SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[  X  ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
        ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED)
        For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2000
                                       OR
[     ] TRANSITION  REPORT  PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR  15(d)  OF THE  SECURITIES
        EXCHANGE  ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED).
        For the transition period from                        to

Commission file number 0-24960

                            COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               Nevada                                    88-0320154
- -------------------------------------           ------------------------------
(State or Other Jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)

        400 Birmingham Highway
        Chattanooga, Tennessee                               37419
- -------------------------------------           ------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                   (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  423/821-1212

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  $0.01 Par Value
Class A Common Stock

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  Registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. YES [ X ] NO [  ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers  pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation  S-K is not contained  herein,  and will not be contained,  to the
best of registrant's  knowledge,  in definitive proxy or information  statements
incorporated  by  reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any  amendments  to
this Form 10-K. [ ]

The  aggregate  market value of the voting stock held by  non-affiliates  of the
registrant was approximately  $78.1 million as of March 20, 2001 (based upon the
$13.25 per share  closing  price on that date as reported by Nasdaq).  In making
this calculation the registrant has assumed,  without admitting for any purpose,
that all executive officers,  directors, and holders of more than 10% of a class
of outstanding common stock, and no other persons, are affiliates.

As of March 26, 2001, the  registrant  had  11,600,166  shares of Class A Common
Stock and 2,350,000 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS  INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:  The information set forth under Part III,
Items 10, 11, 12, and 13 of this Report is  incorporated  by reference  from the
registrant's   definitive  proxy  statement  for  the  2001  annual  meeting  of
stockholders that will be filed no later than April 29, 2001.

                                       1



                              Cross Reference Index

The following  cross  reference index indicates the document and location of the
information contained herein and incorporated by reference into the Form 10-K.

                                                           Document and Location
                                                           ---------------------

                                     Part I
                                     ------

Item 1   Business                                  Page 3 herein

Item 2   Properties                                Page 6 herein

Item 3   Legal Proceedings                         Page 6 herein

Item 4   Submission of Matters to a Vote of
          Security Holders                         Page 7 herein

                                     Part II
                                     -------

Item 5   Market for the Registrant's Common
          Equity and Related Stockholder Matters   Page 7 herein

Item 6   Selected Financial Data                   Page 8 herein

Item 7   Management's Discussion and Analysis of
          Financial Condition and Results of
          Operations                               Page 9 herein

Item 7A  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
          About Market Risk                        Page 17 herein

Item 8   Financial Statements and Supplementary
          Data                                     Page 18 herein

Item 9   Changes in and Disagreements with
          Accountants on Accounting and Financial
          Disclosure                               Page 18 herein

                                    Part III
                                    --------

Item 10  Directors and Executive Officers of the
          Registrant                               Page 2-3 of Proxy Statement

Item 11  Executive Compensation                    Pages 5-8 of Proxy Statement

Item 12  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
          Owners and Management                    Pages 9-10 of Proxy Statement

Item 13  Certain Relationships and Related
          Transactions                             Page 4 of Proxy Statement

                                     Part IV
                                     -------

Item 14  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules,
          and Reports on  Form 8-K                 Page 19 herein


____________________________________

         This report contains "forward-looking statements." These statements are
subject to certain risks and  uncertainties  that could cause actual  results to
differ  materially  from those  anticipated.  See  "Management's  Discussion and
Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and Results of  Operations - Factors That May
Affect Future  Results" for additional  information and factors to be considered
concerning forward-looking statements.

                                       2




                                     PART I

ITEM 1.           BUSINESS

General

Covenant  Transport,  Inc.  ("Covenant" or the "Company") is a truckload carrier
that offers just-in-time and other premium  transportation service for customers
throughout  the United  States.  Covenant  was  founded by David and  Jacqueline
Parker in 1985 with 25 tractors and 50 trailers.  In fifteen years of operating,
the Company's fleet has grown to 3,829 tractors and 7,571 trailers,  and in 2000
revenue  grew to $552.4  million.  In recent  years,  the Company has grown both
internally and through acquisitions. The Company has completed nine acquisitions
since 1996,  including  six in the past three years.  In August  1998,  Covenant
purchased certain assets of Gouge Trucking,  Inc.  ("Gouge"),  for approximately
$1.0 million. In October 1998, Covenant acquired all of the outstanding stock of
Southern  Refrigerated  Transport,  Inc., a $23 million annual revenue truckload
carrier  (referred  to as "SRT"),  located in southwest  Arkansas.  In September
1999,  the  Company  purchased  the  trucking  assets of ATW,  Inc.  ("ATW"),  a
long-haul team service carrier. ATW was based in Greensboro,  North Carolina and
generated  approximately  $40 million in annual  revenue.  In November 1999, the
Company  purchased all of the outstanding  capital stock of Harold Ives Trucking
Co. and Terminal Truck Broker, Inc. (together, "Harold Ives"), near Little Rock,
Arkansas.  In August 2000,  the Company  purchased  certain  trucking  assets of
Con-Way  Truckload  Services,  Inc.  ("CTS"),  an $80 million  annual  truckload
carrier headquartered in Forth Worth, Texas.

At December  31, 2000,  the  Company's  corporate  structure  included  Covenant
Transport,  Inc., a Nevada holding company  organized in May 1994 and its wholly
owned subsidiaries:  Covenant Transport, Inc., a Tennessee corporation organized
in November 1985; Covenant Asset Management,  Inc., a Nevada  corporation;  CIP,
Inc., a Nevada corporation;  Covenant.com, Inc., a Nevada corporation;  Southern
Refrigerated  Transport,  Inc., an Arkansas  corporation;  Tony Smith  Trucking,
Inc.,   an  Arkansas   corporation;   Harold  Ives  Trucking  Co.,  an  Arkansas
corporation;  CVTI Receivables Corp. ("CRC"), a Nevada corporation, and Terminal
Truck Broker, Inc., an Arkansas corporation.

This report  contains  forward-looking  statements.  Additional  written or oral
forward-looking  statements  may be made  by the  Company  from  time to time in
filings with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission or  otherwise.  The words
"believe,"  "expect,"  "anticipate,"  and  "project,"  and  similar  expressions
identify  forward-looking  statements,  which  speak  only  as of the  date  the
statement was made.  Such  forward-looking  statements are within the meaning of
that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,  and Section
21E of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The Company undertakes
no  obligation  to  publicly  update or revise any  forward-looking  statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Forward-looking  statements are inherently  subject to risks and  uncertainties,
some of which  cannot be  predicted  or  quantified.  Future  events  and actual
results could differ  materially  from those set forth in,  contemplated  by, or
underlying the forward-looking statements.  Statements in this report, including
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and "Management's  Discussion
and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results of  Operations,"  describe
factors,  among  others,  that could  contribute  to or cause such  differences.
Additional  factors that could cause actual  results to differ  materially  from
those expressed in such  forward-looking  statements are set forth in "Business"
in this report.

Operations

Covenant  approaches  its  operations  as an  integrated  effort  of  marketing,
customer  service,  and fleet  management.  The Company's  customer  service and
marketing  personnel emphasize both new account development and expanded service
for current  customers.  Customer  service  representatives  provide  day-to-day
contact with customers,  while the sales force targets  driver-friendly  freight
that will increase lane density.

The Company's  primary  customers include  manufacturers,  retailers,  and other
transportation  companies.  Other transportation  companies primarily consist of
less than truckload and air freight carriers, third-party freight consolidators,
and freight forwarders who seek Covenant's  expedited and just-in-time  service.
In 2000, the  transportation  industry was the largest industry Covenant served.
In the aggregate,  subsidiaries of CNF, Inc.  accounted for approximately 11% of
Covenant's  2000 revenue.  No single  customer  accounted for 10% or more of the
Company's revenue in the two fiscal years prior to 2000.

                                       3



Covenant   conducts  its  operations  from  its   headquarters  in  Chattanooga,
Tennessee.  The former Bud Meyer and Harold Ives Trucking  operations  have been
centralized in Chattanooga as well. SRT's operations  center remains in Ashdown,
Arkansas.

Fleet  managers  at each  operations  center  plan load  coverage  according  to
customer  information  requirements and relay pick-up,  delivery,  routing,  and
fueling  instructions to the Company's  drivers.  The fleet managers  attempt to
route most of the Company's trucks over selected  operating lanes. The resulting
lane density  assists the Company in balancing  traffic  between  eastbound  and
westbound  movements,  reducing  empty miles,  and improving the  reliability of
delivery schedules.

Covenant  utilizes  proven  technology,  including the Qualcomm  OmnitracsTM and
SensortracsTM  systems,  to increase  operating  efficiency and improve customer
service and fleet management. The Omnitracs system is a satellite based tracking
and communications  system that permits direct communication between drivers and
fleet managers.  The Omnitracs system also updates the tractor's  position every
30 minutes to permit  shippers and the Company to locate  freight and accurately
estimate pick-up and delivery times. The Company uses the Sensortracs  system to
monitor  engine  idling time,  speed,  and  performance,  and other factors that
affect operating  efficiency.  All of the Company's  tractors have been equipped
with the Qualcomm systems since 1995 and the Company has added Qualcomm systems,
if necessary, to the tractors obtained in its acquisitions.

As an  additional  service to  customers,  the Company  offers  electronic  data
interchange  ("EDI"),  which  allows  customers  and the Company to  communicate
electronically,   permitting   real-time   information   flow,   reductions   or
eliminations in paperwork, and fewer clerical personnel.  With EDI customers can
receive updates as to cargo position,  delivery  times,  and other  information.
Additionally,  the Company  offers load tracking via the  Internet.  The Company
also  allows  customers  to  communicate   electronically  in  order  to  obtain
information  regarding  delivery,   local  distribution,   and  account  payment
instructions.  Since 1997,  the Company  has used a document  imaging  system to
reduce paperwork and enhance access to important information.

Drivers and Other Personnel

Driver  recruitment,  retention,  and  satisfaction  are essential to Covenant's
success, and the Company has made each of these factors a primary element of its
strategy.  Driver-friendly operations are emphasized throughout the Company. The
Company has implemented  automatic programs to signal when a driver is scheduled
to be routed  toward home,  and fleet  managers are  assigned  specific  tractor
units, regardless of geographic region, to foster positive relationships between
the drivers and their principal contact with the Company. In addition,  Covenant
has offered  per-mile wage increases to Company drivers in each year since 1996,
and continues to aggressively seek rate increases from customers in part to fund
higher driver pay.

Covenant  differentiates  its primary dry van  business  from many  shorter-haul
truckload  carriers by its use of driver teams.  Driver teams permit the Company
to provide  expedited  service  over its long  average  length of haul,  because
driver  teams are able to  handle  longer  routes  and drive  more  miles  while
remaining within Department of Transportation  ("DOT") safety rules.  Management
believes that these teams contribute to greater equipment  utilization than most
carriers with predominately single drivers. The use of teams, however, increases
personnel costs as a percentage of revenue and the number of drivers the Company
must recruit.  At December 31, 2000,  teams  operated  approximately  40% of the
Company's  tractors.  The tractors of SRT and Harold Ives are operated primarily
by single drivers.  The single driver fleets operate fewer miles per tractor and
experience more empty miles but these higher expenses are being offset by higher
revenue per loaded mile because of reduced  employee expense and the benefits of
increased density on Company lanes.

Covenant is not a party to a collective  bargaining  agreement and its employees
are not  represented  by a union.  At December  31, 2000,  the Company  employed
approximately  5,750  drivers  and  approximately  1,097  nondriver   personnel.
Management believes that the Company has a good relationship with its personnel.

Revenue Equipment

Management  believes  that  operating  high quality,  efficient  equipment is an
important part of providing excellent service to customers. The Company's policy
is to  operate  its  tractors  while  under  warranty  to  minimize  repair  and

                                       4



maintenance  cost and reduce service  interruptions  caused by  breakdowns.  The
Company also orders most of its equipment with uniform  specifications to reduce
its parts inventory and facilitate maintenance.

The  Company's  fleet of 3,829  tractors  had an average  age of 17.7  months at
December  31,  2000,  and  all  tractors   remained  covered  by  manufacturer's
warranties.  Management believes that a late model tractor fleet is important to
driver  recruitment and retention and contributes to operating  efficiency.  The
Company utilizes conventional tractors equipped with large sleeper compartments.

During 2000,  the trucking  industry  experienced a  substantial  decline in the
value of used  tractors.  Covenant  believes that it reduced its exposure to the
used  tractor  market  in 2001 by  negotiating  a large  trade  package  on 1998
equipment and extending its trade cycle on remaining revenue  equipment.  During
2000,  the Company  decided to begin  trading  equipment  based on mileage.  The
result is that management believes that basically no equipment will be traded in
2001.

At December 31, 2000,  the Company's  fleet of 7,571 trailers had an average age
of 41.3 months. Approximately 85% of the Company's trailers were 53-feet long by
102-inch wide, dry vans. The Company also operated  approximately  1,146 53-foot
and approximately 17 48-foot temperature-controlled trailers.

