Exhibit 10.4 MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT Lessor: TRANSAMERICA BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION RIVERWAY II WEST OFFICE TOWER 9399 WEST HIGGINS ROAD ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS 60018 Lessee: Ameritruck Distribution Corp. and Co-Lessees as identified in paragraph 36 301 Commerce, Suite 1101 Fort Worth Texas 76102 The lessor pursuant to this Master Lease Agreement ("Agreement") is Transamerica Business Credit Corporation ("Lessor"). All equipment, together with all present and future additions, parts, accessories, attachments, substitutions, repairs, improvements and replacements thereof or thereto, which are the subject of a Lease (as defined in the next sentence) shall be referred to as "Equipment"; provided, however, mobile communications and satellite tracking systems installed shall not become part of the Equipment unless specifically provided otherwise on a "Schedule" (as defined below). Simultaneous with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the parties are entering into one or more Lease Schedules (each, a "Schedule") which refer to and incorporate by reference this Agreement, each of which constitutes a lease (each, together with all addendums, riders, schedules, and exhibits thereto, a "Lease") for the Equipment specified therein. Additional details pertaining to each Lease are specified in the applicable Schedule. Each Schedule that the parties hereafter enter into shall constitute a Lease. Lessor has no obligation to enter into any additional leases with, or extend any future financing to, Lessee. 1. LEASE. Subject to and upon all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and each Schedule, Lessor hereby agrees to lease to Lessee and Lessee hereby agrees to lease from Lessor the Equipment for the Term (as defined in Paragraph 2 below) thereof. 2. TERM. Each Lease shall be effective and the term of each Lease ("Term") shall commence on the date of execution of the applicable Schedule and, unless sooner terminated (as hereinafter provided), shall expire on the Purchase Date specified in each Schedule; provided, however, that obligations due to be performed by the Lessee during the Term shall continue until they have been performed in full. 3. RENT. Lessee shall pay as rent to Lessor, for use of the Equipment during the Term, rental payments equal to the sum of all rental payments including, without limitation, security deposits, and interim rents payable in the amounts and on the dates specified in the applicable Schedule ("Rent'). If any Rent or other amount payable by Lessee is not paid within ten days after the day on which it becomes payable, Lessee will pay on demand, as a late charge, an amount equal to 5% of such unpaid Rent or other amount but only to the extent permitted by applicable law. All payments provided for herein shall be payable to Lessor at its address specified above, or at any other place designated by Lessor. 1 4. LEASE NOT CANCELABLE; LESSEE'S OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE. No Lease may be canceled or terminated except as expressly provided herein. Lessee's obligation to pay all Rent due or to become due hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be subject to any delay, reduction, set-off, defense, counterclaim or recoupment for any reason whatsoever, including any failure of the Equipment or any representations by the manufacturer or the vendor thereof. If the Equipment is unsatisfactory for any reason, Lessee shall make any claim solely against the manufacturer or the vendor thereof and shall, nevertheless, pay Lessor all Rent payable hereunder. 5. SELECTION AND USE OF EQUIPMENT. Lessee agrees that it shall be responsible for the selection, use of, and results obtained from, the Equipment and any other associated equipment or services. 6. WARRANTIES. LESSOR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO ANY MATTER WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE DESIGN OR CONDITION OF THE EQUIPMENT OR ITS MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY, QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY SUCH WARRANTY. LESSEE SPECIFICALLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO MAKE A CLAIM AGAINST LESSOR FOR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY WHATSOEVER. LESSEE LEASES THE EQUIPMENT "AS IS." IN NO EVENT SHALL LESSOR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR, NOR SHALL LESSEE HAVE ANY REMEDY AGAINST LESSOR FOR, ANY LIABILITY, CLAIM, LOSS, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY THE EQUIPMENT OR ANY DEFICIENCY OR DEFECT THEREOF OR THE OPERATION, MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR THEREOF OR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES AS THAT TERM IS USED IN SECTION 2-719(3) OF THE MODEL UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE OR SIMILAR STATUTE ("UCC"). Lessor grants to Lessee, for the sole purpose of prosecuting a claim, the benefits of any and all warranties made available by the manufacturer or the vendor of the Equipment to the extent assignable. 7. DELIVERY. Lessor hereby appoints Lessee as Lessor's agent for the sole and limited purpose of accepting delivery of the Equipment from each vendor thereof. Lessee shall pay any and all delivery and installation charges. Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee for any delay in, or failure of, delivery of the Equipment. 8. RENEWAL. So long as no Event of Default or event which, with the giving of notice, the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, Lessee may renew a Lease on the terms and conditions agreed upon by Lessee and Lessor. Lessee shall request a renewal in writing to Lessor not less than one hundred eighty days prior to the expiration of the applicable Lease. The Rent shall be determined by Lessor by using the projected fair market value of the Equipment on an "In-place, In-use" basis as of the commencement of such renewal term. 9. PURCHASE OPTION. So long as no Event of Default or event which, with the giving of notice, the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, Lessee may, upon written notice to Lessor received at lease one hundred eighty days before the expiration of a Term, purchase all the Equipment covered by the applicable Lease on the date specified therefor in the applicable Schedule ("Purchase Date"). The purchase price 2 for such Equipment (the "Purchase Price"), shall be its fair market value on an "In-place, In use" basis, as mutually agreed by Lessor and Lessee, or, if they cannot agree, as determined by an independent appraiser selected by Lessor and approved by Lessee, which approval will not be unreasonably delayed or withheld. Lessee shall pay the cost of any such appraisal. On the Purchase Date for any Equipment, Lessee shall pay to Lessor the Purchase Price, together with all sales and other taxes applicable to the transfer of the Equipment and any other amount payable and arising hereunder, in immediately available funds, whereupon Lessor shall transfer to Lessee, without recourse or warranty of any kind, express or implied, all of Lessor's right, title and interest in and to such Equipment on an "As Is, Where Is" basis. 10. OWNERSHIP; INSPECTION; MARKING; FINANCING STATEMENTS. Lessee shall affix to the Equipment any labels supplied by Lessor indicating ownership of such Equipment. The Equipment is and shall be the sole property of Lessor. Lessee shall have no right, title or interest therein, except as lessee under a Lease. The Equipment is and shall at all times be and remain personal property and shall not become a fixture. Lessee shall obtain and record such instruments and take such steps as may be necessary to prevent any Person from acquiring any rights in the Equipment by reason of the Equipment being claimed or deemed to be real property. Upon request by Lessor, Lessee shall obtain and deliver to Lessor valid and effective waivers, in recordable form, by the owners, landlords and mortgagees of the real property upon which the Equipment is located or certificates of Lessee that it is the owner of such real property or that such real property is neither leased nor mortgaged. Lessee shall make the Equipment and its maintenance records available for inspection by Lessor at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice. Lessee shall execute and deliver to Lessor for filing any UCC financing statements or similar documents Lessor may request. 11. EQUIPMENT USE. Lessee agrees that the Equipment will be operated by competent, qualified personnel in connection with Lessee's business for the purpose for which the Equipment was designed and in accordance with applicable operating instructions, laws and government regulations, and that Lessee shall use every reasonable precaution to prevent loss or damage to the Equipment from fire and other hazards. Lessee shall procure and maintain in effect all orders, licenses, certificates, permits, approvals and consents required by federal, state or local laws or by any governmental body, agency or authority in connection with the delivery, installation, use and operation of the Equipment, the absence of which, individually, or in total, would not have a material adverse effect upon the business of Lessee. 12. MAINTENANCE. Lessee, at its sole cost and expense, shall keep the Equipment in a suitable environment as specified by the manufacturer's guidelines or the equivalent and meet all recertification requirements, and shall maintain the Equipment in its original condition and working order, ordinary wear and tear excepted. At the request of Lessor, Lessee shall furnish all proof of maintenance. 13. ALTERATION; MODIFICATIONS; PARTS. Lessee may alter or modify the Equipment only with the prior written consent of Lessor. Any alteration shall be removed and the Equipment restored to its normal, unaltered condition at Lessee's expense (without damaging the Equipment's originally intended function or its value) prior to its return to Lessor. Any part installed in connection with warranty or maintenance service or which cannot be removed in accordance with the preceding sentence shall be the property of Lessor. 