UNITED STATES

 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 FORM 10-K

 (Mark One)

 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 Commission File Number: 0-51142

 (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 Michigan

 38-3640097

 (State or Other Jurisdiction of

 (I.R.S. Employer

 Incorporation or Organization)

 Identification No.)

 12755 E. Nine Mile Road

 Warren, Michigan 48089

 (Address, including Zip Code of Principal Executive Offices)

 ( 586) 920-0100

 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 Title of each class

 Trading Symbol(s)

 Name of each exchange on which registered

 Common Stock, no par value

 ULH

 The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No

 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No

 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 No

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 Large Accelerated filer

 Accelerated filer

 Non-accelerated filer

 Smaller reporting company

 Emerging growth company

 If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

 If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

 Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes No

 As of July 1, 2023, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the common stock on June 30, 2023, as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market, was approximately $ 192.0 million (assuming, but not admitting for any purpose, that all (a) directors and executive officers of the registrant are affiliates, and (b) the number of shares held by such directors and executive officers does not include shares that such persons could have acquired within 60 days of July 1, 2023).

 The number of shares of common stock, no par value, outstanding as of March 4, 2024, was 26,309,223.

 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant's 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

 2023 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

 Item 1.

 Business

 Item 1A.

 Risk Factors

 Item 1B.

 Unresolved Staff Comments

 Item 1C.

 Cybersecurity

 Item 2.

 Properties

 Item 3.

 Legal Proceedings

 Item 4.

 Mine Safety Disclosures

 Item 5.

 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 Item 6.

 Reserved

 Item 7.

 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 Item 7A.

 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 Item 8.

 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 Item 9.

 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 Item 9A.

 Controls and Procedures

 Item 9B.

 Other Information

 Item 9C.

 Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

 Item 10.

 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 Item 11.

 Executive Compensation

 Item 12.

 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 Item 13.

 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 Item 14.

 Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 Item 15.

 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 Item 16.

 Form 10-K Summary

 Signatures

 EX-4.2 Description of Capital Stock

 EX-21.1 List of Subsidiaries

 EX-23.1 Consent of Grant Thornton LLP

 EX-31.1 Section 302 CEO Certification

 EX-31.2 Section 302 CFO Certification

 EX-32.1 Section 906 CEO and CFO Certification

 DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 This Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Form 10-K") contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks and uncertainties. Many of the forward-looking statements are located in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as "future," "anticipates," "believes," "targets," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "will," "would," "could," "can," "may," and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance, and the Company's actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K under the heading "Risk Factors," which are incorporated herein by reference. All information presented herein is based on the Company's fiscal calendar. Unless otherwise stated, references to particular years, quarters, months, or periods refer to the Company's fiscal years ended December 31 and the associated quarters, months, and periods of those fiscal years. Each of the terms "Universal," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" as used herein refers collectively to Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise stated. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

 ITEM 1: BUSINESS

 Company Background

 Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc. is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide a variety of customized transportation and logistics solutions throughout the United States and in Mexico, Canada and Colombia. Our operating subsidiaries provide customers with a broad scope of services across their entire supply chain, including truckload, brokerage, intermodal, dedicated and value-added services.

 Our operating subsidiaries provide a comprehensive suite of transportation and logistics solutions that allow our customers to reduce costs and manage their global supply chains more efficiently. We market and deliver our services in several ways:

 • Through a direct sales and marketing network focused on selling our portfolio of services to large customers in specific industry sectors;

 • Through company-managed facilities; and

 • Through a network of agents who solicit freight business directly from shippers.

 At December 31, 2023, we operated 50 company-managed terminal locations, serviced 71 value-added programs at locations throughout the United States and in Mexico, Canada and Colombia, and had an agent network totaling approximately 230 agents.

 We were incorporated in Michigan on December 11, 2001. We have been a publicly held company since February 11, 2005, the date of our initial public offering.

 Our principal executive offices are located at 12755 E. Nine Mile Road, Warren, Michigan 48089.

 Operations

 We broadly group our revenues into the following service categories: truckload, brokerage, intermodal, dedicated, and value-added services.

 Truckload. Our truckload services include dry van, flatbed, heavy-haul and refrigerated operations. Truckload services represented approximately $213.9 million, or 12.9%, of our operating revenues in 2023. We transport a wide variety of general commodities, including automotive parts, machinery, building materials, paper, food, consumer goods, furniture, steel and other metals on behalf of customers in various industries.

 Brokerage. We provide customers with freight brokerage services by utilizing third-party transportation providers to transport goods. Brokerage services also include full service domestic and international freight forwarding, and customs brokerage. In 2023, brokerage services represented approximately $244.0 million, or 14.7%, of our operating revenues.

 Intermodal. Intermodal operations include steamship-truck, rail-truck, and support services. Intermodal support services represented $374.7 million, or 22.5%, of our operating revenues in 2023. Our intermodal support services are primarily short- to medium-distance delivery of both international and domestic containers between the railhead or port and the customer.