Competition

The United States trucking industry is highly competitive and includes thousands
of for-hire  motor  carriers,  none of which  dominates the market.  Service and
price are the  principal  means of  competition  in the trucking  industry.  The
Company targets primarily the market segment that demands just-in-time and other
premium services.  Management believes that this segment generally offers higher
freight rates than the segment that is less  dependent  upon timely  service and
that the  Company's  size and use of driver teams are  important in competing in
this segment.  The Company competes to some extent with railroads and rail-truck
intermodal service but differentiates itself from rail and rail-truck intermodal
carriers  on the  basis  of  service  because  rail  and  rail-truck  intermodal
movements  are  subject  to  delays  and  disruptions  arising  from  rail  yard
congestion,  which reduces the  effectiveness  of such service to customers with
time-definite pick-up and delivery schedules.

Regulation

The  Company  is a common and  contract  motor  carrier of general  commodities.
Historically,  the Interstate  Commerce Commission (the "ICC") and various state
agencies regulated motor carriers' operating rights, accounting systems, mergers
and acquisitions,  periodic  financial  reporting,  and other matters.  In 1995,
federal legislation  preempted state regulation of prices,  routes, and services
of motor carriers and eliminated the ICC. Several ICC functions were transferred
to the DOT.  Management  does not believe that  regulation  by the DOT or by the
states in their  remaining  areas of authority has had a material  effect on the
Company's operations.  The Company's employee and independent contractor drivers
also must comply with the safety and fitness regulations promulgated by the DOT,
including those relating to drug and alcohol  testing and hours of service.  The
DOT has  rated the  Company  "satisfactory,"  which is the  highest  safety  and
fitness rating.

The DOT  presently  is  considering  proposals  to  amend  the  hours-in-service
requirements applicable to truck drivers. Any change which reduces the potential
or  practical  amount of time that  drivers can spend  driving  could  adversely
affect the Company.  We are unable to predict the nature of any changes that may
be adopted.  The DOT also is  considering  requirements  that trucks be equipped
with certain  equipment that the DOT believes would result in safer  operations.
The cost of the equipment,  if required,  could  adversely  affect the Company's
profitability if shippers are unwilling to pay higher rates to fund the purchase
of such equipment.

The  Company's  operations  are  subject to various  federal,  state,  and local
environmental  laws and  regulations,  implemented  principally  by the  Federal
Environmental Protection Agency and similar state regulatory agencies, governing
the management of hazardous  wastes,  other discharge of pollutants into the air
and surface and underground waters, and the disposal of certain  substances.  If
the Company should be involved in a spill or other accident involving  hazardous
substances,  if any such substances were found on the Company's property,  or if
the Company were found to be in violation of  applicable  laws and  regulations,
the Company could be responsible for clean-up costs,  property damage, and fines
or other penalties,  any one of which could have a materially  adverse effect on
the Company.  The Company does not utilize any on-site  underground fuel storage
tanks at any of its  locations.  Management  believes that its operations are in
material compliance with current laws and regulations.

                                       5



Fuel Availability and Cost

The Company  actively  manages its fuel costs by routing the  Company's  drivers
through  fuel centers with which the Company has  negotiated  volume  discounts.
Average fuel prices continued to rise in 2000.  During 2000 the cost of fuel was
in the range at which the Company received fuel  surcharges.  Even with the fuel
surcharges,  the high price of fuel hurt the Company's  profitability.  Although
the Company  historically  has been able to pass through a  substantial  part of
increases  in fuel prices and taxes to customers in the form of higher rates and
surcharges,  the increases usually are not fully recovered. The Company does not
collect  surcharges on fuel used for non-revenue miles,  out-of-route  miles, or
fuel used while the tractor is idling. At December 31, 2000, approximately 3% of
the  Company's  projected  2001  purchases  of fuel  were  subject  to  purchase
contracts.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

The Company's  headquarters and main terminal are located on  approximately  180
acres of property in Chattanooga,  Tennessee, that include an office building of
approximately  182,000  square feet  (including the recent  addition  referenced
below), the Company's  approximately  65,000 square-foot  principal  maintenance
facility, a body shop of approximately 16,600 square feet, and a truck wash. The
Company  initiated work on an approximately  100,000 square foot addition to the
office building during the fourth quarter of 1999, which has been completed..

Covenant  maintains eighteen terminals located on its major traffic lanes in the
following cities, with the facilities noted:




                                                                         
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
                                                             Driver
             Terminal Locations           Maintenance     Recruitment      Sales          Ownership
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Chattanooga, Tennessee                   x               x             x             Leased
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Lake City, Minnesota                                                                 Owned
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Oklahoma City, Oklahoma                  x                                           Owned
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      French Camp, California                                                x             Leased
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Long Beach, California                                                               Owned
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Dalton, Georgia                          x                             x             Owned
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Pomona, California                                                     x             Owned
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Hutchins, Texas                                                        x             Owned
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      El Paso, Texas                                                                       Leased
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Laredo, Texas                                                                        Leased
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Delanco, New Jersey                                                    x             Leased
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Indianapolis, Indiana                                                  x             Leased
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Ashdown, Arkansas                        x               x             x             Owned
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Little Rock, Arkansas                    x               x                           Owned
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Stuttgart, Arkansas                                                                  Leased
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Dayton, Ohio                                                           x             Leased
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Charlotte, North Carolina                                              x             Leased
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------
      Greensboro, North Carolina                                             x             Leased
      --------------------------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- --------------------



The terminals  provide a base for drivers in proximity to their homes,  transfer
locations for trailer relays on  transcontinental  routes, and parking space for
equipment dispatch and maintenance.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND INSURANCE

The Company from time to time is a party to  litigation  arising in the ordinary
course of its business,  substantially all of which involves claims for personal
injury and property damage incurred in the  transportation of freight.  In 2000,
the  Company  maintained  insurance  covering  losses  in  excess  of  a  $5,000
deductible from cargo loss, losses in excess of a $2,500 deductible for physical
damage claims,  and losses in excess of a $5,000 deductible from personal injury
and property damage. The Company maintains a workers'  compensation plan for its
employees.  Each of the primary  insurance  policies has a limit of $1.0 million
per  occurrence,  and the  Company  carries  excess  liability  coverage,  which
management  believes  is  adequate.  The  Company  is not aware of any claims or
threatened  claims that might  materially  adversely  affect its  operations  or
financial position.

                                       6



In the first  quarter  of 2001,  the  Company  increased  its  deductibles  to a
combined $250,000 per occurrence,  with each occurrence  including the aggregate
of liability,  cargo,  and physical damage  coverage.  In addition,  the Company
increased its workers' compensation deductible to $250,000 per occurrence.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

During the fourth  quarter of the year ended  December 31, 2000, no matters were
submitted to a vote of security holders.



                                     PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Price Range of Common Stock

The Company's  Class A Common Stock has been traded on the National Market under
the symbol  "CVTI."  The  following  table sets forth for the  calendar  periods
indicated the range of high and low sales price for the Company's Class A Common
Stock as reported by Nasdaq from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1999.



             Period                    High              Low
             ------                    ----              ---
Calendar Year 1999
  1st Quarter                         $20.625          $12.375
  2nd Quarter                         $16.000          $11.125
  3rd Quarter                         $18.938          $15.250
  4th Quarter                         $18.250          $13.375
Calendar Year 2000
  1st Quarter                         $18.250          $10.250
  2nd Quarter                         $15.875           $7.563
  3rd Quarter                         $11.000           $7.688
  4th Quarter                         $12.125           $8.000

As of March 26, 2001, the Company had approximately 47 stockholders of record of
its  Class  A  Common  Stock.   However,  the  Company  estimates  that  it  has
approximately  2,200 stockholders  because a substantial number of the Company's
shares are held of record by brokers or dealers  for their  customers  in street
names.

Dividend Policy

The Company has never declared and paid a cash dividend on its common stock.  It
is the current  intention  of the  Company's  Board of  Directors to continue to
retain  earnings to finance the growth of the Company's  business rather than to
pay dividends.  The payment of cash dividends is currently limited by agreements
relating to the  Company's  $120 million  line of credit,  $25 million in senior
notes  due  October  2005,  and  the  operating  lease  covering  the  Company's
headquarters  and terminal  facility.  Future  payments of cash  dividends  will
depend  upon  the  financial  condition,  results  of  operations,  and  capital
commitments of the Company,  restrictions under  then-existing  agreements,  and
other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.

                                       7



ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA




                     (In thousands except per share and operating data amounts)
                                                                       Years Ended December 31,
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1996            1997           1998           1999            2000
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenue                                            $ 236,267      $ 297,861      $ 370,546       $ 472,741      $ 552,429
Operating expenses:
  Salaries, wages, and related expenses              108,818        131,522        164,589         202,420        239,988
  Fuel, oil, and road expenses                        55,340         64,910         68,292          84,465         93,581
  Revenue equipment rentals and
     purchased transportation                            605          8,492         24,250          49,260         76,131
  Repairs                                              4,293          5,885          8,366          10,078         13,312
  Operating taxes and licenses                         6,065          7,514          9,393          10,988         14,169
  Insurance                                            6,115          8,656         10,370          12,458         15,765
  Communications and utilities                         3,152          3,533          4,328           5,682          7,189
  General supplies and expenses                        9,673         12,744         15,069          19,109         24,635
  Depreciation and amortization                       22,139         26,482         30,192          35,591         38,879
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses                             216,200        269,738        334,849         430,051        523,649
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income                                      20,067         28,123         35,697          42,690         28,780
Interest expense                                       5,987          6,273          5,924           5,513          9,006
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes                            14,080         21,850         29,773          37,177         19,774
Income tax expense                                     5,102          8,148         11,490          14,900          7,899
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                          $  8,978       $ 13,702      $  18,283        $ 22,277       $ 11,875
                                             =============================================================================

Basic earnings per share                            $   0.67       $   1.03       $   1.27        $   1.49       $   0.82
Diluted earnings per share                              0.67           1.03           1.27            1.48           0.82
Weighted average common shares
    Outstanding                                       13,350         13,360         14,393          14,912         14,404

Adjusted weighted average common
   shares and assumed conversions                     13,353         13,360         14,440          15,028         14,533
   outstanding

Balance Sheet Data:
Net property and equipment                         $ 144,384      $ 161,621      $ 200,537       $ 269,034      $ 256,049
Total assets                                         187,148        215,256        272,959         383,974        390,513
Long-term debt, less current maturities               83,110         80,812         84,331         140,497         79,295
Stockholders' equity                               $  81,730      $  95,597      $ 141,522       $ 163,852      $ 167,822

Selected Operating Data:
Pretax margin                                           6.0%           7.3%           8.0%            7.9%           3.6%
Average revenue per loaded mile                     $   1.09       $   1.12       $   1.18        $   1.20       $   1.23
Average revenue per total mile                      $   1.04       $   1.07       $   1.10        $   1.11       $   1.13
Average miles per tractor per year                   150,778        149,117        144,000         144,601        128,754
Average revenue per tractor per week                $  2,994       $  3,059       $  3,045        $  3,078       $  2,790
Weighted average tractors for year (1)                 1,509          1,866          2,333           2,929          3,759
Total tractors at end of period (1)                    1,629          2,136          2,608           3,521          3,829
Total trailers at end of period (1)                    3,048          3,948          4,526           6,199          7,571



(1) Includes monthly rental tractors and excludes monthly rental trailers.

                                       8




ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS


OVERVIEW

During the three-year  period ended December 31, 2000, the Company increased its
revenue at a compounded  annual growth rate of 22.9%, as revenue  increased from
$297.9  million in 1997 to $552.4  million in 2000.  A  significant  increase in
fleet size to meet  customer  demand as well as an increase in the freight rates
contributed to revenue growth over this period.

In addition to internal growth,  the Company  completed six acquisitions  during
the three-year period ended December 31, 2000. The acquired operations generated
approximately $200 million in combined revenue.  The Company intends to continue
to grow both  internally  and  through  acquisitions.  The main  constraints  on
internal  growth are the  ability to recruit and retain a  sufficient  number of
qualified  drivers and, in times of slower  economic  growth,  to add profitable
freight.

The Company's  acquisitions  of SRT, ATW,  Harold Ives, and CTS have resulted in
changes in several operating statistics and expense categories. These operations
use  predominately   single-driver   tractors,   as  opposed  to  the  primarily
team-driver tractor fleet operated by Covenant's long-haul operation. The single
driver fleets operate fewer miles per tractor and  experience  more empty miles.
The  additional  expenses  and lower  productive  miles are offset by  generally
higher revenue per loaded mile and the reduced  employee expense of compensating
only one driver.  In addition,  the  Company's  refrigerated  services must bear
additional expenses of fuel for refrigeration  units,  pallets, and depreciation
and interest  expense of more expensive  trailers  associated  with  temperature
controlled service. The Company's operating statistics and expenses are expected
to  continue  to shift in  future  periods  with the mix of  single,  team,  and
temperature-controlled operations.