3 14. RETURN OF EQUIPMENT. Except for Equipment that has suffered a Casualty Loss (as defined in Paragraph 15 below) and is not required to be repaired pursuant to Paragraph 15 below or Equipment for which the Lease has been renewed pursuant to Paragraph 8 above or purchased by Lessee pursuant to Paragraph 9 above, upon expiration or termination of the Term of a Lease, or upon demand by Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 22 below, Lessee shall contact Lessor for shipping instructions and, at Lessees own risk, immediately return the Equipment, freight prepaid, to a location in the continental United States specified by Lessor. At the time of such return to Lessor, the Equipment shall (i) be in the operating order, repair and condition as required by or specified in the original specifications and warranties of each manufacturer and vendor thereof, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and meet all recertification requirements and (ii) be capable of being immediately assembled and operated by a third party purchaser or third party lessee without further repair, replacement, alterations or improvements, and in accordance and compliance with any and all statutes, laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of any governmental authority or any political subdivision thereof applicable to the use and operation of the Equipment. Except as otherwise provided under Paragraph 8 or 9 hereof, at least one hundred eighty days before the expiration of any Term, Lessee shall give Lessor notice of its intent to return the Equipment at the end of such Term. During such one hundred eighty-day period, Lessor and its prospective purchasers or lessees shall have the right of reasonable access to the premises on which the Equipment is located to inspect the Equipment, and Lessee shall cooperate in all other reasonable respects with Lessor's remarketing of the Equipment; provided, however, that nothing herein shall require Lessee to unreasonably interrupt or delay any shipments in transit or to incur any unreasonable empty miles in connection with any such inspection or to unreasonably disrupt Lessee's business. The provisions of this Paragraph 14 are of the essence of the Lease, and upon application to any court of equity having jurisdiction in the premises, Lessor shall be entitled to a decree against Lessee requiring specific performance of the covenants of Lessee set forth in this Paragraph 14. If Lessee fails to return Equipment when required, the terms and conditions of the Lease shall continue to be applicable and Lessee shall continue to pay Rent until the Equipment is received by Lessor. 15. CASUALTY INSURANCE; LOSS OR DAMAGE. Lessee will maintain, at its own expense, liability and property damage insurance relating to the Equipment, insuring against such risks as are customarily insured against on the type of equipment leased hereunder by businesses in which Lessee is engaged in such amounts, in such form, and with insurers satisfactory to Lessor; provided, however, that the amount of insurance against damage or loss shall not be less than the greater of (a) the replacement value of the Equipment and (b) the stipulated loss value of the Equipment specified in the applicable Schedule ("Stipulated Loss Value"); further provided, however, that Lessee shall have the right to self-insure the Equipment against loss or damage (but not liability insurance). Each liability insurance policy shall provide coverage (including contractual and personal injury coverage) of not less than $1,000,000 or the amount required by law, whichever is greater for each occurrence, name Lessor as an additional insured and be primary as respects of any other insurance. If Lessee fails to insure the Equipment as required, Lessor shall have the right but not the obligation to obtain such insurance, and the cost of the insurance shall be for the account of Lessee due as part of the next due Rent. Lessee consents to Lessor's release, upon its failure to obtain appropriate insurance coverage, of any and all information necessary to obtain insurance with respect to the Equipment or Lessor's interest therein. 4 Until the Equipment is returned to and received by Lessor as provided in Paragraph 14 above, Lessee shall bear the entire risk of theft or destruction of, or damage to, the Equipment including, without limitation, any condemnation, seizure or requisition of title or use ("Casualty Loss"). No Casualty Loss shall relieve Lessee from its obligations to pay Rent except as provided in clause (b) below. When any Casualty Loss occurs, Lessee shall immediately notify Lessor and, at the option of Lessor, shall promptly (a) place such Equipment in good repair and working order; or (b) pay Lessor an amount equal to the Stipulated Loss Value of such Equipment and all other amounts (excluding Rent) payable by Lessee hereunder, together with a late charge on such amounts at a rate per annum equal to the rate imputed in the Rent payments hereunder (as reasonably determined by Lessor) from the date of the Casualty Loss through the date of payment of such amounts, whereupon Lessor shall transfer to Lessee, without recourse or warranty (express or implied), all of Lessor's interest, if any, in and to such Equipment on an "AS IS, WHERE IS" basis. 