 Dedicated. Our dedicated services are primarily provided in support of automotive customers using van equipment. In 2023, dedicated services represented approximately $343.5 million, or 20.7%, of our operating revenues. Our dedicated services are primarily short run or round-trip moves within a defined geographic area provided through a network of union and non-union employee drivers, owner-operators, and contract drivers.

 Value-Added. Our value-added services, which are typically tailored to individual customer requirements, include material handling, consolidation, sequencing, sub-assembly, cross-dock services, kitting, repacking, warehousing and returnable container management. Value-added services represented approximately $486.0 million, or 29.2%, of our operating revenues in 2023. Our facilities and services are often directly integrated into the production processes of our customers and represent a critical piece of their supply chains.

 Segments

 We report our financial results in four distinct reportable segments: contract logistics, intermodal, trucking, and company-managed brokerage.

 The operations that we aggregate in our contract logistics segment deliver value-added and dedicated transportation services to support in-bound logistics to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and major retailers on a contractual basis, generally pursuant to terms of one year or longer. Our intermodal segment is associated with local and regional drayage moves predominately coordinated by company-managed terminals using a mix of owner-operators, company equipment and third-party capacity providers that are commonly referred to as broker carriers. The operations that we group in our trucking segment are associated with individual freight shipments coordinated primarily by our agents using a mix of owner-operators, company equipment and broker carriers. Our company-managed brokerage segment provides for the pick-up and delivery of individual freight shipments using broker carriers, coordinated by our company-managed operations.

 For additional information on segments, see Item 8, Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 Business and Growth Strategy

 The key elements of our strategy are as follows:

 Make strategic acquisitions. The transportation and logistics industry is highly fragmented, with thousands of small and mid-sized competitors that are either specialized in specific vertical markets, specific service offerings, or limited to local and regional coverage. We expect to selectively evaluate and pursue acquisitions that will enhance our service capabilities, expand our geographic network and/or diversify our customer base.

 Continue to capitalize on strong industry fundamentals and outsourcing trends. We believe long-term industry growth will be supported by manufacturers seeking to outsource non-core logistics functions to cost-effective third-party providers that can efficiently manage increasingly complex global supply chains. We intend to leverage our integrated suite of transportation and logistics services, our network of facilities, our long-term customer relationships, and our reputation for operational excellence to capitalize on favorable industry fundamentals and growth expectations.

 Target further penetration of key customers in the North American automotive industry. The automotive industry is one of the largest users of global outsourced logistics services, providing us growth opportunities with both existing and new customers. In 2023, this sector comprised approximately 43% of our total operating revenues. The vast majority of hourly employees in our automotive customers' manufacturing operations are represented by unions and covered by collective bargaining agreements. These agreements provide guaranteed wage and benefit levels throughout the contract term. With the ratification of new contracts in 2023, we expect our customers to experience significant increases in their labor costs through the life of the contracts. These cost increases may cause certain of our customers to evaluate the outsourcing of certain value-added operations where we possess demonstrated experience and expertise. We intend to capitalize on continued growth opportunities in those outsourced, higher-value logistics services, such as sub-assembly and sequencing, which link directly into production lines and require specialized capabilities, technological expertise, and strict quality controls.

 Continue to expand penetration in other vertical markets. We have a history of providing highly complex value-added logistics services to automotive and other industrial customers. We have developed standardized, modular systems for material handling processes and have extensive experience in rapid implementation and workforce training. These capabilities and our broad portfolio of logistics services are transferable across vertical markets. We believe we can leverage the expertise we initially developed in the automotive sector. In addition to automotive, our targeted industries include aerospace, energy, government services, healthcare, industrial retail, consumer goods, and steel and metals.

 Expand our network of agents and owner-operators. Increasing the number of agents and owner-operators has been a driver of our historical growth in transactional transportation services. We intend to continue to recruit qualified agents and owner-operators in order to penetrate new markets and expand our operations in existing markets. Our agents typically focus on a small number of shippers in a particular market and are attuned to the specific transportation needs of that core group of shippers, while remaining alert to growth opportunities.

 Competition and Industry

 The transportation and logistics service industry is highly competitive and extremely fragmented. We compete based on quality and reliability of service, price, breadth of logistics solutions, and IT capabilities. We compete with asset and non-asset based truckload and less-than-truckload carriers, intermodal transportation, logistics providers and, in some aspects of our business, railroads. We also compete with other motor carriers for owner-operators and agents.

 Our customers may choose not to outsource their logistics operations and, rather, to retain or restore such activities as their own internal operations. In our largest vertical market, the automotive industry, we compete more frequently with a relatively small number of privately-owned firms or with subsidiaries of large public companies. These vendors have the scope and capabilities to provide the breadth of services required by the large and complex supply chains of automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

 We also encounter competition from regional and local third-party logistics providers, integrated transportation companies that operate their own aircraft, cargo sales agents and brokers, surface freight forwarders and carriers, airlines, associations of shippers organized to consolidate their members' shipments to obtain lower freight rates, and internet-based freight exchanges.

