,222 18,326 (12,588) 81,960 Total assets 706,632 205,444 (25,489) 886,587 Capital expenditures 22,818 422 — 23,240 The following table summarizes revenue from the defined services included within Expedited Freight revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Expedited freight revenue: Network revenue $ 169,300 $ 169,337 $ 455,482 $ 503,178 Truckload revenue 49,836 48,044 139,220 144,353 Final mile revenue 56,994 31,619 158,223 66,333 Other revenue 7,384 7,115 19,877 21,191 Total revenue $ 283,514 $ 256,115 $ 772,802 $ 735,055

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent EventsOn October 11, 2020, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of CLW Delivery, Inc. (“CLW”) for $5,500. This transaction was funded using cash flows from operations. CLW specializes in last mile logistics and in-home installation services for national retailers and manufacturers. The Company anticipates CLW will contribute approximately $20,000 of revenue and $1,000 of operating income on an annualized basis.

Discontinued Operations and H_2

Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a reconciliation of the carrying amounts of major classes of assets and liabilities which are included in assets and liabilities held for sale in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of each of the periods presented below: September 30, December 31, Assets Current assets: Accounts receivable, less allowance of $108 in 2020 and $49 in 2019 $ 16,164 $ 13,983 Other current assets 761 969 Total current assets held for sale $ 16,925 $ 14,952 Property and equipment $ 51,199 $ 53,166 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 31,480 32,891 Total property and equipment, net 19,719 20,275 Operating lease right-of-use assets 47,568 46,487 Goodwill and other acquired intangibles: Goodwill 5,406 5,406 Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $12,679 in 2020 and $12,359 in 2019 2,621 2,941 Total goodwill and other acquired intangibles, net 8,027 8,347 Other assets 2,749 1,595 Total noncurrent assets held for sale $ 78,063 $ 76,704 Liabilities Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 3,501 $ 4,575 Accrued expenses 5,720 5,668 Other current liabilities — 2 Current portion of operating lease obligations 16,785 14,729 Total current liabilities held for sale $ 26,006 $ 24,974 Operating lease obligations, less current portion $ 30,851 $ 31,847 Other long-term liabilities 4,192 2,368 Deferred income taxes 4,184 2,728 Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale $ 39,227 $ 36,943 The following table summarizes the results of operations classified as discontinued operations, net of tax, in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Operating revenue $ 37,521 $ 47,980 $ 88,447 $ 133,359 Operating expenses: Purchased transportation 8,700 13,310 21,383 36,461 Salaries, wages and employee benefits 17,012 18,727 42,519 51,569 Operating leases 5,304 4,661 15,950 13,159 Depreciation and amortization — 1,512 1,657 4,505 Insurance and claims 1,525 1,398 4,538 4,254 Fuel expense 1,045 1,468 2,785 4,423 Other operating expenses 4,467 5,401 12,309 14,975 Total operating expenses 38,053 46,477 101,141 129,346 (Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes (532) 1,503 (12,694) 4,013 Income tax (benefit) expense (187) 362 (3,236) 1,068 (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (345) $ 1,141 $ (9,458) $ 2,945

Acquisitions and Long-Lived A_2

Acquisitions and Long-Lived Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Table Text Block]	The initial weighted average assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation are summarized in the following table: FSA Earn-out April 21, 2019 December 31, 2019 September 30, 2020 Risk-free rate 2.9% 2.2% 2.0% Revenue discount rate 4.4% 4.4% 3.2% Revenue volatility 3.0% 5.0% 7.0%
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the allocations of the previously discussed acquisition purchase prices to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values and resulting residual goodwill (in thousands): FSA OST Linn Star April 21, 2019 July 14, 2019 January 12, 2020 Tangible assets: Cash $ 202 $ — $ 1,308 Other receivables 1,491 — — Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — 1,182 Property and equipment 40 10,371 605 Operating lease right-of-use assets 3,209 1,672 10,011 Total tangible assets 4,942 12,043 13,106 Intangible assets: Non-compete agreements 900 850 450 Customer relationships 17,900 5,700 29,800 Goodwill 19,963 2,050 25,234 Total intangible assets 38,763 8,600 55,484 Total assets acquired 43,705 20,643 68,590 Liabilities assumed: Current liabilities 8,466 — 1,340 Other liabilities 5,030 — — Debt and finance lease obligations — 6,971 — Operating lease obligations 3,209 1,672 10,011 Total liabilities assumed 16,705 8,643 11,351 Net assets acquired $ 27,000 $ 12,000 $ 57,239
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]	The acquired definite-lived intangible assets have the following useful lives: Useful Lives FSA OST Linn Star Non-compete agreements 5 years 3 years 1 year Customer relationships 15 years 10 years 15 years
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the Company's goodwill as of September 30, 2020. Approximately $161,789 of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Beginning balance, December 31, 2019 Linn Star Acquisition Ending balance, September 30, 2020 Expedited LTL Goodwill $ 97,593 $ — $ 97,593 Accumulated Impairment — — — Truckload Goodwill 45,164 — 45,164 Accumulated Impairment (25,686) — (25,686) Final Mile Goodwill 19,963 25,234 45,197 Accumulated Impairment — — — Intermodal Goodwill 78,665 — 78,665 Accumulated Impairment — — — Total Goodwill 241,385 25,234 266,619 Accumulated Impairment (25,686) — (25,686) $ 215,699 $ 25,234 $ 240,933