16. TAXES. Lessee shall pay when due, and indemnify and hold Lessor harmless from, all sales, use, excise and other taxes, charges, and fees (including, without limitation, income, franchise, business and occupation, gross receipts, sales, use, licensing, registration, titling, personal property, stamp and interest equalization taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges or withholdings of any nature), and any fines, penalties or interest thereon, imposed or levied by any governmental body, agency or tax authority upon or in connection with the Equipment, its purchase, ownership, delivery, leasing, possession, use or relocation of the Equipment or otherwise in connection with the transactions contemplated by each Lease or the Rent thereunder, excluding taxes on or measured by the net income of Lessor. Upon request, Lessee will provide proof of payment. Unless Lessor elects otherwise, Lessor will pay all property taxes on the Equipment for which Lessee shall reimburse Lessor promptly upon request. Lessee shall timely prepare and file all reports and returns which are required to be made with respect to any obligation of Lessee under this Paragraph 16. Lessee shall, to the extent permitted by law, cause all billings of such fees, taxes, levies, imposts, duties, withholdings and governmental charges to be made to Lessor in care of Lessee. Upon request, Lessee will provide Lessor with copies of all such billings. 17. LESSOR'S PAYMENT. If Lessee fails to perform its obligations under Paragraph 15 or 16 above, or Paragraph 23 below, Lessor shall have the right to substitute performance, in which case, Lessee shall immediately reimburse Lessor therefor. 18. GENERAL INDEMNITY. Each Lease is a net lease. Therefore, Lessee shall indemnify Lessor and its successors and assigns against, and hold Lessor and its successors and assigns harmless from, any and all claims, actions, damages, obligations, liabilities and all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, legal fees, incurred by Lessor or its successors and assigns arising out of each Lease including, without limitation, the purchase, ownership, delivery, lease, possession, maintenance, condition, use or return of the Equipment, or arising by operation of law. Lessee agrees that upon written notice by Lessor of the assertion of any claim, action, damage, obligation, liability or lien, Lessee shall assume full responsibility for the defense thereof. Any payment pursuant to this Paragraph (except for any payment of Rent) shall be of such amount as shall be necessary so that, after payment of any taxes required to be paid thereon by Lessor, including taxes on or measured by the net income of Lessor, the balance will equal the amount due hereunder. The provisions of this Paragraph with regard to matters arising during a Lease shall survive the expiration or termination of such Lease. 5 19. ASSIGNMENT OF LESSEE. Lessee shall not, without the prior written consent of Lessor, (a) assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of any Lease or Equipment, or any interest therein; (b) sublease or lend any Equipment or permit it to be used by anyone other than Lessee and its employees or its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries and their employees and independent contractors; or (c) move any Equipment from the location specified for it in the applicable Schedule, except that Lessee may move Equipment to another location within the United States provided that Lessee has delivered to Lessor (A) prior written notice thereof and (B) duly executed financing statements and other agreements and instruments (all in form and substance satisfactory to Lessor) necessary or, in the opinion of the Lessor, desirable to protect Lessor's interest in such Equipment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the immediately preceding sentence, Lessee may keep any Equipment consisting of motor vehicles or rolling stock at any location in the United States and may utilize the Equipment in its regular business to and from points in Canada. 20. ASSIGNMENT BY LESSOR. Lessor may assign its interest or grant a security interest in any Lease and the Equipment individually or together, in whole or in part. If Lessee is given written notice of any such assignment, it shall immediately make all payments of Rent and other amounts hereunder directly to such assignee. Each such assignee shall have all of the rights of Lessor under each Lease assigned to it. Lessee shall not assert against any such assignee any set-off, defense or counterclaim that Lessee may have against Lessor or any other person. 21. DEFAULT; NO WAIVER. Lessee or any guarantor of any or all of the obligations of Lessee hereunder (together with Lessee, the "Lease Parties") shall be in default under each Lease upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each, an "Event of Default"): (a) Lessee fails to pay when due any amount required to be paid by Lessee under or in connection with any Lease; (b) any of the Lease Parties fails to perform any other provisions under or in connection with a Lease or violates any of the covenants or agreements of such Lease Party under or in connection with a Lease; (c) any representation made or financial information delivered or furnished by any of the Lease Parties under or in connection with a Lease shall prove to have been inaccurate in any material respect when made; (d) any of the Lease Parties makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, whether voluntary or involuntary, or consents to the appointment of a trustee or receiver, or if either shall be appointed for any of the Lease Parties or for a substantial part of its property without its consent and, in the case of any such involuntary proceeding, such proceeding remains undismissed or unstayed for forty-five days following the commencement thereof; (e) any petition or proceeding is filed by or against any of the Lease Parties under any Federal or State bankruptcy or insolvency code or similar law and, in