 The transportation industry is continuously impacted by new rules and regulations intended to improve the overall safety of the industry. Compliance with such increasingly complex rules continues to constrain the supply of qualified drivers. We believe that our industry will continue to be hindered by an insufficient quantity of qualified drivers which creates significant competition for this declining pool.

 Customers

 Revenue is generated from customers throughout the United States, and in Mexico, Canada and Colombia. Our customers are largely concentrated in the automotive, retail and consumer goods, steel and other metals, energy and manufacturing industries.

 A significant percentage of our revenues are derived from the domestic automotive industry. Our aggregate sales in the automotive industry totaled 43%, 36% and 31% of our revenues during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During 2023, 2022 and 2021, General Motors accounted for approximately 20%, 16% and 13% of our total operating revenues, respectively. Sales to our top 10 customers, including General Motors, totaled 48% in 2023. A significant percentage of our revenue also results from our providing capacity to other transportation companies that aggregate loads from a variety of shippers in these and other industries.

 Human Capital Resources

 Overview. As of December 31, 2023, we had 9,311 employees. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we also engaged, on average, the full-time equivalency of 450 individuals on a contract basis. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 33% of our employees were members of unions and subject to collective bargaining agreements. We believe our union and employee relationships are good.

 Diversity and Inclusion. We believe diversity and inclusion are critical to our ability to win in the marketplace and enable our workforce and communities to succeed. Specifically, having a diverse and inclusive workplace allows us to attract and retain the best employees to deliver results for our shareholders. A qualified, diverse, and inclusive workforce also helps us represent the broad cross-section of ideas, values, and beliefs of our employees, customers, and communities. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means that we will continue to strive to establish and improve an inclusive workplace environment where employees from all backgrounds can succeed and be heard.

 Employee Health and Safety. We are committed to being an industry leader in health and safety standards. The physical health, wellbeing, and mental health of our employees is crucial to our success. Most recently, our primary concern during the COVID-19 pandemic has been to do our part to protect our employees, customers, vendors, and the general public from the spread of the virus while continuing to serve the vital role of supplying essential goods to the nation. For essential functions, including our plant workers and driving professionals, we have distributed cleaning and protective supplies to various plants and terminals so that they are available to those that need them, increased cleaning frequency and coverage, and provided employees direction on precautionary measures, such as sanitizing truck interiors, personal hygiene, and social distancing. We will continue to adapt our operations as required to ensure safety while continuing to provide a high level of service to our customers.

 Talent Acquisition, Retention and Development. We continually strive to hire, develop, and retain the top talent in our industry. Critical to attracting and retaining top talent is employee satisfaction, and we regularly implement programs to increase employee satisfaction. We reward our employees by providing competitive compensation, benefits, and incentives throughout all levels in our organization. Intense competition in the transportation and logistics services industry for qualified workers and drivers has resulted in additional expense to recruit and retain an adequate supply of employees and has had a negative impact on the industry. Our operations have also been impacted, we have periodically experienced under-utilization and increased expenses due to a shortage of qualified workers and drivers. We place a high priority on the recruitment and retention of an adequate supply of qualified workers and drivers.

 Independent Contractor Network

 We utilize a network of agents and owner-operators located throughout the United States and in Ontario, Canada. These agents and owner-operators are independent contractors.

 A significant percentage of the interaction with our shippers is provided by our agents. Our agents solicited and controlled approximately 30% of the freight we hauled in 2023, with the balance of the freight being generated by company-managed terminals. Our top 100 agents in 2023 generated approximately 20% of our annual operating revenues. Our agents typically focus on three or four shippers within a particular market and solicit most of their freight business from this core group. By focusing on a relatively small number of shippers, each agent is acutely aware of the specific transportation needs of that core group of shippers, while remaining alert to growth opportunities.

 We also contract with owner-operators to provide greater flexibility in responding to fluctuations in customer demand. Owner-operators provide their own trucks and are contractually responsible for all associated expenses, including but not limited to financing costs, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes, among other things. They are also responsible for maintaining compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.

 Revenue Equipment

 The following table represents our equipment used to provide transportation services as of December 31, 2023:

 Type of Equipment

 Company-
owned or
Leased

 Owner-
Operator
Provided

 Total

 Tractors

 1,945

 1,766

 3,711

 Yard Tractors

 —

 Trailers

 4,434

 5,384

 Chassis

 3,494

 —

 3,494

 Containers

 —

 Risk Management and Insurance

 Our customers and federal regulations generally require that we provide insurance for auto liability and general liability claims up to $1.0 million per occurrence. Accordingly, in the United States, we purchase such insurance from a licensed casualty insurance carrier, which is a related party, providing a minimum $1.0 million of coverage for individual auto liability and general liability claims. We are generally self-insured for auto and general liability claims above $1.0 million unless riders are sought to satisfy individual customer or vendor contract requirements. In certain of our businesses, we have secured additional auto liability coverage where we are self-insured for claims above $4.0 million. In Mexico, our operations and investment in equipment are insured through an internationally recognized, third-party insurance underwriter.