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Activity [Table Text Block]	The weighted-average fair value of options granted and assumptions used to estimate their fair value during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were as follows (on a continuing basis): Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Expected dividend yield 1.1 % Expected stock price volatility 24.1 % Weighted average risk-free interest rate 1.5 % Expected life of options (years) 5.9 Weighted average grant date fair value $ 15 The following tables summarize the Company’s employee stock option activity and related information on a continuing basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Aggregate Remaining Exercise Intrinsic Contractual Options Price Value Term Outstanding at December 31, 2019 417 $ 53 Granted 36 66 Exercised (42) 46 Forfeited (4) 60 Outstanding at September 30, 2020 407 $ 55 $ (133) 3.8 Exercisable at September 30, 2020 311 $ 53 $ 682 3.4 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for options $ 869 $ 1,178 Tax benefit for option compensation $ 225 $ 304 Unrecognized compensation cost for options $ 1,065 $ 1,846 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 1.4 The following tables summarize the Company’s employee stock option activity and related information on a discontinued basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Aggregate Remaining Exercise Intrinsic Contractual Options Price Value Term Outstanding at December 31, 2019 14 $ 52 Granted — — Exercised — — Forfeited — — Outstanding at September 30, 2020 14 $ 52 $ 37 3.0 Exercisable at September 30, 2020 12 $ 52 $ 41 2.9 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for options $ 16 $ 31 Tax benefit for option compensation $ 4 $ 8 Unrecognized compensation cost for options $ 6 $ 32 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 0.4
Employee Non-vested Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the Company’s employee non-vested share activity and related information on a continuing basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Average Aggregate Non-vested Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Fair Value Outstanding and non-vested at December 31, 2019 264 $ 58 Granted 114 66 Vested (149) 57 Forfeited (16) 62 Outstanding and non-vested at September 30, 2020 213 $ 63 $ 13,409 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for non-vested shares $ 5,416 $ 5,934 Tax benefit for non-vested share compensation $ 1,399 $ 1,510 Unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested shares $ 9,397 $ 10,243 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 1.9 The following tables summarize the Company’s employee non-vested share activity and related information on a discontinued basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Average Aggregate Non-vested Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Fair Value Outstanding and non-vested at December 31, 2019 13 $ 58 Granted 6 63 Vested (8) 58 Forfeited — — Outstanding and non-vested at September 30, 2020 11 $ 61 $ 678 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for non-vested shares $ 282 $ 276 Tax benefit for non-vested share compensation $ 73 $ 71 Unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested shares $ 471 $ 462 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 1.9
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Performance-Based Units, Vested and Expected to Vest [Table Text Block]	The fair value of the performance shares granted based on the three-year performance of the Company’s total shareholder return was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The following table contains the weighted-average assumptions, on both a continuing and discontinued basis, used to estimate the fair value of performance shares granted using the Monte Carlo simulation. These assumptions are subjective and changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate. Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Expected stock price volatility 23.5 % 23.4 % Weighted average risk-free interest rate 1.4 % 2.5 % The following tables summarize the Company’s employee performance share activity, assuming median share awards, and related information on a continuing basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Average Aggregate Performance Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Fair Value Outstanding and non-vested at December 31, 2019 58 $ 62 Granted 38 69 Additional shares awarded based on performance 13 51 Vested (33) 51 Forfeited (11) 66 Outstanding and non-vested at September 30, 2020 65 $ 68 $ 4,425 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for performance shares $ 1,007 $ 767 Tax benefit for performance share compensation $ 260 $ 198 Unrecognized compensation cost for performance shares $ 2,466 $ 1,766 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 2.1 The following tables summarize the Company’s employee performance share activity, assuming median share awards, and related information on a discontinued basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Average Aggregate Performance Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Fair Value Outstanding and non-vested at December 31, 2019 4 $ 62 Granted 2 69 Additional shares awarded based on performance 1 51 Vested (2) 51 Forfeited — — Outstanding and non-vested at September 30, 2020 5 $ 66 $ 275 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for performance shares $ 62 $ 54 Tax benefit for performance share compensation $ 16 $ 14 Unrecognized compensation cost for performance shares $ 142 $ 118 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 1.9
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company's employee stock purchase activity and related information on a continuing basis: Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Shares purchased by participants under plan 6 4 Average purchase price $ 45 $ 49 Weighted-average fair value of each purchase right under the ESPP granted ¹ $ 5 $ 10 Share-based compensation for ESPP shares $ 30 $ 46 ¹ Equal to the discount from the market value of the common stock at the end of each six month purchase period The following table summarizes the Company's employee stock purchase activity and related information on a discontinued basis: Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Shares purchased by participants under plan 1 1 Average purchase price $ 45 $ 49 Weighted-average fair value of each purchase right under the ESPP granted ¹ $ 5 $ 10 Share-based compensation for ESPP shares $ 3 $ 6 ¹ Equal to the discount from the market value of the common stock at the end of each six month purchase period
Nonemployee Director Nonvested Shares Granted Member
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the Company’s non-employee non-vested share activity and related information on a continuing basis: Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Weighted- Average Aggregate Non-vested Grant Date Grant Date Shares Fair Value Fair Value Outstanding and non-vested at December 31, 2019 16 $ 62 Granted 24 43 Vested (16) 62 Forfeited — — Outstanding and non-vested at September 30, 2020 24 $ 43 $ 1,035 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Share-based compensation for non-vested shares $ 766 $ 714 Tax benefit for non-vested share compensation $ 198 $ 184 Unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested shares $ 636 $ 554 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years) 0.6