the case of any such involuntary petition or proceeding, such petition or proceeding remains undismissed or unstayed for forty-five days following the filing or commencement thereof, or any of the Lease Parties takes any action authorizing any such petition or proceeding; (f) any of the Lease Parties fails to pay when due any indebtedness in excess of $1,000,000 for borrowed money or under conditional sales or installment sales contracts or similar agreements, leases or obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar agreements or instruments to any creditor (including Lessor under any other agreement) after any and all applicable cure periods therefor shall have elapsed; (g) any judgment over $1,000,000 shall be rendered against any of the Lease Parties which shall remain unpaid or unstayed for a period of sixty days; (h) any of the Lease Parties shall dissolve, liquidate, wind up or cease its business, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, make any material change in its capital structure or lines of business, amend or modify 6 its name, merge or consolidate with any other entity other than one of the Lease Parties, suffer any loss or suspension of any material license, permit or other right or asset necessary to the profitable conduct of its business, fail to pay its debts as they mature, or call a meeting for purposes of compromising its debts; (i) any of the Lease Parties shall deny or disaffirm its obligations hereunder or under any of the documents delivered in connection herewith; (j) there has been a change in control, as defined in the Indenture Agreement dated November 15, 1995 among Ameritruck Distribution Corp. and the Guarantors Party named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee; or (k) that the capital stock of the Lease Parties becomes subject to any judicial or statutory lien not discharged within (60) days, or becomes subject to any lien, security interest or encumbrance, except in connection with a pledge of stock to FINOVA Capital Corporation as security for a line-of-credit facility or any replacement thereof. After receipt of notice of default from Lessor, Lessee will have (15) days to cure any default other than the default for Lessee failing to pay when due any amount required to be paid by Lessee under or in connection with any Lease. 22. REMEDIES. Upon the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, Lessor shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to exercise any one or more of the following remedies: (a) terminate each Lease; (b) declare any and all Rent and other amounts then due and any and all Rent and other amounts to become due under each Lease immediately due and payable; (c) take possession of any or all items of Equipment, wherever located, without demand, notice, court order or other process of law, and without liability for entry to Lessee's premises, for damage to Lessee's property or otherwise; (d) demand that Lessee return any or all Equipment to Lessor in accordance with Paragraph 14 above, and, for each day that Lessee shall fail to return any item of Equipment, Lessor may demand an amount equal to the Rent payable for such Equipment in accordance with Paragraph 14 above; (e) lease, sell or otherwise dispose of the Equipment in a commercially reasonable manner, with or without notice and on public or private bid; (f) recover the following amounts from the Lessee (as damages, including reimbursement of costs and expenses, liquidated for all purposes and not as a penalty): (i) all costs and expenses of Lessor reimbursable to it hereunder, including, without limitation, expenses of disposition of the Equipment, legal fees and all other amounts specified in Paragraph 23 below; (ii) an amount equal to the sum of (A) any accrued and unpaid Rent through the later of (1) the date of the applicable default or (2) the date that Lessor has obtained possession of the Equipment or such other date as Lessee has made an effective tender of possession of the Equipment to Lessor (the "Default Date") and (B) if Lessor resells or re-lets the Equipment, Rent at the periodic rate provided for in each Lease for the additional period that it takes Lessor to resell or re-let all of the Equipment; (iii) the present value of all future Rent reserved in the Leases and contracted to be paid over the unexpired Term of the Leases discounted at five percent simple interest per annum; (iv) the residual value of the Equipment as of the expiration of the Term of the applicable Lease; and (v) any indebtedness for Lessee's indemnity under Paragraph 18 above, plus a late charge at the rate specified in Paragraph 3 above, less the amount received by Lessor, if any, upon sale or re-let of the Equipment; and (g) exercise any other right or remedy to recover damages or enforce the terms of the Leases. Lessor may pursue any other rights or remedies available at law or in equity, including, without limitation, rights or remedies seeking damages, specific performance and injunctive relief. Any failure of Lessor to require strict performance by Lessee, or any waiver by Lessor of any provision hereunder or under any Schedule, shall not be construed as a consent or waiver of any other breach of the same or of any other provision. Any amendment or waiver of any provision hereof or under any Schedule or consent to any departure by Lessee herefrom or therefrom shall be in writing and signed by Lessor. 