 We typically self-insure for the risk of motor cargo liability claims and material handling claims. Accordingly, we establish financial reserves for anticipated losses and expenses related to motor cargo liability and material handling claims, and we periodically evaluate and adjust those reserves to reflect our experience. Any such adjustments could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and financial results.

 To reduce our exposure to claims incurred while a vehicle is being operated without a trailer attached or is being operated with an attached trailer which does not contain or carry any cargo, we require our owner-operators to maintain non-trucking use liability coverage (which the industry refers to as deadhead bobtail coverage) of $2.0 million per occurrence.

 Technology

 We use multifaceted software tools and hardware platforms that support seamless integration with the IT networks of our customers and vendors through electronic data exchange systems. These tools enhance our relationships and ability to effectively communicate with customers and vendors. Our tools and platforms provide real-time, web-based visibility into the supply chains of our customers.

 In our contract logistics segment, we customize our proprietary warehouse management and sequencing systems to meet the needs of individual customers. Our systems allows us to send our customers an advance shipping notice through a simple, web-based interface that can be used by a variety of vendors. It also enables us to clearly identify and communicate to the customer any vendor-related problems that may cause delays in production. We also use cross-dock and container-return-management applications that automate the cycle of material receipt and empty container return.

 Our proprietary and third-party transportation management system allows full operational control and visibility from dispatch to delivery, and from invoicing to receivables collections. For our employee drivers, the system provides automated dispatch to hand-held devices, satellite tracking for quality control and electronic status broadcasts to customers when requested. Our international and domestic air freight and ocean forwarding services use similar systems with added functionalities for managing air and ocean freight transportation requirements. All of these systems have customer-oriented web interfaces that allow for full shipment tracking and visibility, as well as for customer shipment input. We also provide systems that allow agents to list pending freight shipments and owner-operators with available capacity and track particular shipments at various points in the shipping route.

 We believe that these tools improve our services and quality controls, strengthen our relationships with our customers, and enhance our value proposition. Any significant disruption or failure of these systems could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and financial results.

 Government Regulation

 Our operations are regulated and licensed by various U.S. federal and state agencies, as well as comparable agencies in Mexico, Canada, and Colombia. Interstate motor carrier operations are subject to the broad regulatory powers, to include drug and alcohol testing, safety and insurance requirements, prescribed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Matters such as weight and equipment dimensions also are subject to United States federal and state regulation. We operate in the United States under operating authority granted by the DOT. We are also subject to regulations relating to testing and specifications of transportation equipment and product handling requirements. In addition, our drivers and owner-operators must have a commercial driver's license and comply with safety and fitness regulations promulgated by the FMCSA, including those relating to drug and alcohol testing.

 Our international operations, which include not only facilities in Mexico, Canada and Colombia but also transportation shipments managed by our specialized service operations, are impacted by a wide variety of U.S. government regulations and applicable international treaties. These include regulations of the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Treasury. Regulations also cover specific commodities, destinations and end-users. Part of our specialized services operations is engaged in the arrangement of imported and exported freight. As such, we are subject to the regulations of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which include significant notice and registration requirements. In various Canadian provinces, we operate transportation services under authority granted by the Ministries of Transportation and Communications.

 Transportation-related regulations are greatly affected by U.S. national security legislation and related regulations. We believe we comply with applicable material regulations and that the costs of regulatory compliance are an ordinary operating cost of our business that we may not be able to recoup from rates charged to customers.

 Environmental Regulation

 We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that focus on, among other things: the emission and discharge of hazardous materials into the environment or their presence at our properties or in our vehicles; fuel storage tanks; transportation of certain materials; and the discharge or retention of storm water. Under specific environmental laws, we could also be held responsible for any costs relating to contamination at our past or present facilities and at third-party waste disposal sites, as well as costs associated with cleanup of accidents involving our vehicles.

 As climate change issues become more prevalent, federal, state and local governments, as well as some of our customers, have made efforts to respond to these issues. This increased focus on sustainability may result in new legislation or regulations and customer requirements that could negatively affect us as we may incur additional costs or be required to make changes to our operations in order to comply with any new regulations or customer requirements. Legislation or regulations that potentially impose restrictions, caps, taxes, or other controls on emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels such as those used in the Company's trucks, could adversely affect our operations and financial results. More specifically, legislative or regulatory actions relating to climate change could adversely impact the Company by increasing our fuel costs and reducing fuel efficiency and could result in the creation of substantial additional capital expenditures and operating costs in the form of taxes, emissions allowances, or required equipment upgrades.