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Numerator: Net income and comprehensive income from continuing operations $ 16,992 $ 21,054 $ 37,634 $ 59,987 Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income from discontinued operations (345) 1,141 (9,458) 2,945 Net income attributable to Forward Air shareholders $ 16,647 $ 22,195 $ 28,176 $ 62,932 Income allocated to participating securities (150) (236) (184) (696) Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share for continuing operations $ 16,842 $ 20,818 $ 37,450 $ 59,291 Numerator for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for discontinued operations $ (345) $ 1,141 $ (9,458) $ 2,945 Denominator: Denominator for basic income per share - weighted-average shares 27,559 27,981 27,732 28,286 Effect of dilutive stock options 32 74 34 76 Effect of dilutive performance shares 15 27 23 31 Denominator for diluted income per share - adjusted weighted-average shares 27,606 28,082 27,789 28,393 Basic net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.61 $ 0.74 $ 1.35 $ 2.10 Discontinued operations (0.01) 0.04 (0.34) 0.10 Net income per share $ 0.60 $ 0.78 $ 1.01 $ 2.20 Diluted net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.61 $ 0.74 $ 1.35 $ 2.09 Discontinued operations (0.01) 0.04 (0.34) 0.10 Net income per share $ 0.60 $ 0.78 $ 1.01 $ 2.19 The number of instruments that could potentially dilute net income per basic share in the future, but that were not included in the computation of net income per diluted share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented, are as follows: September 30, September 30, Anti-dilutive stock options 219 188 Anti-dilutive performance shares 31 — Anti-dilutive non-vested shares and deferred stock units 100 — Total anti-dilutive shares 350 188

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Using interest rate quotes and discounted cash flows, the Company estimated the fair value of its outstanding finance lease obligations as follows: September 30, 2020 Carrying Value Fair Value Finance leases $ 5,757 $ 5,827

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the Company's share repurchases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (shares and dollars in thousands, except average cost per share). Three months ended September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Shares repurchased Cost of shares repurchased Average cost per share Shares repurchased Cost of shares repurchased Average cost per share 2019 Repurchase Plan 519 $ 29,990 $ 57.84 152 $ 9,289 $ 61.01 Total 519 $ 29,990 $ 57.84 152 $ 9,289 $ 61.01 Nine months ended September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Shares repurchased Cost of shares repurchased Average cost per share Shares repurchased Cost of shares repurchased Average cost per share 2016 Repurchase Plan — $ — $ — 68 $ 3,850 $ 56.97 2019 Repurchase Plan 787 45,248 57.53 721 44,056 61.07 Total 787 $ 45,248 $ 57.53 789 $ 47,906 $ 60.72