In  1997,  the  Company  initiated  the  use  of  owner-operators.  The  Company
contracted with an average of 134  owner-operators in 1998, 285  owner-operators
in 1999, and 509 owner-operators in 2000.  Owner-operators provide a tractor and
a driver and bear all  operating  expenses in exchange for a fixed lease payment
per  mile.  In  addition,  the  Company  does  not have the  capital  outlay  of
purchasing the tractor. The Company also entered into operating leases. In 1998,
the Company had 500 tractors and 69 trailers financed under operating leases. In
1999,  the Company had 717 tractors and 450 trailers  financed  under  operating
leases.  In 2000,  the Company had 1,090  tractors and 1,541  trailers  financed
under operating leases. The lease payments to owner-operators  and the financing
of revenue  equipment under operating leases appear as operating  expenses under
revenue  equipment rentals and purchased  transportation.  For leased equipment,
expenses associated with owned equipment, such as interest and depreciation, are
not  incurred;  and for  owner-operator  tractors,  driver  compensation,  fuel,
communications, and other expenses are not incurred. Because obtaining equipment
from  owner-operators  and under operating leases  effectively  shifts financing
expenses  from  interest  to "above the line"  operating  expenses,  the Company
evaluates  its  efficiency  using  pretax  margin  and net  margin  rather  than
operating ratio.

Effective  July 1, 2000,  the Company  merged its  logistics  business  with the
logistics business of five other  transportation  companies into Transplace.com,
L.L.C.  ("Transplace.com").  Transplace.com  operates an  Internet-based  global
transportation  logistics service and is developing programs for the cooperative
purchasing of products,  supplies,  and services.  In the transaction,  Covenant
contributed  its  logistics  customer  list,  logistics  business  software  and
software licenses,  certain intellectual  property, and $5.0 million in cash for
the initial funding of the venture. In exchange, Covenant received 13% ownership
in Transplace.com. Upon completion of the transaction, Covenant ceased operating
its  own  transportation  logistics  and  brokerage  business,  which  consisted
primarily of the Terminal Truck Broker, Inc. business acquired in November 1999.
The contributed operation generated  approximately $5.0 million in net brokerage
revenue  (gross revenue less purchased  transportation  expense)  received on an
annualized  basis.  The  Company  recognized  approximately  $400,000  of pretax
earnings related to Transplace.com during 2000.

                                       9



The following  table sets forth the percentage  relationship of certain items to
revenue for each of the three years-ended December 31:



                                                                        1998          1999          2000
                                                                  ------------- ------------- -------------
                                                                                     
      Revenue                                                           100.0%        100.0%        100.0%
      Operating expenses:
        Salaries, wages, and related expenses                             44.4          42.8          43.4
        Fuel, oil, and road expenses                                      18.4          17.9          16.9
        Revenue equipment rentals and purchased
           Transportation                                                  6.5          10.4          13.8
        Repairs                                                            2.3           2.1           2.4
        Operating taxes and licenses                                       2.5           2.3           2.6
        Insurance                                                          2.8           2.6           2.9
        Communications and utilities                                       1.2           1.2           1.3
        General supplies and expenses                                      4.1           4.0           4.5
        Depreciation and amortization                                      8.1           7.5           7.0
                                                                  ------------- ------------- -------------
          Total operating expenses                                        90.4          91.0          94.8
                                                                  ------------- ------------- -------------
          Operating income                                                 9.6           9.0           5.2
      Interest expense                                                     1.6           1.2           1.6
                                                                  ------------- ------------- -------------
      Income before income taxes                                           8.0           7.9           3.6
      Income tax expense                                                   3.1           3.2           1.4
                                                                  ------------- ------------- -------------
      Net income                                                          4.9%          4.7%          2.1%
                                                                  ============= ============= =============



COMPARISON OF YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999

Revenue increased $79.7 million (16.9%),  to $552.4 million in 2000, from $472.7
million  in 1999.  The  revenue  increase  was  primarily  generated  by a 28.3%
increase in weighted average tractors,  to 3,759 in 2000, from 2,929 in 1999, as
the Company expanded  externally through the acquisitions of the stock of Harold
Ives  Trucking Co. and the asset  acquisitions  from ATW and CTS. The  Company's
average revenue per loaded mile increased to  approximately  $1.23 in 2000, from
$1.20  in 1999.  The  increase  was  attributable  primarily  to  per-mile  rate
increases  negotiated  by the  Company.  Revenue  per total  mile  increased  to
approximately  $1.13 in 2000,  from  $1.11 in 1999.  The  Company's  growth  was
affected  by a 9.4%  decrease  in revenue per tractor per week to $2,790 in 2000
from $3,078 in 1999.  Revenue per tractor per week was reduced  because of fewer
miles per tractor due to a less robust freight  environment than in 1999 and the
acquisition of Harold Ives Trucking Co. and CTS,  which  operated  single-driver
tractors that generate fewer miles than team-driven tractors.

Salaries, wages, and related expenses increased $37.6 million (18.6%), to $240.0
million in 2000,  from  $202.4  million in 1999.  As a  percentage  of  revenue,
salaries,  wages, and related expenses increased to 43.4% in 2000, from 42.8% in
1999. Driver wages as a percentage of revenue remained  essentially  constant at
30.6% in 2000, and 30.7% in 1999. The Company  increased driver wages in October
1999 and in April 2000. These increases were offset as the Company utilized more
owner-operators  and had a larger percentage of single-driver  tractors from the
operations  of SRT,  Harold  Ives,  and CTS,  which  only have one  driver to be
compensated.  Non-driving employee payroll expense remained essentially constant
at 6.2% of  revenue in the 2000  period and 6.1% of revenue in the 1999  period.
Health insurance,  employer paid taxes, and workers'  compensation  increased to
6.4% of revenue in 2000,  from 5.8% in 1999.  The  increase as a  percentage  of
revenue was primarily the result of increased group health  insurance  claims in
2000 as compared to 1999.

Fuel, oil, and road expenses increased $9.1 million (10.8%), to $93.6 million in
2000,  from $84.5 million in 1999. As a percentage  of revenue,  fuel,  oil, and
road  expenses  decreased  to 16.9% in 2000  from  17.9% in 1999.  During  2000,
average fuel costs for the year increased  approximately $0.34 per gallon versus
1999. The increase in 2000 was offset by fuel surcharges,  which are included as
a  reduction  in fuel  cost,  fuel  hedges in the form of fixed  price  purchase
commitments, and by the increased usage of owner-operators who pay for their own
fuel  purchases.   Fuel  surcharges   amounted  to  nearly  $.052  per  mile  or
approximately  $25.3  million  during 2000  compared with less than one cent per
mile or approximately $2.4 million during 1999. The Company's percentage of fuel
purchases  that are hedged  was  approximately  18.5% in 1999 and  approximately
17.3% for the year 2000.

                                       10



Revenue equipment rentals and purchased  transportation  increased $26.9 million
(54.5%),  to $76.1 million in 2000,  from $49.3 million in 1999. As a percentage
of revenue,  revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation increased to
13.8%  in 2000  from  10.4%  in 1999.  During  1997,  the  Company  began  using
owner-operators,  who  provide  a  tractor  and  driver  and  cover all of their
operating  expenses  in  exchange  for a fixed  payment  per mile.  Accordingly,
expenses such as driver  salaries,  fuel,  repairs,  depreciation,  and interest
normally  associated with  Company-owned  equipment are  consolidated in revenue
equipment  rentals  and  purchased   transportation  when   owner-operators  are
utilized.  The Company increased the fleet size of owner-operators to an average
of 509 in 2000,  compared to 285 in 1999,  a 78.6%  increase.  The Company  also
entered into additional  operating  leases. As of December 31, 2000, the Company
had financed  approximately  1,090 tractors and 1,541  trailers under  operating
leases as compared to 717 tractors and 450 trailers under operating leases as of
December 31, 1999. The equipment  leases will increase this expense  category in
the future, while reducing depreciation and interest expenses.

Repairs  increased $3.2 million  (32.1%),  to $13.3 million in 2000,  from $10.1
million in 1999. As a percentage of revenue,  repairs increased to 2.4% in 2000,
from 2.1% in 1999.  The increase was  primarily the result of an increase in the
number of tractors and trailers damaged in accidents,  an increase in the number
of tractors and trailers  available  for routine  maintenance  due to the slower
freight environment,  and repair requirements  associated with the trade-in of a
large number of tractors during the fourth quarter 2000.

Operating taxes and licenses increased $3.2 million (28.9%), to $14.2 million in
2000,  from $11.0 million in 1999. As a percentage of revenue,  operating  taxes
and licenses  increased  to 2.6% in 2000,  from 2.3% in 1999,  partially  due to
increased fleet size and additional property taxes related to facilities.

Insurance,  consisting primarily of premiums for liability, physical damage, and
cargo damage  insurance,  and claims,  increased $3.3 million (26.5%),  to $15.8
million  in 2000,  from $12.5  million  in 1999.  As a  percentage  of  revenue,
insurance  increased  to 2.9% in 2000,  from  2.6% in  1999.  The  increase  was
primarily related to the Company  experiencing an increase in the cost of one of
its  insurance  lines in July  2000,  and the  payment  of a claim to one of its
customers that the insurance  company had denied in the amount of  approximately
$500,000.  The Company has other insurance lines that will be due for renewal in
the first  quarter of 2001.  Management  expects  that an increase in  insurance
premiums and deductibles will cause this expense category to be higher in future
periods.

Communications and utilities  increased $1.5 million (26.5%), to $7.2 million in
2000, from $5.7 million in 1999. As a percentage of revenue,  communications and
utilities remained  essentially  constant at 1.3% in 2000 as compared to 1.2% in
1999.

General  supplies and expenses,  consisting  primarily of headquarters and other
terminal lease expense, and driver recruiting  expenses,  increased $5.5 million
(28.9%),  to $24.6 million in 2000,  from $19.1 million in 1999. As a percentage
of revenue, general supplies and expenses increased to 4.5% in 2000 from 4.0% in
1999.  The 2000 increase was primarily the result of expenses  incurred from the
acquisitions  related to ATW, Harold Ives, and CTS, as well as the addition of a
driving school located in Arkansas.

Depreciation and amortization,  consisting  primarily of depreciation of revenue
equipment,  increased $3.3 million (9.2%),  to $38.9 million in 2000, from $35.6
million in 1999.  As a  percentage  of revenue,  depreciation  and  amortization
decreased to 7.0% in 2000, from 7.5% in 1999,  because the Company utilized more
owner-operators,  leased more revenue equipment  through  operating leases,  and
extended the  depreciable  life of the  Company's  trailers  from seven years to
eight years to conform with the Company's  actual  experience of equipment life.
These factors offset lower revenue per tractor.  Amortization expense relates to
deferred   debt  costs   incurred  and   covenants  not  to  compete  from  five
acquisitions,  as well as goodwill  from eight  acquisitions.  Depreciation  and
amortization  expense  is net of any  gain or loss on the sale of  tractors  and
trailers.  Gain on sale of tractors and trailers was approximately  $1.0 million
in 2000 and $67,000 in 1999. The  predictability  of any gain/(loss) on the sale
of equipment is difficult due to the market value of used equipment  varies from
year to year. The  unpredictability of gains/(losses)  could impact depreciation
and amortization as a percentage of revenue.  In the fourth quarter of 2000, the
Company began reserving against tractor values, which will affect this line item
in future periods.

Interest expense  increased $3.5 million (63.4%),  to $9.0 million in 2000, from
$5.5 million in 1999. As a percentage of revenue,  interest expense increased to
1.6% in 2000,  from 1.2% in 1999, as the result of higher debt balances  related
to the acquisitions, the investment in Transplace.com,  and the stock repurchase
program as well as higher interest rates.  The increase was partially  offset by
utilizing more owner-operators and leasing more revenue equipment.

                                       11



As a result of the foregoing,  the Company's pre-tax margin decreased to 3.6% in
2000 compared with 7.9% in 1999.

The Company's effective tax rate remained essentially constant at 39.9% in 2000,
and 40.1% in 1999. The Company implemented certain tax planning stategies during
2000 and expects to incur an effective tax rate of approximately 38% in 2001.

As a result of the factors  described  above, net income decreased $10.4 million
(46.7%), to $11.9 million in 2000 (2.1% of revenue),  from $22.3 million in 1999
(4.7% of revenue).

COMPARISON OF YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998

Revenue increased $102.2 million (27.6%),  to $472.7 million in 1999 from $370.5
million  in 1998.  The  revenue  increase  was  primarily  generated  by a 25.5%
increase in weighted average tractors,  to 2,929 in 1999, from 2,333 in 1998, as
the Company  expanded  internally to serve new customers and higher volumes from
existing  customers,  as well as externally through the acquisitions of Gouge in
August 1998,  SRT in October  1998,  ATW in September  1999,  and Harold Ives in
November  1999.  The  Company's  average  revenue per loaded mile  increased  to
approximately  $1.20 in 1999, from $1.18 in 1998. The increase was  attributable
primarily to per-mile rate increases  negotiated by the Company. The increase in
average  revenue per loaded mile more than offset an increase in the empty miles
percentage.  Revenue per total mile  increased to  approximately  $1.11 in 1999,
from $1.10 in 1998.