 We believe we are currently in material compliance with applicable laws and regulations and that the cost of compliance has not materially affected results of operations. However, future changes to laws or regulations may adversely affect our operations and could result in unforeseen costs to our business.

 Seasonality

 Generally, demand for our value-added services delivered to existing customers increases during the second calendar quarter of each year as a result of the automotive industry's spring selling season. Conversely, such demand generally decreases during the third quarter of each year due to the impact of scheduled OEM customer plant shutdowns in July for vacations and changeovers in production lines for new model years.

 Our value-added services business is also impacted in the fourth quarter by plant shutdowns during the December holiday period. Prolonged adverse weather conditions, particularly in winter months, can also adversely impact margins due to productivity declines and related challenges meeting customer service requirements.

 Additionally, our transportation services business, excluding dedicated transportation tied to specific customer supply chains, is generally impacted by decreased activity during the post-holiday winter season and, in certain states during hurricane season, because some shippers reduce their shipments and inclement weather impedes trucking operations or underlying customer demand.

 Available Information

 We make available free of charge on or through our website, www.universallogistics.com, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The contents of our website are not incorporated into this filing.

 ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS

 Set forth below, and elsewhere in this Report and in other documents we file with the SEC, are risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this Report or our other filings with the SEC or in oral presentations such as telephone conferences open to the public. You should carefully consider the following factors in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 7 and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes in Item 8.

 Risks Related to Our Industry

 Our business is subject to general economic and business factors that are largely beyond our control, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

 Our business is dependent upon a number of general economic and business factors that may adversely affect our results of operations. These factors include significant increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel prices, excess capacity in the transportation and logistics industry, surpluses in the market for used equipment, interest rates, fuel taxes, license and registration fees, insurance premiums, self-insurance levels, and difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers and independent contractors.

 We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented industry, and our business may suffer if we are unable to adequately address any downward pricing pressures or other factors that may adversely affect our ability to compete with other carriers.

 Further, we are affected by recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers' business cycles, particularly in market segments and industries, such as the automotive industry, where we have a significant concentration of customers. Economic conditions may also adversely affect our customers and their ability to pay for our services.

 Deterioration in the United States and world economies could exacerbate any difficulties experienced by our customers and suppliers in obtaining financing, which, in turn, could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 We operate in the highly competitive and fragmented transportation and logistics industry, and our business may suffer if we are unable to adequately address factors that may adversely affect our revenue and costs relative to our competitors.

 Numerous competitive factors could impair our ability to maintain our current profitability. These factors include the following:

 • we compete with many other truckload carriers and logistics companies of varying sizes, some of which have more equipment, a broader coverage network, a wider range of services and greater capital resources than we do;

 • some of our competitors periodically reduce their rates to gain business, especially during times of reduced growth rates in the economy, which may limit our ability to maintain or increase rates, maintain our operating margins, or maintain significant growth in our business;

 • many customers reduce the number of carriers they use by selecting so-called "core carriers" as approved service providers and, in some instances, we may not be selected;

 • some companies hire lead logistics providers to manage their logistics operations, and these lead logistics providers may hire logistics providers on a non-neutral basis which may reduce the number of business opportunities available to us;

 • many customers periodically accept bids from multiple carriers and providers for their shipping and logistic service needs, and this process may result in the loss of some of our business to competitors and/or price reductions;

 • the trend toward consolidation in the trucking and third-party logistics industries may create other large providers with greater financial resources and other competitive advantages relating to their size and with whom we may have difficulty competing;

 • advances in technology require increased investments to remain competitive, and our customers may not be willing to accept higher rates to cover the cost of these investments;

 • competition from Internet-based and other brokerage companies may adversely affect our relationships with our customers and freight rates;

 • economies of scale that may be passed on to smaller providers by procurement aggregation providers may improve the ability of smaller providers to compete with us;

 • some areas of our service coverage require trucks with engines no older than 2011 in order to comply with environmental rules; and

 • an inability to continue to access capital markets to finance equipment acquisition could put us at a competitive disadvantage.

 We may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in the price and availability of diesel fuel.

 Diesel fuel represents a significant operating expense for the Company, and we do not currently hedge against the risk of diesel fuel price increases. An increase in diesel fuel prices or diesel fuel taxes, or any change in federal or state regulations that results in such an increase, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results to the extent we are unable to recoup such increases from customers in the form of increased freight rates or through fuel surcharges. Historically, we have been able to offset, to a certain extent, diesel fuel price increases through fuel surcharges to our customers, but we cannot be certain that we will be able to do so in the future. We continuously monitor the components of our pricing, including base freight rates and fuel surcharges, and address individual account profitability issues with our customers when necessary. While we have historically been able to adjust our pricing to help offset changes to the cost of diesel fuel through changes to base rates and/or fuel surcharges, we cannot be certain that we will be able to do so in the future.

 Difficulty in attracting drivers could affect our profitability and ability to grow.