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of segment information	t. The following tables summarize segment information from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & other Continuing Operations External revenues $ 283,025 $ 48,940 $ 34 $ 331,999 Intersegment revenues 489 8 (499) (2) Depreciation 4,981 789 36 5,806 Amortization 1,799 1,567 — 3,366 Share-based compensation expense 2,208 415 (278) 2,345 Interest expense 3 38 1,263 1,304 Income (loss) from operations 23,461 4,837 (4,788) 23,510 Total assets 882,214 217,813 (146,805) 953,222 Capital expenditures 2,037 188 — 2,225 Three months ended September 30, 2019 (As Adjusted) Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & other Continuing Operations External revenues $ 255,404 $ 58,317 $ — $ 313,721 Intersegment revenues 711 29 (778) (38) Depreciation 5,256 1,050 (27) 6,279 Amortization 1,195 1,542 — 2,737 Share-based compensation expense 1,895 340 392 2,627 Interest expense 2 67 692 761 Income (loss) from operations 27,131 6,900 (4,845) 29,186 Total assets 706,632 205,444 (25,489) 886,587 Capital expenditures 8,818 207 — 9,025 Nine months ended September 30, 2020 Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & other Continuing Operations External revenues $ 771,585 $ 147,815 $ 33 $ 919,433 Intersegment revenues 1,216 21 (1,438) (201) Depreciation 14,897 2,923 79 17,899 Amortization 5,318 4,702 — 10,020 Share-based compensation expense 6,937 1,276 (361) 7,852 Interest expense 9 151 3,195 3,355 Income (loss) from operations 50,394 12,963 (10,159) 53,198 Total assets 882,214 217,813 (146,805) 953,222 Capital expenditures 15,987 452 — 16,439 Nine months ended September 30, 2019 (As Adjusted) Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & other Continuing Operations External revenues $ 732,825 $ 162,936 $ — $ 895,761 Intersegment revenues 2,230 64 (2,524) (230) Depreciation 18,261 1,983 (113) 20,131 Amortization 3,122 4,278 — 7,400 Share-based compensation expense 6,454 1,313 769 8,536 Interest expense 7 69 1,841 1,917 Income (loss) from operations 76,222 18,326 (12,588) 81,960 Total assets 706,632 205,444 (25,489) 886,587 Capital expenditures 22,818 422 — 23,240 The following table summarizes revenue from the defined services included within Expedited Freight revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Expedited freight revenue: Network revenue $ 169,300 $ 169,337 $ 455,482 $ 503,178 Truckload revenue 49,836 48,044 139,220 144,353 Final mile revenue 56,994 31,619 158,223 66,333 Other revenue 7,384 7,115 19,877 21,191 Total revenue $ 283,514 $ 256,115 $ 772,802 $ 735,055

Description of Business and B_2

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of principal reporting segments	2	3	2

Recent Accounting Pronounceme_2

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%

Revenue (Details)

Revenue (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue [Abstract]
Number of principal reporting segments	2	3	2

Discontinued Operations and H_3

Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Current assets held for sale	$ 16,925			$ 16,925		$ 14,952
Noncurrent assets held for sale	78,063			78,063		76,704
Current liabilities held for sale	26,006			26,006		24,974
Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale	39,227			39,227		36,943
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (345)		$ 1,141	$ (9,458)	$ 2,945
Number of principal reporting segments	2	3		2
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $108 in 2020 and $49 in 2019	$ 16,164			$ 16,164		13,983
Other current assets	761			761		969
Current assets held for sale	16,925			16,925		14,952
Property and equipment	51,199			51,199		53,166
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	31,480			31,480		32,891
Total property and equipment, net	19,719			19,719		20,275
Operating lease, right-of-use asset	47,568			47,568		46,487
Goodwill	5,406			5,406		5,406
Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $12,679 in 2020 and $12,359 in 2019	2,621			2,621		2,941
Total goodwill and other acquired intangibles, net	8,027			8,027		8,347
Other assets	2,749			2,749		1,595
Noncurrent assets held for sale						76,704
Accounts payable	3,501			3,501		4,575
Accrued expenses	5,720			5,720		5,668
Other current liabilities	0			0		2
Current portion of operating lease obligations	16,785			16,785		14,729
Current liabilities held for sale	26,006			26,006		24,974
Operating lease obligations, less current portion	30,851			30,851		31,847
Other long-term liabilities	4,192			4,192		2,368
Deferred income taxes	4,184			4,184		2,728
Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale						36,943
Accounts receivable, allowance	124			124		49
Other acquired intangibles, accumulated amortization	12,679			12,679		$ 12,359
Operating revenue	37,521		47,980	88,447	133,359
Purchased transportation	8,700		13,310	21,383	36,461
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	17,012		18,727	42,519	51,569
Operating leases	5,304		4,661	15,950	13,159
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization	0		1,512	1,657	4,505
Insurance and claims	1,525		1,398	4,538	4,254
Fuel expense	1,045		1,468	2,785	4,423
Other operating expenses	4,467		5,401	12,309	14,975
Total operating expenses	38,053		46,477	101,141	129,346
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes	(532)		1,503	(12,694)	4,013
Income tax (benefit) expense	(187)		362	(3,236)	1,068
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (345)		$ 1,141	$ (9,458)	$ 2,945
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Pool Distribution [Member]
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	5.00%			5.00%