7 No right or remedy is exclusive of any other provided herein or permitted by law or equity. All such rights and remedies shall be cumulative and may be enforced concurrently or individually from time to time. 23. LESSOR'S EXPENSE. Lessee shall pay Lessor on demand all costs and expenses in protecting and enforcing Lessor's rights and interests in each Lease and the Equipment, including, without limitation, legal, collection and remarketing fees and expenses incurred by Lessor in enforcing the terms, conditions or provisions of each Lease or, upon the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default. 24. LESSEE'S WAIVERS. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lessee hereby waives any and all rights and remedies conferred upon a lessee by Sections 2A-508 through 2A-522 of the UCC. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lessee also hereby waives any rights now or hereafter conferred by statute or otherwise which may require Lessor to sell, lease or otherwise use any Equipment in mitigation of Lessor's damages as set forth in Paragraph 22 above or which may otherwise limit or modify any of Lessor's rights or remedies under Paragraph 22. Any action by Lessee against Lessor for any default by Lessor under any Lease shall be commenced within one year after any such cause of action accrues. 25. NOTICES; ADMINISTRATION. Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices, approvals, consents, correspondence or other communications required or desired to be given hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be delivered by confirmed facsimile telephone transmission, overnight courier, hand delivery or certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, if to Lessor, then to 13760 Noel Road, Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75420, Attention: Division Operations Manager, with a copy to Lessor at Riverway II, West Office Tower, 9399 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018, Attention: Legal Department or such other address as shall be designated by Lessor to Lessee. All such notices and correspondence shall be effective when received. 26. REPRESENTATIONS. Lessee represents and warrants to Lessor that (a) Lessee is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of its incorporation; (b) the execution, delivery and performance by Lessee of this Agreement are within Lessee's powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and do not contravene (i) Lessee's organizational documents or (ii) any law or contractual restriction binding on or affecting Lessee; (c) no authorization or approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority or regulatory body is required for the due execution, delivery and performance by Lessee of this Agreement; and (d) each Lease constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of Lessee enforceable against Lessee in accordance with its terms. 27. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Lessee, upon the request of Lessor, will execute, acknowledge, record or file, as the case may be, such further documents and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary, desirable or proper to carry out more effectively the purposes of this Agreement. Lessee hereby appoints Lessor as its attorney-in-fact to execute on behalf of Lessee and authorizes Lessor to file without Lessee's signature any UCC financing statements and amendments Lessor deems advisable. 8 28. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Lessee shall deliver to Lessor: (a) as soon as available, but not later than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of Lessee and its consolidated subsidiaries, unqualified audited financial statements, including the consolidated balance sheet, income statement and statements of cash flows and shareholders equity for Lessee and its consolidated subsidiaries (the "Financial Statement") for such year, reported on by independent certified public accountants; and (b) as soon as available, but not later than 60 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters in any fiscal year of Lessee and its consolidated subsidiaries, the Financial Statements for such fiscal quarter, together with a certification duly executed by a responsible officer of Lessee that such Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are fairly stated in all material respects (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments). 29. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. Lessee irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any Illinois state or federal court sitting in Illinois for any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and Lessee irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such Illinois state or federal court. 30. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. LESSEE AND LESSOR IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. 31. FINANCE LEASE. Lessee and Lessor agree that each Lease is a "Finance Lease" as defined by Section 2A-103(g) of the UCC. Lessee acknowledges that Lessee has reviewed and approved each written Supply Contract (as defined by UCC 2A-103 (y)) covering Equipment purchased from each "Supplier" (as defined by UCC 2A-103 (x)) thereof. 