 The transportation industry routinely experiences difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers, including independent contractors, resulting in intense competition for drivers. We have from time to time experienced under-utilization and increased expenses due to a shortage of qualified drivers. If we are unable to attract drivers when needed or contract with independent contractors when needed, we could be required to further adjust our driver compensation packages, increase driver recruiting efforts, or let trucks sit idle, any of which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

 Purchase price increases for new revenue equipment and/or decreases in the value of used revenue equipment could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 During the last decade, the purchase price of new revenue equipment has increased significantly as equipment manufacturers recover increased materials costs and engine design costs resulting from compliance with increasingly stringent EPA engine emission standards. Additional EPA emission mandates in the future could result in higher purchase prices of revenue equipment which could result in higher than anticipated depreciation expenses. If we were unable to offset any such increase in expenses with freight rate increases, our cash flows and results of operations could be adversely affected. If the market price for used equipment continues to decline, then we could incur substantial losses upon disposition of our revenue equipment which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 We have significant ongoing capital requirements that could affect our liquidity and profitability if we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations or obtain sufficient financing on favorable terms.

 The transportation and logistics industry is capital intensive. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations in the future, we may have to limit our growth, enter into unfavorable financing arrangements, or operate our revenue equipment for longer periods, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

 We operate in a highly regulated industry and increased costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 The FMCSA and various state and local agencies exercise broad powers over our business, generally governing such activities as authorization to engage in motor carrier operations, drug and alcohol testing, safety and insurance requirements. Our owner-operators must comply with the safety and fitness regulations promulgated by the FMCSA, including those relating to drug and alcohol testing and hours-of-service. There also are regulations specifically relating to the trucking industry, including testing and specifications of equipment and product handling requirements. These measures could disrupt or impede the timing of our deliveries and we may fail to meet the needs of our customers. The cost of complying with these regulatory measures, or any future measures, could have a materially adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

 A determination that independent contractors are employees could expose us to various liabilities and additional costs.

 Federal and state legislators and other regulatory authorities, as well as independent contractors themselves, often seek to assert that independent contractors in the transportation services industry are employees rather than independent contractors. An example of such legislation enacted in California is now enforceable against trucking companies. There can be no assurance that interpretations that support the independent contractor status will not change, that other federal or state legislation will not be enacted or that various authorities will not successfully assert a position that re-classifies independent contractors to be employees. If our independent contractors are determined to be our employees, that determination could materially increase our exposure under a variety of federal and state tax, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, labor, employment and tort laws, as well as our potential liability for employee benefits. In addition, such changes may be applied retroactively, and if so, we may be required to pay additional amounts to compensate for prior periods. Any of the above increased costs would adversely affect our business and operating results.

 We may incur additional operating expenses or liabilities as a result of potential future requirements to address climate change issues.

 Federal, state, and local governments, as well as some of our customers, are beginning to respond to global warming issues. This increased focus on sustainability may result in new legislation or regulations and customer requirements that could negatively affect us as we may incur additional costs or be required to make changes to our operations in order to comply with any new regulations or customer requirements. Legislation or regulations that potentially impose restrictions, caps, taxes, or other controls on emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels such as those used in the Company's trucks, could adversely affect our operations and financial results. More specifically, legislative, or regulatory actions related to climate change could adversely impact the Company by increasing our fuel costs and reducing fuel efficiency and could result in the creation of substantial additional capital expenditures and operating costs in the form of taxes, emissions allowances, or required equipment upgrades. Any of these factors could impair our operating efficiency and productivity and result in higher operating costs. In addition, revenues could decrease if we are unable to meet regulatory or customer sustainability requirements. These additional costs, changes in operations, or loss of revenues could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 Risks Related to Our Business

 Our revenue is largely dependent on North American automotive industry production volume and may be negatively affected by future downturns in North American automobile production.

 A significant portion of our larger customers are concentrated in the North American automotive industry. During 2023, 43% of our revenues were derived from customers in the North American automotive industry. Our business and growth largely depend on continued demand for its services from customers in this industry. Any future downturns in North American automobile production, which also impacts our steel and other metals customers, could similarly affect our revenues in future periods.

 Our business derives a large portion of revenue from a few major customers, and the loss of any one or more of them as customers, or a reduction in their operations, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 A large portion of our revenue is generated from a limited number of major customers concentrated in the automotive, retail and consumer goods, steel and other metals, energy and manufacturing industries. Our top 10 customers accounted for approximately 48% of our operating revenues during 2023. Our contracts with customers generally contain cancellation clauses, and there can be no assurance that these customers will continue to utilize our services or that they will continue at the same levels. Further, there can be no assurance that these customers will not be affected by a future downturn in demand, which would result in a reduction in their operations and corresponding need for our services. Moreover, our customers may individually lose market share, apart from general economic trends. If our major customers lose U.S. market share, they may have less need for services. A reduction in or termination of services by one or more of our major customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 If we are unable to retain our key employees, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be harmed.