Salaries, wages, and related expenses increased $37.8 million (23.0%), to $202.4
million in 1999,  from  $164.6  million in 1998.  As a  percentage  of  revenue,
salaries,  wages, and related expenses decreased to 42.8% in 1999, from 44.4% in
1998.  Driver wages as a percentage of revenue  decreased to 30.7% in 1999, from
32.3% in 1998,  because the Company utilized more  owner-operators  and a larger
percentage  of  single-driver  tractors  from the  operations of SRT, and Harold
Ives, which only have one driver to be compensated.  A driver wage increase that
went into effect in October 1999, and an additional  increase  planned for early
2000 are expected to increase  driver wages as a percentage of revenue in future
periods.  The Company  experienced an increase in non-driving  employee  payroll
expense to 6.1% of revenue in the 1999  period  from 5.5% of revenue in the 1998
period due to the start up of Covenant Transport  Logistics and the acquisitions
of SRT and Harold Ives.  Health  insurance,  employer  paid taxes,  and workers'
compensation  decreased  to 5.8% of  revenue  in 1999,  from  6.3% in 1998.  The
decrease as a percentage of revenue was  primarily the result of improved  group
health insurance rates in 1999 as compared to the 1998 rates.

Fuel, oil, and road expenses  increased $16.2 million (23.7%),  to $84.5 million
in 1999, from $68.3 million in 1998. As a percentage of revenue,  fuel, oil, and
road  expenses  decreased  to 17.9% in 1999  from  18.4% in 1998.  During  1999,
average fuel costs for the year increased  approximately $0.10 per gallon versus
1998. The increase in 1999 was more than offset by fuel surcharges, fuel hedges,
and by the  increased  usage  of  owner-operators  who pay for  their  own  fuel
purchases.  However,  fuel prices rose sharply during the fourth quarter of 1999
and remain  elevated  at levels  much  higher  than the average in 1998 or 1999.
Thus,  fuel,  oil, and road expenses are anticipated to increase as a percentage
of  revenue  in 2000.  Fuel  surcharges  amounted  to  nearly  $.006 per mile or
approximately  $2.4 million  during 1999.  Fuel  surcharges  were not  triggered
during 1998.  The  Company's  percentage of fuel  purchases  that are hedged was
approximately 18.5% in 1999 and is approximately 12% for the year 2000.

Revenue equipment rentals and purchased  transportation  increased $25.0 million
(103.1%),  to $49.3 million in 1999, from $24.3 million in 1998. As a percentage
of revenue,  revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation increased to
10.4%  in 1999  from  6.5%  in  1998.  During  1997,  the  Company  began  using
owner-operators of revenue equipment, who provide a tractor and driver and cover
all of their  operating  expenses  in  exchange  for a fixed  payment  per mile.
Accordingly,  expenses such as driver salaries, fuel, repairs, depreciation, and
interest normally  associated with  Company-owned  equipment are consolidated in
revenue equipment rentals and purchased  transportation when owner-operators are
utilized.  The Company increased the fleet size of owner-operators to an average
of 285 in 1999, compared to 134 in 1998, an increase of 112.7%. The Company also
entered  into  additional   operating   leases.   During  1999,  an  average  of
approximately  497 tractors were leased compared to an average of  approximately
220 leased tractors during 1998. The equipment leases will increase this expense
category in the future,  while reducing  depreciation and interest.  The Company
also  formed a logistics  division  in the fourth  quarter of 1998 that is being
reflected in this expense category as well.

Repairs  increased  $1.7 million  (20.5%),  to $10.1 million in 1999,  from $8.4
million in 1998. As a percentage of revenue,  repairs decreased to 2.1% in 1999,
from 2.3% in 1998.  As a percentage  of revenue,  repairs  decreased  due to

                                       12



the  increased  number  of  owner-operators  who are  responsible  for their own
repairs,  which more than offset  additional  repairs  associated  with a slight
increase in fleet age.

Operating taxes and licenses increased $1.6 million (17.0%), to $11.0 million in
1999, from $9.4 million in 1998. As a percentage of revenue, operating taxes and
licenses  decreased to 2.3% in 1999, from 2.5% in 1998, due to increased revenue
per tractor more efficiently spreading this largely fixed cost.

Insurance,  consisting primarily of premiums for liability, physical damage, and
cargo damage  insurance,  and claims,  increased $2.1 million (20.1%),  to $12.5
million  in 1999,  from $10.4  million  in 1998.  As a  percentage  of  revenue,
insurance decreased to 2.6% in 1999, from 2.8% in 1998, as the Company continued
to reduce premiums per million dollars of revenue.  Insurance costs are expected
to rise nationwide in 2000, and the Company may be subject to increased costs in
this area.

General  supplies and expenses,  consisting  primarily of headquarters and other
terminal  lease  expense,   driver  recruiting  expenses,   and  communications,
increased $5.4 million (27.8%),  to $24.8 million in 1999, from $19.4 million in
1998.  As a  percentage  of revenue,  general  supplies  and  expenses  remained
essentially constant at 5.2% in the 1999 and the 1998 periods.

Depreciation and amortization,  consisting  primarily of depreciation of revenue
equipment,  increased $5.4 million (17.9%), to $35.6 million in 1999, from $30.2
million in 1998.  As a  percentage  of revenue,  depreciation  and  amortization
decreased to 7.5% in 1999, from 8.1% in 1998,  because the Company utilized more
owner  operators,  leased more  revenue  equipment,  and realized an increase in
revenue per tractor per week, which more efficiently spread this fixed cost over
a larger  revenue  base.  Amortization  expense  relates to deferred  debt costs
incurred  and  covenants  not to compete from two 1995,  one 1998,  and two 1999
business  acquisitions,  as well as goodwill from two 1997,  two 1998, and three
1999 acquisitions.  Depreciation and amortization  expense is net of any gain or
loss on the sale of tractors and trailers. Gain on sale of tractors and trailers
was approximately $1.9 million in 1998, and $67,000 in 1999. The market for used
tractors  deteriorated  late in 1999,  and into  2000.  If the  prices  for used
equipment remain depressed, the Company may recognize less gain or a loss on the
sale  of  its  tractors  and  trailers,  which  would  impact  depreciation  and
amortization as a percentage of revenue.

Interest  expense  decreased $0.4 million (6.9%),  to $5.5 million in 1999, from
$5.9 million in 1998. As a percentage of revenue,  interest expense decreased to
1.2% in 1999, from 1.6% in 1998, as the result of utilizing more owner-operators
and leasing more revenue equipment.

As a result of the foregoing,  the Company's pretax margin remained  essentially
constant at 7.9% in 1999, compared with 8.0% in 1998.

The Company's  effective tax rate was 40.1% in 1999,  and 38.6% in 1998,  due to
the Company paying taxes to a greater number of states.

As a result of the factors  described  above,  net income increased $4.0 million
(21.9%), to $22.3 million in 1999 (4.7% of revenue),  from $18.3 million in 1998
(4.9% of revenue).

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The  continued  growth  of  the  Company's  business  has  required  significant
investments in new revenue equipment and upgraded and expanded  facilities.  The
Company  historically  has financed its expansion  requirements  with borrowings
under a line of credit, cash flows from operations,  long-term operating leases,
and  a  small  portion  with  borrowings  under  installment  notes  payable  to
commercial  lending  institutions  and  equipment  manufacturers.  The Company's
primary  sources of  liquidity  at December  31,  2000,  were funds  provided by
operations,  proceeds under the Securitization  Facility (as defined below), and
borrowings  under its primary  credit  agreement,  which had  maximum  available
borrowing of $120.0 million at December 31, 2000 (the "Credit  Agreement").  The
Company  believes its sources of liquidity  are adequate to meet its current and
projected needs.

The Company's  current  liabilities  increased  significantly as a result of the
receipt of $62.0  million of proceeds  from the  Securitization  Facility.  This
increase  was  partially  offset by a decrease  on the line of credit  facility,
which is  classified  as a long-term  liability.  As discussed in the  financial
statement  footnotes,  the net proceeds  under the

                                       13



Securitization  Facility are required to be shown as a current liability because
the term, subject to annual renewals, is 364 days.

The  Company's  primary  sources of cash flow from  operations  in 2000 were net
income increased by depreciation and amortization and deferred income taxes. The
most  significant  uses of cash  provided  by  operations  were to fund  prepaid
expenses (primarily  increased insurance deposits and license plates for revenue
equipment) and to finance increases in receivables and advances  associated with
growth  in the  business.  The  Company's  number  of  days  sales  in  accounts
receivable decreased from 45 days in 1999, to 43 days in 2000. Net cash provided
by operating activities was $48.7 million in 2000, and $44.5 million in 1999.

Net cash  used in  investing  activities  was  $41.2  million  in 2000 and $80.8
million in 1999. Such amounts were used primarily to acquire  additional revenue
equipment and expand  facilities as the Company expanded its operations.  During
2000, the decrease in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to the
Company  acquiring  a  greater  percentage  of  its  revenue  equipment  through
operating  leases  which do not  require a capital  outlay  for  purchasing  the
equipment. In addition,  during the 2000 period,  investing activity was used to
repurchase company stock, to invest in Transplace.com, and to acquire the assets
of CTS. Approximately $7.7 million represented the purchase price for the assets
and  business of CTS, of which  approximately  $2.6  million  was  allocated  to
goodwill.  The  Company  expects  capital  expenditures,  primarily  for revenue
equipment (net of trade-ins) to be approximately $25 million in 2001,  exclusive
of acquisitions.

In June 2000,  the  Company  authorized  a stock  repurchase  plan for up to 1.0
million company shares to be purchased in the open market or through  negotiated
transactions.  In July 2000, the Company authorized an additional 500,000 shares
to be  repurchased.  As of December  2000, a total of 971,500 had been purchased
with an average price of $8.17. The stock  repurchase  program has no expiration
date.

During the third quarter of 2000, the Company merged its logistics business with
the   logistics   business   of  five  other   transportation   companies   into
Transplace.com.  In the transaction, Covenant contributed its logistics customer
list,  logistics business software and software licenses,  certain  intellectual
property,  and $5.0 million in cash for the initial  funding of the venture.  In
exchange, Covenant received 13% ownership in Transplace.com.

Net cash used in financing  activities was $6.2 million in the 2000 period,  and
financing  activities in the 1999 period provided  approximately  $34.5 million.
The primary source of cash for 2000 was provided by borrowings  under the Credit
Agreement and Securitization Facility. The decrease in 2000 was primarily due to
the Company  entering into operating  leases.  At December 31, 2000, the Company
had outstanding debt of $142.8 million, primarily consisting of $62.0 million in
the  Securitization  Facility,  $49.0 million drawn under the Credit  Agreement,
$25.0 million in 10-year senior notes, $3.5 million in term equipment financing,
a $3.0 million interest  bearing note to the former primary  stockholder of SRT,
and $350,000 in notes related to non-compete agreements.  Interest rates on this
debt range from 6.5% to 9.0%.

In December 2000, the Company entered into the Credit  Agreement with a group of
banks,  which matures  December 2003.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are
based on the banks' base rate or LIBOR and accrue interest based on one, two, or
three  month LIBOR rates plus an  applicable  margin that is adjusted  quarterly
between 0.75% and 1.25% based on cash flow  coverage.  At December 31, 2000, the
margin was 1.00%.  The Credit  Agreement is guaranteed by the Company and all of
the Company's subsidiaries except CVTI Receivables Corp.

The Credit Agreement has a maximum borrowing limit of $120.0 million. Borrowings
related to revenue  equipment are limited to the lesser of 90% of net book value
of revenue  equipment  or $120.0  million.  Letters of credit are  limited to an
aggregate commitment of $10.0 million. The Credit Agreement includes a "security
agreement" such that the Credit Agreement may be collateralized by virtually all
assets of the Company if a covenant  violation occurs. A commitment fee, that is
adjusted  quarterly  between  0.15%  and  0.25%  per  annum  based on cash  flow
coverage, is due on the daily unused portion of the Credit Agreement.

In December  2000,  the Company  entered into a $62 million  revolving  accounts
receivable  securitization  facility  (the  "Securitization   Facility").  On  a
revolving basis,  the Company sells its interests in its accounts  receivable to
CVTI Receivables Corp. ("CRC"), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote special purpose
subsidiary  incorporated  in Nevada.  CRC sells a  percentage  ownership in such
receivables to an unrelated  financial entity. The Company can receive up to $62
million of proceeds,  subject to eligible receivables and will pay a service fee
recorded as interest  expense,

                                       14



based on commercial paper interest rates plus an applicable  margin of 0.41% per
annum and a commitment fee of 0.10% per annum on the daily unused portion of the
Facility.  The  Securitization  Facility  is  subject to annual  renewal.  As of
December 2000, there were $62 million in proceeds received.