Acquisitions and Long-Lived A_3

Acquisitions and Long-Lived Assets - Expedited Freight Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 21, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 12, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Payments on earn-out liability				$ 5,284	$ 0
Change in fair value of earn-out liability				(2,209)	$ 890
Linn Star [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid						$ 57,239
Number of additional locations						20
FSA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid	$ 27,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 15,000	$ 4,277		$ 4,277
Period of years which earnout is calculated	2 years
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current	$ 11,803
Payments on earn-out liability			$ 5,284
Change in fair value of earn-out liability		$ 493
Risk Free Interest Rate [Member] | FSA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Measurement Input Percentage	2.90%	2.00%		2.00%			2.20%
Revenue Discount Rate [Member] | FSA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Measurement Input Percentage	4.40%	3.20%		3.20%			4.40%
Revenue Volatility [Member] | FSA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Measurement Input Percentage	3.00%	7.00%		7.00%			5.00%

Acquisitions and Long-Lived A_4

Acquisitions and Long-Lived Assets - Intermodal Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 14, 2019USD ($)
OST [Member]
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid	$ 12,000

Acquisitions and Long-Lived A_5

Acquisitions and Long-Lived Assets - Allocations of Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 12, 2020	Jul. 14, 2019	Apr. 21, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating lease, right-of-use asset				$ 115,551	$ 105,170
Goodwill				240,933	$ 215,699
Finance Lease, Liability				5,827
FSA [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents			$ 202
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables			1,491
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment			40
Operating lease, right-of-use asset			3,209
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets			4,942
Goodwill			19,963
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles			38,763
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets			43,705
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities			8,466
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities			5,030
Operating Lease, Liability			3,209
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities			16,705
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net			27,000
OST [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment		$ 10,371
Operating lease, right-of-use asset		1,672
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets		12,043
Goodwill		2,050
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles		8,600
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets		20,643
Finance Lease, Liability		6,971
Operating Lease, Liability		1,672
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities		8,643
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net		12,000
Linn Star [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents	$ 1,308
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets	1,182
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	605
Operating lease, right-of-use asset	10,011
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets	13,106
Goodwill	25,234			$ 25,234
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	55,484
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets	68,590
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	1,340
Operating Lease, Liability	10,011
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities	11,351
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net	57,239
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | FSA [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill			$ 900
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			5 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | OST [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill		$ 850
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		3 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Linn Star [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	$ 450
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	1 year
Customer Relationships [Member] | FSA [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill			$ 17,900
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			15 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | OST [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill		$ 5,700
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		10 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Linn Star [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	$ 29,800
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years

Acquisitions and Long-Lived A_6

Acquisitions and Long-Lived Assets - Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 12, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Number of Reporting Units	4
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	$ 161,789
Goodwill, Gross	266,619		$ 241,385
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(25,686)		(25,686)
Goodwill	240,933		215,699
Expedited LTL [Member]
Goodwill, Gross	97,593		97,593
Truckload [Member]
Goodwill, Gross	45,164		45,164
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(25,686)		(25,686)
Final Mile [Member]
Goodwill, Gross	45,197		19,963
Intermodal [Member]
Goodwill, Gross	78,665		$ 78,665
Linn Star [Member]
Goodwill	$ 25,234	$ 25,234

Share-Based Payments - Stock Op

Share-Based Payments - Stock Option Activity (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 7,852	$ 8,536
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option grants expire (in years)	7 years
Grants, vesting period (in years)	3 years
Continuing Operations [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield (in hundredths)	1.10%
Expected stock price volatility	24.10%
Weighted Average Risk Free Interest Rate	1.50%
Expected life of options (in years)	5 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted-average fair value of options (dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 15
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) | shares	417,000
Granted (in shares) | shares	36,000
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(42,000)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(4,000)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares) | shares	407,000
Exercisable, end of period (in shares) | shares	311,000
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 53
Grants in Period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	66
Exercises in Period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	46
Forfeited in period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	60
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	55
Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 53
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, end of period	$ (133)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable, end of period	$ 682
Weighted-average remaining contractual term Outstanding, end of period (in years)	3 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term Exercisable, end of period (in years)	3 years 4 months 24 days
Share-based compensation expense	$ 869	1,178
Tax benefit related to share-based expense	225	304
Unrecognized share-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures	$ 1,065	1,846
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years)	1 year 4 months 24 days
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) | shares	14,000
Outstanding, end of period (in shares) | shares	14,000
Exercisable, end of period (in shares) | shares	12,000
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 52
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	52
Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 52
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, end of period	$ 37
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable, end of period	$ 41
Weighted-average remaining contractual term Outstanding, end of period (in years)	3 years
Weighted-average remaining contractual term Exercisable, end of period (in years)	2 years 10 months 24 days
Share-based compensation expense	$ 16	31
Tax benefit related to share-based expense	4	8
Unrecognized share-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures	$ 6	$ 32
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years)	4 months 24 days