 We are highly dependent upon the services of our key employees and executive officers. The loss of any of their services could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future profitability. We must continue to develop and retain a core group of managers if we are to realize our goal of expanding our operations and continuing our growth. We cannot assure that we will be able to do so.

 A significant labor dispute that involves one of our customers or that could otherwise affect our operations could reduce our revenues and harm our profitability.

 Our largest customers employ a substantial number of workers who are members of industrial trade unions, and their employment is subject to the terms of collective bargaining agreements. In 2023, the United Auto Workers conducted a trilateral strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. Although the UAW reached agreements with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, similar such actions in the future could negatively impact our revenue and profitability. A labor dispute involving another supplier to our customers that results in a slowdown or closure of our customers' plants where we provide services could also have a material adverse effect on our business.

 Significant increases in labor costs as a result of the renegotiation of our collective bargaining agreements could be harmful to our business and our profitability.

 As of December 31, 2023, approximately 33% of our employees were members of unions and subject to collective bargaining agreements. Subject to a few exceptions, each of our unionized facilities has a separate agreement with the union that generally represents the workers at only that facility. Any work stoppages or slowdowns by our employees could affect our ability to meet our customers' needs, and customers may do more business with our competitors if they believe that such actions may adversely affect our ability to provide our services. We may face the permanent loss of customers if we are unable to provide uninterrupted services. The terms of our future collective bargaining agreements may also affect our competitive position and results of operations.

 The conflict in the Middle East, or expansion of the conflict to other areas or countries, or similar conflicts in the region could adversely impact our business and financial results.

 We do not have any direct operations in Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank or Gaza, but we may be affected by the broader consequences of the conflict in the Middle East. The potential implications include increased inflation, supply chain disruption, reduced access to parts for our revenue equipment, embargoes, geopolitical shifts, reduced access to diesel fuel, higher energy prices, and other effects on the global economy. The magnitude of these risks cannot be predicted, including the extent to which the conflicts may heighten other risk factors. Ultimately, these factors could materially and adversely affect the results of our operations.

 Ongoing insurance and claims expenses could significantly reduce our earnings and cash flows.

 Our future insurance and claims expenses might exceed historical levels, which could reduce our earnings and cash flows. We are self-insured for health and workers' compensation insurance coverage up to certain limits. If medical costs continue to increase, or if the severity or number of claims increase, and if we are unable to offset the resulting increases in expenses with higher freight rates, our earnings could be materially and adversely affected.

 We face litigation risks that could have a material adverse effect on the operation of our business.

 We face litigation risks regarding a variety of issues, including without limitation, accidents involving our trucks and employees, alleged violations of federal and state labor and employment laws, securities laws, environmental liability, and other matters. These proceedings may be time-consuming, expensive, and disruptive to normal business operations. The defense of such lawsuits could result in significant expense and the diversion of our management's time and attention from the operation of our business. In recent years, several insurance companies have stopped offering coverage to trucking companies as a result of increases in the severity of automobile liability claims and higher costs of settlements and verdicts. Recent jury awards in the trucking industry have reached into the tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars. Trends in such awards, commonly referred to as nuclear verdicts, could adversely affect our ability to obtain suitable insurance coverage or could significantly increase our cost for obtaining such coverage, which would adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows. Costs we incur to defend or to satisfy a judgment or settlement of these claims may not be covered by insurance or could exceed the amount of that coverage or increase our insurance costs and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.

 We have substantial fixed costs and, as a result, our operating income fluctuates disproportionately with changes in our net sales.

 A significant portion of our expenses are fixed costs that neither increase nor decrease proportionately with our sales. There can be no assurance that we would be able to reduce our fixed costs proportionately in response to a decline in our sales; therefore, our competitiveness could be significantly impacted. As a result, a decline in our sales would result in a higher percentage decline in our income from operations and net income.

 Our existing and future indebtedness could limit our flexibility in operating our business or adversely affect our business and our liquidity position.

 We have outstanding indebtedness, and our debt may fluctuate from time to time in the future for various reasons, including changes in the results of our operations, capital expenditures, and potential acquisitions. Our current indebtedness, as well as any future indebtedness, could, among other things:

 • impair our ability to obtain additional future financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, or general corporate expenses;

 • limit our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business due to the necessity of dedicating a substantial portion of these funds for payments on our indebtedness;

 • limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

 • make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations;

 • increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and

 • place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors.

 Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or to refinance, our debt and other obligations will depend on our financial and operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to our ability to implement our strategic initiatives, prevailing economic conditions and certain financial, business, and other factors beyond our control. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service and other obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay expansion plans and capital expenditures, sell material assets or operations, obtain additional capital, or restructure our debt. We cannot provide any assurance that our operating performance, cash flow and capital resources will be sufficient to pay our debt obligations when they become due. We also cannot provide assurance that we would be able to dispose of material assets or operations or restructure our debt or other obligations if necessary or, even if we were able to take such actions, that we could do so on terms that are acceptable to us.