In December 2000, the Company amended and restated its $25 million note purchase
agreement with an insurance company.  The notes bear interest at 7.39%,  payable
semi-annually, and mature on October 1, 2005. Principal payments are due in five
equal annual installments  beginning in 2001. Proceeds of the notes were used to
reduce borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

The Company's headquarters facility was completed in December 31, 1996. The cost
of the  approximately  75 acres and  construction of the  headquarters  and shop
buildings  was  approximately  $15  million.  The Company  financed the land and
improvements  under a "build to suit"  operating  lease.  This  operating  lease
expires March 2001, and the Company  anticipates  refinancing the facility under
the  Credit  Agreement.  The  Company  has  completed  the  construction  of  an
approximately  100,000  square  foot  addition  to the office  building  and has
completed  improvements  on an  additional  58 acres of land.  The cost of these
activities in 2000 was $13.3  million,  which was also financed under the Credit
Agreement.

The  Credit   Agreement,   Securitization   Facility,   senior  notes,  and  the
headquarters  and terminal lease  agreement  contain  certain  restrictions  and
covenants relating to, among other things,  dividends,  tangible net worth, cash
flow,  acquisitions  and  dispositions,  and  total  indebtedness.  All of these
instruments  are  cross-defaulted.  The  Company  was  in  compliance  with  the
agreements at December 31, 2000.

INFLATION AND FUEL COSTS

Most of the Company's operating expenses are inflation-sensitive, with inflation
generally producing increased costs of operations.  During the past three years,
the most significant  effects of inflation have been on revenue equipment prices
and the compensation  paid to the drivers.  Innovations in equipment  technology
and  comfort  have  resulted  in higher  tractor  prices,  and there has been an
industry-wide  increase in wages paid to attract and retain  qualified  drivers.
The Company  historically has limited the effects of inflation through increases
in freight rates and certain cost control efforts.

In addition to inflation,  fluctuations in fuel prices can affect profitability.
Fuel expense  comprises a larger  percentage  of revenue for Covenant  than many
other carriers  because of Covenant's  long average length of haul.  Most of the
Company's contracts with customers contain fuel surcharge  provisions.  Although
the Company  historically has been able to pass through most long-term increases
in fuel  prices  and taxes to  customers  in the form of  surcharges  and higher
rates, increases usually are not fully recovered. In the fourth quarter of 1999,
fuel prices  escalated  rapidly and have remained high throughout 2000. This has
increased the Company's cost of operating.

SEASONALITY

In the trucking  industry,  revenue  generally  decreases  as  customers  reduce
shipments  during the winter  holiday  season and as inclement  weather  impedes
operations.  At the same time, operating expenses generally increase,  with fuel
efficiency  declining  because  of  engine  idling  and  weather  creating  more
equipment repairs. For the reasons stated, first quarter net income historically
has been lower than net income in each of the other three  quarters of the year.
The Company's equipment utilization typically improves substantially between May
and October of each year because of the trucking industry's seasonal shortage of
equipment on traffic  originating  in California  and the  Company's  ability to
satisfy some of that requirement. The seasonal shortage typically occurs between
May and August because California produce carriers'  equipment is fully utilized
for produce during those months and does not compete for shipments hauled by the
Company's dry van operation. During September and October, business increases as
a  result  of  increased  retail  merchandise  shipped  in  anticipation  of the
holidays.

                                       15



The table  below sets  forth  quarterly  information  reflecting  the  Company's
equipment  utilization  (miles per tractor per period)  during 1998,  1999,  and
2000.  The  Company   believes  that  equipment   utilization   more  accurately
demonstrates the seasonality of its business than changes in revenue,  which are
affected by the timing of  deliveries of new revenue  equipment.  Results of any
one or more  quarters  are not  necessarily  indicative  of  annual  results  or
continuing trends.




                                                Equipment Utilization Table
                                               (Miles Per Tractor Per Period)

                                     First Quarter     Second Quarter     Third Quarter    Fourth Quarter
                                    ---------------- ------------------- ---------------- -----------------
                                                                              
               1998                     34,828             35,796            36,455            36,813

               1999                     33,739             37,011            37,585            36,132

               2000                     31,095             31,869            32,948            32,784



FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

A number of factors  over which the  Company has little or no control may affect
the  Company's  future  results.  Factors  that might  cause  such a  difference
include, but are not limited to, the following:

Economic Factors - Negative  economic  factors such as recessions,  downturns in
customers' business cycles, surplus inventories,  inflation, and higher interest
rates could  impair the  Company's  operating  results by  decreasing  equipment
utilization or increasing costs of operations.

Fuel  Price - The  price of  diesel  fuel  escalated  rapidly  in late  1999 and
continued at high levels  throughout 2000. Fuel is one of the Company's  largest
operating expense,  and high fuel prices have a negative impact on the Company's
profitability.  Continued  high fuel  prices  may affect  the  Company's  future
results.

Resale of Used Revenue  Equipment - The Company  historically  has  recognized a
gain on the  sale  of its  revenue  equipment.  The  market  for  used  tractors
experienced  a sharp  drop in late 1999 and into  2000.  If the  prices for used
equipment  remain  depressed,  the Company could find it necessary to dispose of
its  equipment at lower prices or retain some of its  equipment  longer,  with a
resulting increase in operating expenses.

Recruitment,  Retention, and Compensation of Qualified Drivers - Competition for
drivers is intense in the trucking industry.  There has been since 1999, and and
continues to be an industry-wide  shortage of qualified  drivers.  This shortage
could force the Company to  significantly  increase the  compensation it pays to
driver  employees,  curtail the  Company's  growth,  or  experience  the adverse
effects of tractors without drivers.

Competition - The trucking  industry is highly  competitive and fragmented.  The
Company  competes with other  truckload  carriers,  private  fleets  operated by
existing and potential  customers,  railroads,  rail-intermodal  service, and to
some extent with air-freight service. Competition is based primarily on service,
efficiency,  and freight rates. Many competitors offer transportation service at
lower rates than the Company.  The  Company's  results could suffer if it cannot
obtain higher rates than competitors that offer a lower level of service.

Regulation  -  The  trucking   industry  is  subject  to  various   governmental
regulations.   The  DOT  is   considering   a   proposal   that  may  limit  the
hours-in-service during which a driver may operate a tractor and a proposal that
would require  installing  certain  safety  equipment on tractors.  Although the
Company is unable to predict the nature of any changes in regulations,  the cost
of any changes,  if implemented,  may adversely affect the  profitability of the
Company.

Insurance  and claims - In 2001 the Company  adopted an  insurance  program with
significantly  higher  deductibles.  An  increase  in the number or  severity of
accidents,  stolen equipment,  or other loss events over those anticipated could
have a materially adverse effect on the Company's profitability.

Acquisitions  - A  significant  portion of the  Company's  growth  has  occurred
through  acquisitions,  and  acquisitions  are  an  important  component  of the
Company's growth strategy. Management must continue to identify desirable target
companies and  negotiate,  finance,  and close  acceptable  transactions  or the
Company's growth could suffer.

                                       16



New Accounting Pronouncements - In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for
Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging  Activities.   The  statement  established
accounting and reporting  standards  requiring that every derivative  instrument
(including  certain  derivative  instruments  embedded  in other  contracts)  be
recorded on the balance  sheet as either an asset or  liability  measured at its
fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the derivative's fair value be
recognized  currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting  criteria are
met.  The  Company  may  engage in hedging  activities  using  futures,  forward
contracts,  options,  and swaps to hedge the  impact of market  fluctuations  on
energy  commodity  prices and  interest  rates.  The Company will be required to
adopt the  standard in 2001 and has  determined  there will not be any  material
adverse impact on its results of operations or financial position resulting from
the adoption of SFAS No. 133.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

The Company is exposed to market  risks from  changes in (i)  certain  commodity
prices and (ii) certain interest rates on its debt.

COMMODITY PRICE RISK

Prices and  availability  of all  petroleum  products are subject to  political,
economic,  and market factors that are generally outside the Company's  control.
Because the Company's  operations  are dependent  upon diesel fuel,  significant
increases  in diesel  fuel  costs  could  materially  and  adversely  affect the
Company's  results of operations  and  financial  condition.  Historically,  the
Company has been able to recover a portion of  short-term  fuel price  increases
from customers in the form of fuel  surcharges.  The price and  availability  of
diesel fuel can be  unpredictable as well as the extent to which fuel surcharges
could be  collected to offset such  increases.  For 2000,  diesel fuel  expenses
represented  15.1% of the Company's total operating  expenses and 14.3% of total
revenue.  The Company uses purchase  commitments  through  suppliers to reduce a
portion of its exposure to fuel price  fluctuations.  At December 31, 2000,  the
national  average  price of diesel fuel as provided  by the U.S.  Department  of
Energy was $1.522 per gallon.  At December  31, 2000,  the  notional  amount for
purchase  commitments during 2001 was 2.3 million gallons. At December 31, 2000,
the price of the notional 2.3 million gallons would have produced  approximately
$400,000 of income to offset increased fuel prices if the price of fuel remained
the same as of December 31, 2000. At December 31, 2000, a ten percent  change in
the  price  of fuel  would  increase  or  decrease  the  gain  on fuel  purchase
commitments  by  $300,000.  The Company does not enter into  contracts  with the
objective of earning financial gains on price fluctuations, nor does it trade in
these instruments when there are no underlying related exposures.

INTEREST RATE RISK

The Credit  Agreement,  provided  there has been no  default,  carries a maximum
variable  interest  rate of LIBOR for the  corresponding  period plus 1.25%.  At
December 31, 2000, the Company had drawn $49 million under the Credit Agreement,
which is subject to  variable  rates.  Considering  all debt  outstanding,  each
one-percentage  point  increase or decrease in LIBOR would affect the  Company's
pretax interest expense by $490,000 on an annualized basis.

                                       17



ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The Company's audited  consolidated  balance sheets,  statements of income, cash
flows,  stockholders'  equity, and notes related thereto, are contained at Pages
21 to 35 of this report. The supplementary quarterly financial data follows:




Quarterly Financial Data:
(In thousands except per share amounts)
                                                      First         Second          Third           Fourth
                                                     Quarter        Quarter         Quarter         Quarter
                                                      2000           2000            2000            2000
                                                --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
                                                                                    
Revenue                                              $ 126,481        $139,398        $141,667       $144,883
Operating income                                         5,687           7,265           7,435          8,392
Income before taxes                                      3,384           4,829           5,131          6,430
Income taxes                                             1,351           1,929           2,053          2,565
Net income                                               2,033           2,900           3,078          3,865
Net income per share                                   $  0.14         $  0.20         $  0.22        $  0.28

                                                      First         Second          Third           Fourth
                                                     Quarter        Quarter         Quarter         Quarter
                                                     1999            1999            1999           1999
                                                --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Revenue                                               $ 97,764       $ 113,211        $120,104       $141,662
Operating income                                         6,731          11,112          12,468         12,379
Income before taxes                                      5,430           9,887          11,188         10,672
Income taxes                                             2,181           3,955           4,486          4,278
Net income                                               3,249           5,932           6,702          6,394
Net income per share                                   $  0.22        $   0.40         $  0.45        $  0.43



ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No reports on Form 8-K have been filed  within the  twenty-four  months prior to
December  31,  2000,  involving  a change of  accountants  or  disagreements  on
accounting and financial disclosure.

                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information  respecting executive officers and directors set forth under the
captions "Election of Directors - Information Concerning Directors and Executive
Officers" and "Compliance  with Section 16(a) of the Securities  Exchange Act of
1934" on Pages 2 to 3 and Page 12 of the  Registrant's  Proxy  Statement for the
2001 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be filed with the Securities and
Exchange  Commission  in  accordance  with  Rule  14a-6  promulgated  under  the
Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended  (the  "Proxy  Statement")  is
incorporated by reference;  provided, that the "Audit Committee Report for 2000"
and the  Stock  Performance  Graph  contained  in the  Proxy  Statement  are not
incorporated by reference.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information  respecting  executive  compensation set forth under the caption
"Executive  Compensation" on Pages 5 to 8 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated
herein  by  reference;  provided,  that the  "Compensation  Committee  Report on
Executive  Compensation" contained in the Proxy Statement is not incorporated by
reference.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information  respecting  security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management  set  forth  under  the  caption  "Security  Ownership  of  Principal
Stockholders  and  Management"  on  Pages  9 to 10 of  the  Proxy  Statement  is
incorporated herein by reference.

                                       18



ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information  respecting certain relationships and transactions of management
set forth under the  captions  "Compensation  Committee  Interlocks  and Insider
Participation" and "Certain and Relationships and Related  Transactions" on Page
4 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.         EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)      1.       Financial Statements.