Share-Based Payments - Employee

Share-Based Payments - Employee Activity Non-vested Shares (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense | $	$ 7,852	$ 8,536
Employee Non-vested Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants, vesting period (in years)	3 years
Continuing Operations [Member] | Employee Non-vested Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding and non-vested, beginning of period (in shares) | shares	264
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross | shares	114
Shares Vested in Period | shares	(149)
Shares Forfeited in Period | shares	(16)
Outstanding and non-vested, end of period (in shares) | shares	213
Outstanding and non-vested, weighted-average grant date fair value, beginning of period | $ / shares	$ 58
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	66
Vested in Period, Weighed-average grant date fair value | $ / shares	57
Forfeited in period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	62
Outstanding and non-vested, weighted-average grant date fair value, end of period | $ / shares	$ 63
Outstanding and non-vested, aggregate grant date fair value | $	$ 13,409
Share-based compensation expense | $	5,416	5,934
Tax benefit related to share-based expense | $	1,399	1,510
Unrecognized share-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures | $	$ 9,397	10,243
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years)	1 year 10 months 24 days
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Employee Non-vested Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding and non-vested, beginning of period (in shares) | shares	13
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross | shares	6
Shares Vested in Period | shares	(8)
Outstanding and non-vested, end of period (in shares) | shares	11
Outstanding and non-vested, weighted-average grant date fair value, beginning of period | $ / shares	$ 58
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	63
Vested in Period, Weighed-average grant date fair value | $ / shares	58
Outstanding and non-vested, weighted-average grant date fair value, end of period | $ / shares	$ 61
Outstanding and non-vested, aggregate grant date fair value | $	$ 678
Share-based compensation expense | $	282	276
Tax benefit related to share-based expense | $	73	71
Unrecognized share-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures | $	$ 471	$ 462
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years)	1 year 10 months 24 days

Share-Based Payments - Employ_2

Share-Based Payments - Employee Activity Performance Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 7,852	$ 8,536
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period of years over which performance is calculated	3 years
Percentage of grant based on meeting EBITDA per share targets	50.00%
Percentage of grant based on three year performance of Company's TSR as compared to TSR of peer group	50.00%
Minimum percentage of shares attainable based on EBITDA per share targets	0.00%
Maximum percentage of shares attainable based on EBITDA per share targets	200.00%
Minimum percentage of shares attainable based on total shareholder return targets	0.00%
Minimum percentage of peer group by which Company share price must outperform before incremental performance shares are issued	25.00%
Maximum percentage of shares attainable based on total shareholder return targets	200.00%
Percentage of Peer Group By Which Company Share Price Must Outperform Before Maximum Incremental Shares Are Issued	90.00%
Expected Stock Price Volatility Rate	23.50%	23.40%
Weighted Average Risk Free Interest Rate	1.40%	2.50%
Continuing Operations [Member] | Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding and non-vested, beginning of period (in shares)	58
Grants in Period	38
Additional Shares Awarded Based on Performance, Shares Issued in Period	13
Shares Vested in Period	(33)
Shares Forfeited in Period	(11)
Outstanding and non-vested, end of period (in shares)	65
Outstanding and non-vested, weighted-average grant date fair value, beginning of period	$ 62
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	69
Stock Issued During Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	51
Vested in Period, Weighed-average grant date fair value	51
Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	66
Outstanding and non-vested, weighted-average grant date fair value, end of period	$ 68
Outstanding and non-vested, aggregate grant date fair value	$ 4,425
Share-based compensation expense	1,007	$ 767
Tax benefit related to share-based expense	260	198
Unrecognized share-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures	$ 2,466	1,766
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years)	2 years 1 month 6 days
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding and non-vested, beginning of period (in shares)	4
Grants in Period	2
Additional Shares Awarded Based on Performance, Shares Issued in Period	1
Shares Vested in Period	(2)
Outstanding and non-vested, end of period (in shares)	5
Outstanding and non-vested, weighted-average grant date fair value, beginning of period	$ 62
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	69
Stock Issued During Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	51
Vested in Period, Weighed-average grant date fair value	51
Outstanding and non-vested, weighted-average grant date fair value, end of period	$ 66
Outstanding and non-vested, aggregate grant date fair value	$ 275
Share-based compensation expense	62	54
Tax benefit related to share-based expense	16	14
Unrecognized share-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures	$ 142	$ 118
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years)	1 year 10 months 24 days