32. NO AGENCY. Lessee acknowledges and agrees that neither the manufacturer or supplier, nor any salesman, representative or other agent of the manufacturer or supplier, is an agent of Lessor. No salesman, representative or agent of the manufacturer or supplier is authorized to waive or alter any term or condition of this Agreement or any Schedule and no representation as to the Equipment or any other matter by the manufacturer or supplier shall in any way affect Lessee's duty to pay Rent and perform its other obligations as set forth in this Agreement or any Schedule. 33. SPECIAL TAX INDEMNIFICATION. Lessee acknowledges that Lessor, in determining the Rent due hereunder, has assumed that certain tax benefits as are provided to an owner of property under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and under applicable state tax law, including, without limitation, depreciation deductions under Section 168 (b) of the Code, and deductions under Section 163 of the Code in an amount at least equal to the amount of interest paid or accrued by Lessor with respect to any indebtedness incurred by Lessor in financing its purchase of the Equipment, are available to Lessor as a result of the lease of the Equipment. In the event (other than lack of sufficient income by Lessor), Lessor is unable to obtain such tax benefits for any reason, is required to include in income any amount other than the Rent or is required to recognize income in respect of the Rent earlier than anticipated pursuant to this Agreement, Lessee shall pay Lessor additional rent ("Additional Rent") in a lump sum in an amount needed to provide Lessor with 9 the same after-tax yield and after-tax cash flow as would have been realized by Lessor had Lessor (i) been able to obtain such tax benefits, (ii) not been required to include any amount in income other than the Rent and (iii) not been required to recognize income in respect of the Rent earlier than anticipated pursuant to this Agreement. The Additional Rent shall be computed by Lessor, subject to verification by Lessee. The Additional Rent shall be due immediately upon written notice by Lessor to Lessee of Lessor's inability to obtain tax benefits, the inclusion of any amount in income other than the Rent or the recognition of income in respect of the Rent earlier than anticipated pursuant to this Agreement. The provisions of this Paragraph 33 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. 34. GOVERNING LAW; SEVERABILITY. EACH LEASE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. IF ANY PROVISION SHALL BE HELD TO BE INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE, THE VALIDITY AND ENFORCEABILITY OF THE REMAINING PROVISIONS SHALL NOT IN ANY WAY BE AFFECTED OR IMPAIRED. LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT LESSEE HAS READ THIS AGREEMENT AND THE SCHEDULE HERETO, UNDERSTANDS THEM, AND AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THEIR TERMS AND CONDITIONS. FURTHER, LESSEE AND LESSOR AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENT AND THE SCHEDULES DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH FROM TIME TO TIME ARE THE COMPLETE AND EXCLUSIVE STATEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, SUPERSEDING ALL PROPOSALS OR PRIOR AGREEMENTS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, AND ALL OTHER COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF. 35. SECURITY DEPOSIT. Lessee shall pay to Lessor a security deposit in the amount of 20% of the Equipment Cost (as shown on the Schedule) (the "Security Deposit"). The Security Deposit shall be held by Lessor, unless applied as provided herein, until termination of the Lease and full performance of the obligations of Lessee under the Lease. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, and notwithstanding a subsequent cure of such Event of Default, Lessor may apply the Security Deposit to the obligations of Lessee under the Lease, in the manner chosen by Lessor. Upon complete performance of and payment of the obligations of Lessee under the Lease, and provided Lessor has not previously applied the Security Deposit as herein provided, the Security Deposit shall be returned to Lessee. 36. The term "Lessee" as used in the Lease and related documents shall refer to Ameritruck Distribution Corp., Ameritruck Equipment Corp., J.C. Bangerter & Sons, Inc., CMS Transportation Services, Inc., Ameritruck Refrigerated Transport, Inc., KTL, Inc., Scales Transport Corporation, Thompson Bros., Inc., W & L Motor Lines, Inc., Monfort Transportation Company, Lynn Transportation Co., Inc., and Transtar, Inc., individually and collectively. Notwithstanding anything the contrary contained in the Lease or any document executed in connection therewith, each Lessee shall be jointly and severally liable for any and all liabilities and obligations of Lessee arising under or in connection with the Lease. 10 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed or caused this Master Lease Agreement to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers as of this 14 day of August, 1997. AMERITRUCK DISTRIBUTION CORP., AND EVERY OTHER CO-LESSEE UNDER THE MASTER LEASE By: /s/ KENNETH H. EVANS, JR. ----------------------------------- Kenneth H. Evans, Jr., on behalf of each Co-Lessee Title: Executive Vice President of Ameritruck Distribution Corp., and Treasurer ------------------------------------------------------------------------ of all other Co-Lessees ----------------------- 11