The Company's  audited  consolidated  financial  statements are set forth at the
following pages of this report:

Report of Independent Accountants.............................................22
Consolidated Balance Sheets...................................................23
Consolidated Statements of Income.............................................24
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity...............................25
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.........................................26
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements....................................27

         2.       Financial Statement Schedules.

Financial statement schedules are not required because all required  information
is included in the financial statements.

         3.       Exhibits.

See list  under  Item  14(c)  below,  with  management  compensatory  plans  and
arrangements being listed under Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6, and 10.7.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2000.

There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the fourth quarter ended December
31, 2000.

(c)  Exhibits

Exhibit
Number            Reference         Description
3.1               (1)               Restated Articles of Incorporation.
3.2               (1)               Amended By-Laws dated September 27, 1994.
4.1               (1)               Restated Articles of Incorporation.
4.2               (1)               Amended By-Laws dated September 27, 1994.
10.1              (1)               Incentive Stock Plan filed as Exhibit 10.9.
10.2              (1)               401(k) Plan filed as Exhibit 10.10.
10.3              (2)               Amendment No. 2 to the Incentive Stock Plan,
                                    filed as Exhibit 10.10.
10.4              (3)               Stock Purchase Agreement made and entered
                                    into as of November 15, 1999, by and among
                                    Covenant Transport, Inc., a Tennessee
                                    corporation; Harold Ives; Marilu Ives, Tommy
                                    Ives, Garry Ives, Larry Ives, Sharon Ann
                                    Dickson, and the Tommy Denver Ives
                                    Irrevocable Trust; Harold Ives Trucking Co.;
                                    and Terminal Truck Broker, Inc.
10.5              (4)               Outside Director Stock Option Plan, filed as
                                    Exhibit A.
10.6              (5)               Amendment No. 3 to the Incentive Stock Plan
                                    filed as Exhibit 10.10.
10.7              (5)               Amendment  No. 1 to the  Outside  Director
                                    Stock  Option Plan filed as Exhibit 10.11.
10.8              (6)               Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement
                                    dated December 13, 2000,

                                       19



                                    among Covenant  Asset Management, Inc.,
                                    Covenant Transport, Inc., and CIG & Co.
10.9              (6)               Credit  Agreement  by and  among  Covenant
                                    Asset  Management,  Inc.,  Covenant
                                    Transport, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and
                                    Lenders, dated December 13, 2000.
10.10             (6)               Loan  Agreement  dated December 12, 2000,
                                    among CVTI  Receivables  Corp.,  and
                                    Covenant  Transport,  Inc.,  Three Pillars
                                    Funding  Corporation,  and Suntrust
                                    Equitable Securities Corporation.
10.11             (6)               Receivables  Purchase  Agreement  dated as
                                    of  December  12,  2000,  among CVTI
                                    Receivables  Corp.,   Covenant  Transport,
                                    Inc.,  and  Southern  Refrigerated
                                    Transport, Inc.
21                (6)               List of subsidiaries.
23                (6)               Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
                                    independent accountants.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References:

Previously filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from:

(1)      Form S-1, Registration No. 33-82978, effective October 28, 1994.
(2)      Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999.
(3)      Form 8-K for the event dated November 16, 1999.
(4)      Schedule 14A, filed April 13, 2000.
(5)      Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
(6)      Filed herewith.

                                       20


                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the  requirements  of Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Act of
1934,  the  registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                                COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC.

Date:        March 29, 2001                     By:       /s/ Joey B. Hogan
     ------------------------------                 ----------------------------
                                                          Joey B. Hogan
                                                          Treasurer and Chief
                                                          Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following  persons on behalf of the  registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


     Signature                       Position                          Date

/s/ David R. Parker         Chairman of the Board, President,
David R. Parker             and Chief Executive Officer
                            (principal executive officer)         March 29, 2001

/s/ Joey B. Hogan           Treasurer and Chief Financial
Joey B. Hogan               Officer (principal financial
                            and accounting officer)               March 29, 2001

/s/ R. H. Lovin, Jr.
R. H. Lovin, Jr.            Director                              March 29, 2001

/s/ Michael W. Miller
Michael W. Miller           Director                              March 29, 2001

/s/ William T. Alt
William T. Alt              Director                              March 29, 2001

/s/ Robert E. Bosworth
Robert E. Bosworth          Director                              March 29, 2001

/s/ Hugh O. Maclellan, Jr.
Hugh O. Maclellan, Jr.      Director                              March 29, 2001

/s/ Mark A. Scudder
Mark A. Scudder             Director                              March 29, 2001

                                       21




                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Covenant Transport, Inc.

In our opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance sheets and the related
consolidated  statements  of  income,  stockholders'  equity  and of cash  flows
present fairly,  in all material  respects,  the financial  position of Covenant
Transport,  Inc. and its  subsidiaries  at December  31, 2000 and 1999,  and the
results of their  operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended  December 31, 2000, in conformity  with  accounting  principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.  These financial  statements
are the  responsibility of the Company's  management;  our  responsibility is to
express  an  opinion  on these  financial  statements  based on our  audits.  We
conducted our audits of these  statements in accordance with auditing  standards
generally  accepted in the United States of America,  which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a
test basis,  evidence  supporting  the amounts and  disclosures in the financial
statements,  assessing the accounting  principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Knoxville, Tennessee
February 2, 2001






                    COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 2000
                        (In thousands except share data)
                                                                                              1999                   2000
                                                                                      -------------------     -----------------
                                                                                                        
                                       ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                                      $ 1,046               $ 2,287
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,040 in 1999 and
    $1,263 in 2000                                                                                75,038                72,482
  Drivers advances and other receivables                                                           4,789                11,393
  Tire and parts inventory                                                                         3,046                 2,949
  Prepaid expenses                                                                                 9,567                13,914
  Deferred income taxes                                                                            1,310                 2,590
  Income taxes receivable                                                                          4,506                 3,651
                                                                                      -------------------     -----------------
Total current assets                                                                              99,302               109,266

Property and equipment, at cost                                                                  349,672               356,630
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization                                                    80,638               100,581
                                                                                      -------------------     -----------------
Net property and equipment                                                                       269,034               256,049

Other assets                                                                                      15,638                25,198
                                                                                      -------------------     -----------------

Total assets                                                                                    $383,974              $390,513
                                                                                      ===================     =================
                        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Checks written in excess of bank balance                                                         3,599                     -
  Current maturities of long-term debt                                                             4,218                 6,505
  Securitization facility                                                                              -                62,000
  Accounts payable                                                                                 7,260                 6,988
  Accrued expenses                                                                                17,136                17,176
                                                                                      -------------------     -----------------
Total current liabilities                                                                         32,213                92,669

  Long-term debt, less current maturities                                                        140,497                74,295
  Deferred income taxes                                                                           47,412                55,727
                                                                                      -------------------     -----------------
Total liabilities                                                                                220,122               222,691

Commitments and contingent liabilities

Stockholders' equity:
  Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 12,564,250
    and 12,566,850 shares issued and 12,564,250 and
    11,595,350 outstanding as of 1999 and 2000, respectively                                         126                   126
  Class B common stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized;
    2,350,000 shares issued and outstanding as of 1999 and 2000                                       24                    24
  Additional paid-in-capital                                                                      78,313                78,343
  Treasury Stock at cost; 971,500 shares as of December 31, 2000                                       -               (7,935)
  Retained earnings                                                                               85,389                97,264
                                                                                      -------------------     -----------------
Total stockholders' equity                                                                       163,852               167,822
                                                                                      -------------------     -----------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                                      $383,974              $390,513
                                                                                      ===================     =================



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.





                    COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1999, AND 2000
                      (In thousands except per share data)

                                                                            1998              1999              2000
                                                                     ----------------  ----------------  ---------------
                                                                                                
Revenue                                                                    $ 370,546          $472,741         $552,429

Operating expenses:
  Salaries, wages, and related expenses                                      164,589           202,420          239,988
  Fuel, oil, and road expenses                                                68,292            84,465           93,581
  Revenue equipment rentals and purchased
     transportation                                                           24,250            49,260           76,131
  Repairs                                                                      8,366            10,078           13,312
  Operating taxes and licenses                                                 9,393            10,988           14,169
  Insurance                                                                   10,370            12,458           15,765
  Communications and utilities                                                 4,328             5,682            7,189
  General supplies and expenses                                               15,069            19,109           24,635
  Depreciation and amortization, including gain on
    disposition of equipment                                                  30,192            35,591           38,879
                                                                     ----------------  ----------------  ---------------
Total operating expenses                                                     334,849           430,051          523,649
                                                                     ----------------  ----------------  ---------------
Operating income                                                              35,697            42,690           28,780
Interest expense                                                               5,924             5,513            9,006
                                                                     ----------------  ----------------  ---------------
Income before income taxes                                                    29,773            37,177           19,774
Income tax expense                                                            11,490            14,900            7,899
                                                                     ----------------  ----------------  ---------------
Net income                                                                   $18,283          $ 22,277         $ 11,875
                                                                     ================  ================  ===============

Basic earnings per share:                                                      $1.27             $1.49            $0.82
Diluted earnings per share:                                                    $1.27             $1.48            $0.82


Weighted average shares outstanding                                           14,393            14,912           14,404

Adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions
    outstanding                                                               14,440            15,028           14,533





The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.





                    COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1999, AND 2000
                                 (In thousands)



                                               Class A       Class B       Additional                                     Total
                                                Common        Common        Paid-In        Treasury      Retained     Stockholders'
                                                Stock         Stock         Capital         Stock        Earnings         Equity
                                           ------------- ------------- --------------- ------------- ------------- -----------------
                                                                                                 
Balances at December 31, 1997                      $ 110          $ 24         $50,634         $  --      $ 44,829          $ 95,597

Exercise of employee stock options                    --            --             157            --            --               157

Stock offering                                        16            --          27,470            --            --            27,486

Net income                                            --            --              --            --        18,283            18,283
                                           ------------- ------------- --------------- ------------- ------------- -----------------

Balances at December 31, 1998                        126            24          78,261            --        63,112           141,523

Exercise of employee stock options                    --            --              52            --            --                52

Net income                                            --            --              --            --        22,277            22,277
                                           ------------- ------------- --------------- ------------- ------------- -----------------


Balances at December 31, 1999                        126            24          78,313            --        85,389           163,852

Exercise of employee stock options                    --            --              30            --            --                30

Stock repurchase                                      --            --              --       (7,935)            --           (7,935)

Net income                                            --            --              --            --        11,875            11,875
                                           ------------- ------------- --------------- ------------- ------------- -----------------

Balances at December 31, 2000                       $126          $ 24         $78,343     $ (7,935)      $ 97,264         $ 167,822
                                           ============= ============= =============== ============= ============= =================



The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.






                    COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1999, AND 2000
                                 (In thousands)
                                                                     1998               1999                2000
                                                             -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income                                                           $18,283            $22,277             $11,875
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
    Provision for losses on receivables                                  456                131                 535
    Depreciation and amortization                                     32,075             35,658              39,181
    Equity in earnings of affiliate                                        -                  -                 376
    Deferred income tax expense                                        4,146              9,137               6,180
    Gain on disposition of property and equipment                    (1,883)               (67)             (1,032)
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Receivables and advances                                      (12,554)           (11,974)             (3,965)
      Prepaid expenses                                               (1,075)            (3,321)             (4,358)
      Tire and parts inventory                                         (617)              (750)                  97
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses                            1,072            (6,606)               (228)
                                                             -------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities                             39,903             44,485              48,661

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Acquisition of property and equipment                             (80,303)          (101,653)            (71,427)
  Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment                 27,760             46,632              51,108
  Acquisition of intangibles                                           (220)                 --                  --
  Acquisition of business- SRT(A)                                    (6,295)                 --                  --
  Acquisition of business- ATW                                            --           (10,775)                  --
  Acquisition of business- Harold Ives(B)                                 --           (15,031)                  --
  Acquisition of business- CTS (Footnote 3)                               --                 --             (7,658)
  Investment in Transplace.com (Footnote 2)                               --                 --             (5,307)
  Repurchase of Company stock                                             --                 --             (7,935)
                                                             -------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities                               (59,058)           (80,827)            (41,219)

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from equity offering                                       27,486                 --                  --
  Exercise of stock option                                               157                 52                  30
  Proceeds from issuance of debt                                      84,000             93,500             174,119
  Repayments of long-term debt                                      (92,094)           (62,503)           (176,034)
  Other                                                                 (78)              (186)               (717)
  Checks in excess of bank balance                                        --              3,599             (3,599)
                                                             -------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities                   19,471             34,462             (6,201)
                                                             -------------------------------------------------------

Net change in cash and cash equivalents                                  316            (1,880)               1,241

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                       2,610              2,926               1,046
                                                             -------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                            $2,926             $1,046              $2,287
                                                             =======================================================
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 Cash paid during the year for:
    Interest                                                          $6,021             $5,823             $10,410
    Income taxes
                                                                      $5,675             $12,108             $2,645
                                                             =======================================================



(A)    Acquisition  of business  presented  net of acquired cash of $1.5 million
       and a note  payable  to former  shareholder  of  acquired  company in the
       amount of $3.0 million.
(B)    Acquisition  of business  presented  net of acquired cash of $3.9 million
       and  receivable  from a former  shareholder  of acquired  company of $3.5
       million.