Share-Based Payments - Employ_3

Share-Based Payments - Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details) shares in Thousands, $ / shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense | $	$ 7,852	$ 8,536
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of Shares Authorized (in shares) | shares	344
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date	90.00%
Number of Large Lump Sum Contributions Related to ESPP Stock Purchases	2
Continuing Operations [Member] | Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans (in shares) | shares	6	4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased (in dollars per share)	$ 45	$ 49
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 5	$ 10
Share-based compensation expense | $	$ 30	$ 46
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans (in shares) | shares	1	1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased (in dollars per share)	$ 45	$ 49
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 5	$ 10
Share-based compensation expense | $	$ 3	$ 6

Share-Based Payments - Non-empl

Share-Based Payments - Non-employee Director Non-vested Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense		$ 7,852	$ 8,536
Nonemployee Director Nonvested Shares Granted Member
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Additional Shares Authorized	160
Number of Shares Authorized		360
Number of Shares Available for Grant		92
Continuing Operations [Member] | Nonemployee Director Nonvested Shares Granted Member
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding and non-vested, beginning of period (in shares)		16
Grants in Period		24
Shares Vested in Period		(16)
Outstanding and non-vested, end of period (in shares)		24
Outstanding and non-vested, weighted-average grant date fair value, beginning of period		$ 62
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		43
Vested in Period, Weighed-average grant date fair value		62
Outstanding and non-vested, weighted-average grant date fair value, end of period		$ 43
Outstanding and non-vested, aggregate grant date fair value		$ 1,035
Share-based compensation expense		766	714
Tax benefit related to share-based expense		198	184
Unrecognized share-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures		$ 636	$ 554
Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation will be recognized (years)		7 months 6 days

Senior Credit Facility (Details

Senior Credit Facility (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 16, 2020USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from senior credit facility	$ 65,000	$ 20,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 15,367
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility Term, In Years			5
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			$ 225,000
Additional borrowing capacity of credit facility			25,000
Credit facility amount			$ 250,000
Interest rate spread above LIBOR as of reporting period (in hundredths)	1.00%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Minimum			1.25%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Maximum			1.75%
Proceeds from senior credit facility	$ 112,500
Available borrowing capacity	$ 97,133
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	3.27%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases			$ 30,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 15,367
Swing line loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases			$ 30,000
Federal funds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate, Minimum	3.00%
Interest rate spread above LIBOR as of reporting period (in hundredths)	0.50%

Net Income Per Share (Details)

Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share, Basic, Two Class Method [Abstract]
Net income and comprehensive income from continuing operations	$ 16,992	$ 21,054	$ 37,634	$ 59,987
Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income from discontinued operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	(345)	1,141	(9,458)	2,945
Net income attributable to Forward Air shareholders	16,647	22,195	28,176	62,932
Income allocated to participating securities	(150)	(236)	(184)	(696)
Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share for continuing operations	16,842	20,818	37,450	59,291
Numerator for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for discontinued operations	$ (345)	$ 1,141	$ (9,458)	$ 2,945
Denominator for basic income per share - weighted-average shares	27,559	27,981	27,732	28,286
Denominator for diluted income per share - adjusted weighted-average shares	27,606	28,082	27,789	28,393
Basic net income (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.61	$ 0.74	$ 1.35	$ 2.10
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0.04	(0.34)	0.10
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	0.60	0.78	1.01	2.20
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.61	0.74	1.35	2.09
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0.04	(0.34)	0.10
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.60	$ 0.78	$ 1.01	$ 2.19
Total number anti-dilutive options, non-vested shares, and performance shares excluded from income per diluted share computation			350	188
Equity Option [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, Two Class Method [Abstract]
Effect of dilutive stock options and non-vested shares	32	74	34	76
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
Total number anti-dilutive options, non-vested shares, and performance shares excluded from income per diluted share computation			219	188
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, Two Class Method [Abstract]
Effect of dilutive stock options and non-vested shares	15	27	23	31
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
Total number anti-dilutive options, non-vested shares, and performance shares excluded from income per diluted share computation			31
Nonvested Shares and Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
Total number anti-dilutive options, non-vested shares, and performance shares excluded from income per diluted share computation			100

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Effective statutory federal income tax rate	21.00%	21.00%
Continuing Operations [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	24.50%	25.10%

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jan. 12, 2020
Finance lease, minimum remaining years in lease term	2 years
Finance lease, maximum remaining years in lease term	7 years
Linn Star [Member]
Operating Lease, Liability		$ 10,011
Facility Lease [Member]
Operating lease, minimum years in renewal option	1 year
Operating lease, maximum years in renewal option	10 years
Equipment Lease [Member]
Operating leases, minimum term of equipment leases	2 years
Operating leases, maximum term of equipment leases	6 years
Operating lease, minimum years in renewal option	1 year
Operating lease, maximum years in renewal option	3 years
Operating leases, minimum term of future equiment leases	3 years
Operating leases, maximum term of future equiment leases	4 years

Financial Instruments (Details)

Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 15,367

Financial Instruments - Fair Va

Financial Instruments - Fair Value (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Finance Lease, Liability	$ 5,827
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Finance Lease, Liability	$ 5,757

Shareholders' Equity (Details)

Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Feb. 05, 2019	Jul. 21, 2016
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18		$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.54	$ 0.54
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares		519				152			787	789
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, In Total Dollars		$ 29,990				$ 9,289			$ 45,248	$ 47,906
Repurchase of Common Stock, Average Cost Per Share		$ 57.84				$ 61.01			$ 57.53	$ 60.72
Common Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Subsequent Event | Common Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21
2016 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased												3,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares										68
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, In Total Dollars										$ 3,850
Repurchase of Common Stock, Average Cost Per Share										$ 56.97
2019 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased											5,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares		519				152			787	721
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, In Total Dollars		$ 29,990				$ 9,289			$ 45,248	$ 44,056
Repurchase of Common Stock, Average Cost Per Share		$ 57.84				$ 61.01			$ 57.53	$ 61.07
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased		3,368							3,368

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self-insurance retention liability	$ 7,500
Aggregate deductible for claims between $3,000 and $5,000 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self-insurance retention liability additional deductible	6,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $3,000 and $5,000 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	3,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $3,000 and $5,000 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	5,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $5,000 and $10,000 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self-insurance retention liability additional deductible	2,500
Aggregate deductible for claims between $5,000 and $10,000 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	5,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $5,000 and $10,000 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	$ 10,000

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	2	3		2
Expedited Freight revenue	$ 283,514		$ 256,115	$ 772,802	$ 735,055
Interest expense	1,304		761	3,355	1,917
Income (loss) from operations	23,510		29,186	53,198	81,960
Total assets	1,048,210			1,048,210		$ 990,878
Capital expenditures				16,439	23,240
Expedited Freight [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenues	283,025		255,404	771,585	732,825
Intersegment revenues	489		711	1,216	2,230
Depreciation	4,981		5,256	14,897	18,261
Amortization	1,799		1,195	5,318	3,122
Share-based compensation expense	2,208		1,895	6,937	6,454
Interest expense	3		2	9	7
Income (loss) from operations	23,461		27,131	50,394	76,222
Total assets	882,214		706,632	882,214	706,632
Capital expenditures	2,037		8,818	15,987	22,818
Intermodal [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenues	48,940		58,317	147,815	162,936
Intersegment revenues	8		29	21	64
Depreciation	789		1,050	2,923	1,983
Amortization	1,567		1,542	4,702	4,278
Share-based compensation expense	415		340	1,276	1,313
Interest expense	38		67	151	69
Income (loss) from operations	4,837		6,900	12,963	18,326
Total assets	217,813		205,444	217,813	205,444
Capital expenditures	188		207	452	422
Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenues	34			33
Intersegment revenues			(778)	(1,438)	(2,524)
Depreciation	36		(27)	79	(113)
Share-based compensation expense	(278)		392	(361)	769
Interest expense	1,263		692	3,195	1,841
Income (loss) from operations	(4,788)		(4,845)	(10,159)	(12,588)
Total assets	(146,805)		(25,489)	(146,805)	(25,489)
Network revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expedited Freight revenue	169,300		169,337	455,482	503,178
Truckload revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expedited Freight revenue	49,836		48,044	139,220	144,353
Final Mile revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expedited Freight revenue	56,994		31,619	158,223	66,333
Other revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expedited Freight revenue	7,384		7,115	19,877	21,191
Continuing Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenues	331,999		313,721	919,433	895,761
Intersegment revenues	(2)		(38)	(201)	(230)
Depreciation	5,806		6,279	17,899	20,131
Amortization	3,366		2,737	10,020	7,400
Share-based compensation expense	2,345		2,627	7,852	8,536
Interest expense	1,304		761	3,355	1,917
Income (loss) from operations	23,510		29,186	53,198	81,960
Total assets	953,222		886,587	953,222	886,587
Capital expenditures	$ 2,225		$ 9,025	$ 16,439	$ 23,240

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 5,500
Subsequent events, acquisition expected revenue [Line Items]	20,000
Subsequent events, acquisition expected operating income	$ 1,000