The accompanying  notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.



                    COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business - Covenant  Transport,  Inc.  (the  "Company") is a long-haul
truckload carrier that offers premium transportation  services, such as team and
refrigerated services, to customers throughout the United States.

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated  financial statements include the
accounts of the Company,  a holding company  incorporated in the state of Nevada
in 1994, and its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries,  Covenant Transport, Inc.,
a Tennessee  corporation;  Harold Ives  Trucking  Co., an Arkansas  corporation;
Terminal Truck Broker,  Inc., an Arkansas  corporation (Harold Ives Trucking Co.
and Terminal Truck Broker,  Inc. referred  together as "Harold Ives");  Southern
Refrigerated Transport, Inc., an Arkansas corporation; Tony Smith Trucking, Inc.
(Southern Refrigerated  Transport,  Inc. and Tony Smith Trucking,  Inc. referred
together as "SRT");  Covenant.com,  Inc., a Nevada  corporation;  Covenant Asset
Management,  Inc., a Nevada corporation;  CIP, Inc., a Nevada  corporation;  and
CVTI  Receivables  Corp.,   ("CRC")  a  Nevada   corporation.   All  significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue  Recognition  -  Revenue,  drivers'  wages  and other  direct  operating
expenses are recognized on the date shipments are delivered to the customer. The
Company records revenue on a net basis for transactions on which it functions as
a broker and for fuel surcharges.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid  investments
with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Tires and Parts Inventory - Tires on new revenue  equipment are capitalized as a
component  of the related  equipment  cost when the vehicle is placed in service
and recovered  through  depreciation  over the life of the vehicle.  Replacement
tires and parts on hand at year end are  recorded at the lower of cost or market
with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method. Replacement tires are
expensed when placed in service.

Intangible Assets - The Company periodically  evaluates the net realizability of
the carrying amount of intangible assets.  Non-compete  agreements are amortized
over the life of the agreement,  deferred loan costs are amortized over the life
of the loan and goodwill is amortized over periods ranging from 20 to 40 years.

Property and  Equipment -  Depreciation  is calculated  using the  straight-line
method over the  estimated  useful  lives of the assets.  Historically,  revenue
equipment  had been  depreciated  over five to seven years with  salvage  values
ranging from 25% to 33 1/3%.  During 2000, the Company extended its estimate for
the useful life of its dry van trailers  from seven to eight years and increased
the salvage value to  approximately  48% of cost. The Company based its decision
on recent  experience  and  expected  future  utilization.  In  accordance  with
industry  practices,  gains or losses  on  disposal  of  revenue  equipment  are
included in depreciation in the statements of income.

Impairment of Long-Lived  Assets - The Company ensures that long-lived assets to
be  disposed  of are  reported  at the lower of the  carrying  value or the fair
market value less costs to sell.  The Company  evaluates  the carrying  value of
long-lived assets for impairment  losses by analyzing the operating  performance
and future cash flows for those assets.  The Company  adjusts the net book value
of the  underlying  assets if the sum of  expected  cash flows is less than book
value.



Capital  Structure - The shares of Class A and B Common Stock are  substantially
identical  except  that the Class B shares are  entitled to two votes per share.
The terms of any future  issuances of preferred  shares will be set by the Board
of Directors.

Insurance and Other Claims - Losses  resulting from claims for personal  injury,
property  damage,  cargo  loss and  damage,  and other  sources  are  covered by
insurance,  subject to deductibles.  Losses  resulting from uninsured claims are
recognized when such losses are known and estimable.

Concentrations of Credit Risk - The Company performs ongoing credit  evaluations
of its customers and does not require  collateral  for its accounts  receivable.
The Company maintains reserves which management believes are adequate to provide
for potential credit losses.  The Company's  customer base spans the continental
United  States.   Sales  to  one  of  the  Company's   customers  accounted  for
approximately 11% of revenue in 2000.

Use of Estimates - The  preparation of financial  statements in conformity  with
generally accepted  accounting  principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions  that affect the reported  amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of  contingent  assets and  liabilities  at the date of the financial
statements  and the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the
reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements - In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for
Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging  Activities.   The  statement  established
accounting and reporting  standards  requiring that every derivative  instrument
(including  certain  derivative  instruments  embedded  in other  contracts)  be
recorded on the balance  sheet as either an asset or  liability  measured at its
fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the derivative's fair value be
recognized  currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting  criteria are
met.  The  Company  may  engage in hedging  activities  using  futures,  forward
contracts,  options,  and swaps to hedge the  impact of market  fluctuations  on
energy  commodity  prices and  interest  rates.  The Company will be required to
adopt the  standard in 2001 and has  determined  there will not be any  material
adverse impact on its results of operations or financial position resulting from
the adoption of SFAS No. 133.

2. INVESTMENT IN TRANSPLACE.COM

Effective  July 1, 2000,  the Company  merged its  logistics  business with five
other transportation companies into a company called Transplace.com ("TPC"). TPC
operates  an  Internet-based  global  transportation  logistics  service  and is
developing programs for the cooperative  purchasing of products,  supplies,  and
services. In the transaction,  Covenant contributed its logistics customer list,
logistics  business  software  and  software  licenses,   certain   intellectual
property,  intangible  assets  totaling  approximately  $5.1  million,  and $5.0
million in cash for the initial  funding of the venture.  In exchange,  Covenant
received 13%  ownership in TPC,  which is being  accounted  for using the equity
method of  accounting.  Upon  completion  of the  transaction,  Covenant  ceased
operating  its  own  transportation  logistics  and  brokerage  business,  which
consisted  primarily of the Terminal  Truck Broker,  Inc.  business  acquired in
November  1999.  The excess of the Company's  share of TPC's net assets over its
cost basis is being amortized over twenty years using the straight-line method.

3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

In August 1998, the Company purchased certain assets of Gouge Trucking, Inc. for
approximately $1.0 million.



In October 1998, the Company  purchased all of the outstanding stock of SRT. The
acquisition  of SRT  has  been  accounted  for  under  the  purchase  method  of
accounting.  Accordingly, the operating results of SRT have been included in the
consolidated operating results since the date of acquisition. The purchase price
of $10.75 million,  net of cash received of approximately  $1.5 million and note
payable in the amount of $3.0  million to a former  shareholder  of SRT has been
allocated to the net assets  acquired based on appraised fair values at the date
of acquisition.

In September 1999, the Company  purchased  certain assets of ATW, Inc. for $10.8
million, which included $9.3 million for property and equipment.

In November 1999, the Company  purchased all of the outstanding  stock of Harold
Ives.  The  acquisition of Harold Ives has been accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting and goodwill is being amortized over 30 years. Accordingly,
the  operating  results of Harold Ives have been  included  in the  consolidated
operating  results since the date of  acquisition.  The purchase  price of $22.4
million,  net of cash received of $3.9 million and a receivable  from an officer
of Harold Ives to the acquired company of $3.5 million has been allocated to the
net assets acquired based on appraised fair values at the date of acquisition.

In August  2000,  the  Company  purchased  certain  assets of Con-Way  Truckload
Services,   Inc.  ("CTS")  for  approximately   $7.7  million,   which  included
approximately $5.2 million for property and equipment.  The acquisition has been
accounted  for using the  purchase  method of  accounting  and goodwill is being
amortized over 40 years.

4.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT




A summary of property and  equipment,  at cost, as of December 31, 1999 and 2000
is as follows:

(in thousands)                                                     1999                        2000
                                                       ------------------------    ------------------------
                                                                             
Revenue equipment                                                     $313,200                    $301,451
Communications equipment                                                12,624                      15,668
Land and improvements                                                    9,359                       9,528
Buildings and leasehold improvements                                     6,708                       7,387
Construction in progress                                                   132                      13,316
Other                                                                    7,649                       9,280
                                                       ------------------------    ------------------------
                                                                      $349,672                    $356,630
                                                       ========================    ========================



Depreciation expense amounts were $31.4 million, $35.1 million and $39.0 million
in 1998, 1999, and 2000, respectively.

5. OTHER ASSETS




A summary of other assets as of December 31, 1999 and 2000 is as follows:

(in thousands)                                                              1999                 2000
                                                                     -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                    
Covenants not to compete                                                       $2,600               $1,690
Tradename                                                                       1,000                  330
Goodwill                                                                       11,081               11,352
Less accumulated amortization of intangibles                                  (1,498)              (2,415)
                                                                     -----------------    -----------------
Net intangible assets                                                          13,183               10,957
Investment in TPC                                                                   -               10,806
Other                                                                           2,455                3,435
                                                                     -----------------    -----------------
                                                                              $15,638              $25,198
                                                                     =================    =================





6. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION

In December  2000,  the Company  entered into a $62 million  revolving  accounts
receivable  securitization  facility  (the  "Securitization   Facility").  On  a
revolving basis,  the Company sells its interests in its accounts  receivable to
CRC, a wholly-owned  bankruptcy-remote  special purpose subsidiary.  CRC sells a
percentage  ownership in such receivables to an unrelated  financial entity. The
transaction  does not meet the  criteria  for  sale  treatment  under  Financial
Accounting  Standard  No. 125 and is  reflected  as a secured  borrowing  in the
financial statements.

The  Company  can  receive up to $62  million of  proceeds,  subject to eligible
receivables and will pay a service fee recorded as interest expense,  as defined
in the agreement.  The Company will pay commercial  paper interest rates plus an
applicable margin on the proceeds received. The Securitization Facility includes
certain  significant  events that could cause amounts to be immediately  due and
payable in the event of certain ratios. The proceeds received are reflected as a
current  liability  on the  consolidated  financial  statements  because  of the
committed  term,  subject to annual  renewals,  is 364 days.  As of December 31,
2000, the Company had received $62 million in proceeds,  with a weighted average
interest rate of 6.6%.

7. LONG-TERM DEBT




Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 1999 and 2000:

(in thousands)                                                           1999                   2000
                                                                 -----------------     --------------------
                                                                                 
Borrowings under $130 million  credit agreement                          $ 96,000                   $   --
Borrowings under $120 million  credit agreement                                --                   49,000
10-year senior notes                                                       25,000                   25,000
Notes to unrelated individuals for non-compete
  agreements                                                                  550                      350
Equipment and vehicle obligations with commercial
  lending institutions, with fixed interest rates ranging
  from 6.7% to 9.0% at December 31, 2000                                   20,165                    3,450
Note payable to former SRT shareholder, bearing
  interest at 6.5% with interest payable quarterly                          3,000                    3,000
                                                                 -----------------     --------------------
                                                                          144,715                   80,800
Less current maturities                                                     4,218                    6,505
                                                                 -----------------     --------------------
                                                                         $140,497                  $74,295
                                                                 =================     ====================



In December  2000,  the Company  entered  into a credit  agreement  (the "Credit
Agreement") with a group of banks with maximum borrowings of $120 million, which
matures  December 13, 2003.  The Credit  Agreement  provides a revolving  credit
facility with  borrowings  limited to the lesser of 90% of the net book value of
eligible revenue equipment or $120 million.  Letters of credit are limited to an
aggregate  commitment of $10 million.  The Credit Agreement is collateralized by
an  agreement  which  includes  pledged  stock  of the  Company's  subsidiaries,
inter-company  notes, and licensing  agreements.  A commitment fee is charged on
the unused portion of the facility and is adjusted  quarterly  between 0.15% and
0.25% per annum  based on the  consolidated  leverage  ratio is due on the daily
unused portion of the Credit Agreement.  At December 31, 2000, the fee was 0.20%
per annum.  The Credit  Agreement is guaranteed by Covenant  Transport,  Inc., a
Nevada corporation,  Covenant Transport, Inc., a Tennessee corporation, Southern
Refrigerated  Transport,  Inc., an Arkansas  corporation,  Tony Smith  Trucking,
Inc.,  an Arkansas  corporation,  CIP,  Inc. a Nevada  corporation,  Harold Ives
Trucking Co., an Arkansas corporation, Terminal Truck Brokers, Inc., an Arkansas
corporation, and Covenant.com, Inc., a Nevada corporation.



Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are based on the banks' base rate or LIBOR
and accrue  interest  based on one,  two,  or three  month  LIBOR  rates plus an
applicable margin that is adjusted  quarterly between 0.75% and 1.25% based on a
ratio of total debt to trailing cash flow  coverage.  At December 31, 2000,  the
margin was 1.00%.

During  October 1995, the Company placed $25 million in senior notes due October
2005  with an  insurance  company.  The term  agreement  requires  payments  for
interest  semi-annually  in arrears  with  principal  payments due in five equal
annual  installments  beginning  October 1, 2001.  Interest accrues at 7.39% per
annum.

The Credit  Agreement and senior note  agreement  subject the Company to certain
restrictions  and covenants  related to, among others,  dividends,  tangible net
worth, cash flow, acquisitions and dispositions, and total indebtedness.

Maturities of long term debt at December 31, 2000 are as follows (in thousands):

                       2001               $ 6,505
                       2002                 6,081
                       2003                54,831
                       2004                 8,383
                       2005                 5,000
8.  LEASES

The Company has operating lease commitments for office and terminal  properties,
revenue  equipment,  computer and office equipment,  exclusive of owner/operator
rentals,  and  month-to-month  equipment  rentals,  summarized for the following
fiscal years (in thousands):

                         2001                $22,491
                         2002                 17,554
                         2003                 12,082
                         2004                  4,049
                         2005                  3,949





Rental  expense is  summarized  as  follows  for each of the three  years  ended
December 31:

(in thousands)                                               1998               1999                2000
                                                      ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                                                                    
Revenue equipment rentals                                     $ 5,640            $12,102             $16,918
Owner/operator                                                 18,167             35,534              58,969
Terminal rentals                                                1,277              1,407               1,684
Other equipment rentals                                         1,290              1,618               2,904
                                                      ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                                              $26,374          $  50,661           $  80,475
                                                      ================   ================    ================



During  April  1996,  the  Company  entered  into  an  agreement  to  lease  its
headquarters  and terminal in Chattanooga  under an operating  lease.  The lease
provides for rental  payments to be variable based upon LIBOR interest rates for
five  years.   This  operating  lease  expires  March  2001,  with  the  Company
anticipating financing the lease under the Credit Agreement.

Covenant  leased   property  in   Chattanooga,   Tennessee  from  the  principal
stockholder  of the  Company.  Effective  July 1, 1997,  the monthly  rental was
approximately  $15,000 per month.  The Company  also leased a property at Greer,
South  Carolina  for annual  rent of  $12,000  from the  principal  stockholder.



Effective  June  1998,  these  two  leases  were  terminated  by  the  principal
stockholder without any penalties or additional payments coming due.

Included in terminal rentals are payments of $78,905 for the year ended December
31, 1998, to the principal stockholder of the Company.

9.  INCOME TAX




Income tax expense for the years ended  December  31,  1998,  1999,  and 2000 is
comprised of:

(in thousands)                                               1998               1999                2000
                                                      ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                                                                    
Federal, current                                               $5,076             $6,154              $1,370
Federal, deferred                                               4,196              6,705               5,841
State, current                                                  1,773              1,331                  87
State, deferred                                                   445                710                 601
                                                      ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                                              $11,490            $14,900              $7,899
                                                      ================   ================    ================






Income tax  expense  varies from the amount  computed  by  applying  the federal
corporate  income tax rate of 35% to income  before  income  taxes for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 as follows:


(in thousands)                                               1998               1999                2000
                                                      ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                                                                    
Computed "expected" income tax expense                        $10,420            $13,012              $6,921
Adjustments in income taxes resulting from:
State income taxes, net of federal income tax
  Effect                                                          945              1,487                 593
Permanent differences and other, net                              125                401                 385
                                                      ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
Actual income tax expense                                     $11,490            $14,900              $7,899
                                                      ================   ================    ================






The temporary  differences and the approximate tax effects that give rise to the
Company's  net  deferred  tax  liability  at  December  31, 1999 and 2000 are as
follows:


(in thousands)                                                    1999                        2000
                                                       ------------------------    ------------------------
                                                                             
Deferred tax assets:
  Accounts receivable                                                  $   372                      $1,093
  Accrued expenses                                                       1,350                         256
  Alternative minimum tax credits                                          958                         948
  Intangible assets                                                         --                         293
                                                       ------------------------    ------------------------
                                                                         2,680                       2,590
Deferred tax liability:
  Property and equipment                                                47,098                      54,953
  Adjustments resulting from a change in
    accounting methods for tax purposes                                  1,150                         774
  Unrealized gain on securities                                             28                          --
  Intangible assets                                                        506                          --
                                                       ------------------------    ------------------------
                                                                        48,782                      55,727
                                                       ------------------------    ------------------------
Net deferred tax liability                                            $ 46,102                    $ 53,137
                                                       ========================    ========================








These amounts are presented in the accompanying  consolidated  balance sheets as
follows:

(in thousands)                                                    1999                        2000
                                                       ------------------------    ------------------------
                                                                             
Current deferred tax asset                                              $1,310                      $2,590

Non current deferred tax asset                                          47,412                      55,727
                                                       ------------------------    ------------------------

Net deferred tax liability                                            $ 46,102                    $ 53,137
                                                       ========================    ========================



10.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions  involving  related parties not otherwise  disclosed  herein are as
follows:

In June 1997, the Company  obtained a promissory  note in the amount of $480,000
from a significant  shareholder.  The principal and related interest at the rate
of 7% was paid in full in May 1998.  In December  1999,  the  Company  purchased
approximately  105 acres of land that is adjacent to the corporate  headquarters
for approximately $890,000 from this shareholder.  In February 2000, the Company
sold  approximately  2.5  acres of land to this  shareholder  in the  amount  of
$88,000 in the form of a non- interest bearing  promissory note with an 18-month
term. The Company also  chartered an airplane  owned by this  shareholder in the
amount of  $262,940  during 1998 and  $42,633  during  1999.  During  2000,  the
shareholder  chartered  an  airplane  leased  by the  Company  in the  amount of
$21,198.  The Company paid approximately  $500,000 to the shareholder related to
commissions on the purchase of revenue equipment during 2000.

Tenn-Ga  Truck  Sales,  Inc.,  a  corporation  wholly  owned  by  a  significant
shareholder,   purchased  used  tractors  and  trailers  from  the  Company  for
approximately  $768,000  during 1998,  $2.8 million during 1999 and $2.0 million
during 2000. During 2000, the Company also leased revenue equipment from Tenn-Ga
Truck Sales for approximately $700,000.

In March 2000, a trucking company owned by a significant  shareholder  purchased
used trailers from the Company for approximately $1.4 million in exchange for an
interest-bearing  promissory  note,  which was repaid in full in November  2000.
Subsequently,  in June 2000, the Company  elected to lease the trailers from the
trucking company in the amount of approximately  $227,200. In November 2000, due
to an increased  operational need arising from the CTS acquisition,  the Company
elected to repurchase  the trailers  from the trucking  company in the amount of
approximately $1.3 million.

In connection with the TPC investment, the Company made several cash advances to
fund  the   operations  of  TPC.  The  balance  as  of  December  31,  2000  was
approximately $3.2 million,  which included a $2.6 million,  8% interest-bearing
promissory note from TPC.

11.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The  Company,  in the normal  course of business,  is involved in certain  legal
matters for which it carries liability insurance. It is management's belief that
the losses,  if any,  from these  lawsuits  will not have a  materially  adverse
impact on the financial condition, operations, or cash flows of the Company.

Financial  risks which  potentially  subject the  Company to  concentrations  of
credit  risk  consist  of  deposits  in banks in excess of the  Federal  Deposit
Insurance  Corporation limits. The Company's sales are generally made on account
without  collateral.  Repayment  terms  vary based on  certain  conditions.  The
Company maintains reserves which management believes are adequate to provide for
potential credit



losses. The majority of the Company's customer base spans the United States. The
Company monitors these risks and believes the risk of incurring  material losses
is remote.

The Company has entered into  minimum  purchase  agreements  for the purchase of
diesel fuel. The agreements  provide for specified amounts of fuel at contracted
prices through 2002. At December 31, 2000, the approximate  number of gallons of
fuel purchase commitments were as follows:

                  2001               2,250,000 gallons
                  2002               1,500,000 gallons

12. EARNINGS PER SHARE




The following table sets forth for the periods  indicated the calculation of net
earnings per share included in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income:

(in thousands except per share data)                         1998               1999                2000
                                                      ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                                                                    
Numerator:

  Net income                                                  $18,283            $22,277             $11,875
                                                      ================   ================    ================
Denominator:

  Denominator for basic earnings
    per share - weighted-average shares                        14,393             14,912              14,404

Effect of dilutive securities:

  Employee stock options                                           47                116                 129
                                                      ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
Denominator for diluted earnings per share -
  adjusted weighted-average shares and
  assumed conversions                                          14,440             15,028              14,533
                                                      ================   ================    ================
                                                      ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
Basic earnings per share                              $          1.27    $          1.49     $          0.82
                                                      ================   ================    ================
                                                      ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
Diluted earnings per share                            $          1.27    $          1.48     $          0.82
                                                      ================   ================    ================



13. STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN

In June 2000,  the  Company  authorized  a stock  repurchase  plan for up to 1.0
million Company shares to be purchased in the open market or through  negotiated
transactions.  In July 2000, the Company authorized an additional 500,000 shares
to be repurchased.  During the second quarter,  792,000 shares were purchased at
an  average  price of $8.14.  During  the third  quarter,  179,500  shares  were
purchased  at an average  price of $8.27.  As of  December  31,  2000 a total of
971,500 had been purchased with an average price of $8.17.  The stock repurchase
program has no expiration date.

14.  DEFERRED PROFIT SHARING EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The  Company  has a  deferred  profit  sharing  and  savings  plan  that  covers
substantially  all employees of the Company with at least six months of service.
Employees  may  contribute  up to 17% of their  annual  compensation  subject to
Internal Revenue Code maximum  limitations.  The Company may make  discretionary
contributions  as  determined  by a  committee  of the Board of  Directors.  The
Company  contributed  approximately  $873,000,  $782,000 and $1,043,000 in 1998,
1999, and 2000, respectively, to the profit sharing and savings plan.



15. STOCK OPTION PLANS

The Company has adopted option plans for employees and directors.  Awards may be
in the form of incentive  stock awards or other forms.  The Company has reserved
1,594,700  shares of Class A Common Stock for  distribution at the discretion of
the Board of Directors.  In July 2000,  the Board of Directors  accelerated  the
vesting  schedule of certain stock options  granted in the years 1998,  1999 and
2000 to vest  ratably  over 3 years and  expire 10 years from the date of grant.
Certain  options  granted  prior to 1998 vest ratably over 5 years and expire 10
years from the date of grant.  The  following  table details the activity of the
incentive stock option plan:



                                                                         Weighted Average        Options
                                                                          Exercise Price      Exercisable at
                                                           Shares                                Year End
                                                    ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
                                                                                 
Under option at December 31, 1997                             501,500             $15.87             143,800

Options granted in 1998                                       298,250             $12.21
Options exercised in 1998                                    (10,000)             $15.68
Options canceled in 1998                                     (20,000)             $14.80
                                                    ------------------
Under option at December 31, 1998                             769,750             $14.43             206,500

Options granted in 1999                                       202,750             $13.06
Options exercised in 1999                                     (4,000)             $13.06
Options canceled in 1999                                     (35,950)             $17.18
                                                    ------------------
Under option at December 31, 1999                             932,550             $14.14             354,150

Options granted in 2000                                       625,176              $8.87
Options exercised in 2000                                     (2,600)             $11.45
Options canceled in 2000                                    (129,800)             $12.39
                                                    ------------------
Under option at December 31, 2000                           1,425,326             $11.99             613,026






                                         Options Outstanding                           Options Exercisable
                        ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
                                                                                    
                                           Weighted- Average         Weighted-           Number         Weighted-
                                 Number            Remaining           Average   Exercisable At           Average
  Range of Exercise      Outstanding at     Contractual Life    Exercise Price         12/31/00    Exercise Price
        Prices                 12/31/00
- ----------------------- ---------------- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
$10.00 to $12.99                793,550                  108             $9.49          173,134            $11.83
$13.00 to $15.99                486,526                   81            $14.50          313,643            $14.83
$16.00 to $20.00                145,250                   58            $17.25          126,249            $17.04



The Company  accounts for its stock-based  compensation  plans under APB No. 25,
under which no  compensation  expense has been  recognized  because all employee
stock options have been granted with the exercise  price equal to the fair value
of the Company's Class A Common Stock on the date of grant.  Under SFAS No. 123,
fair value of options  granted are  estimated  as of the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes   option  pricing  model  and  the  following   weighted   average
assumptions:  risk-free interest rates ranging from 4.8% to 6.0%;  expected life
of 5 years;  dividend rate of zero percent; and expected volatility of 42.0% for
1998, 42.6% for 1999 and 48.5% for 2000. Using these assumptions, the fair value
of the employee  stock options  granted in 1998,  1999 and 2000 is $1.2 million,
$900,000,   and  $2.2  million   respectively,   which  would  be  amortized  as
compensation  expense over the vesting period of the options.



Had compensation cost been determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123, utilizing
the  assumptions  detailed  above,  the  Company's net income and net income per
share would have been reduced to the  following  pro forma amounts for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000:




(in thousands except per share data)       1998                 1999                 2000
                                                                            

Pro forma net income                        17,736               21,565               10,213

Pro forma earnings per share:
  Basic                                      $1.23                $1.45                $0.71
  Diluted                                     1.23                 1.43                 0.70