 Disruptions in the credit markets may adversely affect our business, including the availability and cost of short-term funds for liquidity requirements and our ability to meet long-term commitments, which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 If cash from operations is not sufficient, we may be required to rely on the capital and credit markets to meet our financial commitments and short-term liquidity needs. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets, as have been experienced during recent years, could adversely affect our ability to draw on our revolving credit facilities. Our access to funds under the credit facilities is dependent on the ability of banks to meet their funding commitments. A bank may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests from other borrowers within a short period of time.

 Longer term disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation, reduced alternatives, or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to liquidity needed for our business. Any disruption could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged, which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

 Our results of operations may be affected by seasonal factors.

 Our productivity may decrease during the winter season when severe winter weather impedes operations. Also, some shippers may reduce their shipments after the winter holiday season. At the same time, operating expenses may increase, and fuel efficiency may decline due to engine idling during periods of inclement weather. Harsh weather conditions generally also result in higher accident frequency, increased freight claims, and higher equipment repair expenditures. Generally, demand for our value-added services delivered to existing customers increases during the second calendar quarter of each year as a result of the automotive industry's spring selling season and decreases during the third quarter of each year due to the impact of scheduled OEM customer plant shutdowns in July for vacations and changeovers in production lines for new model years. Our value-added services business is also impacted in the fourth quarter by plant shutdowns during the December holiday period.

 Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, the violation of which could result in substantial fines or penalties.

 We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations dealing with the handling of hazardous materials, underground fuel storage tanks, and discharge and retention of storm water. We operate in industrial areas, where truck terminals and other industrial activities are located, and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination could occur. In prior years, we also maintained bulk fuel storage and fuel islands at two of our facilities. Our operations may involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage, environmental damage, and hazardous waste disposal, among others. If we are involved in a spill or other accident involving hazardous substances, or if we are found to be in violation of applicable laws or regulations, it could have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating results. If we fail to comply with applicable environmental regulations, we could be subject to substantial fines or penalties and to civil and criminal liability.

 Our business may be disrupted by natural disasters and severe weather conditions causing supply chain disruptions.

 Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or other adverse weather and climate conditions, whether occurring in the United States or abroad, could disrupt our operations or the operations of our customers or could damage or destroy infrastructure necessary to transport products as part of the supply chain. Specifically, these events may damage or destroy or assets, disrupt fuel supplies, increase fuel costs, disrupt freight shipments or routes, and affect regional economies. As a result, these events could make it difficult or impossible for us to provide logistics and transportation services; disrupt or prevent our ability to perform functions at the corporate level; and/or otherwise impede our ability to continue business operations in a continuous manner consistent with the level and extent of business activities prior to the occurrence of the unexpected event, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations or make our results more volatile.

 Our business may be harmed by public health crises, terrorist attacks, future war, or anti-terrorism measures.

 The rapid or unrestricted spread of a contagious illness such as COVID-19, or the fear of such an event, could significantly disrupt global and domestic supply chains for our customers or result in various travel restrictions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The duration of the current disruption in supply chains, and whether the magnitude of the disruption will change, are currently unknown. In addition, in order to prevent terrorist attacks, federal, state, and municipal authorities have implemented and continue to follow various security measures, including checkpoints and travel restrictions on large trucks. Our international operations in Canada and Mexico may be affected significantly if there are any disruptions or closures of border traffic due to security measures. Such measures may have costs associated with them, which, in connection with the transportation services we provide, we or our owner-operators could be forced to bear. Further, a public health crisis, terrorist attack, war, or risk of such an event also may have an adverse effect on the economy. A decline in economic activity could adversely affect our revenue or restrict our future growth. Instability in the financial markets as a result of a health pandemic, terrorism or war also could affect our ability to raise capital. In addition, the insurance premiums charged for some or all of the coverage currently maintained by us could increase dramatically or such coverage could be unavailable in the future.

 We may be unable to successfully integrate the businesses we acquire into our operations.

 Integrating acquired companies may involve unanticipated delays, costs or other operational or financial problems. Successful integration of the businesses we acquire depends on a number of factors, including our ability to transition acquired companies to our management information systems. In integrating acquired businesses, we may not achieve expected economies of scale or profitability or realize sufficient revenues to justify our investment. We also face the risk that an unexpected problem at one of the acquired companies will require substantial time and attention from senior management, diverting management's attention from other aspects of our business. We cannot be certain that our management and operational controls will be able to support us as we grow.

 Our information technology systems are subject to certain cyber risks and disasters that are beyond our control.

 We depend heavily on the proper functioning and availability of our information, communications, and data processing systems, including operating and financial reporting systems, in operating our business. Our systems and those of our technology and communications providers are vulnerable to interruptions caused by natural disasters, power loss, telecommunication and internet failures, cyber-attack, and other events beyond our control. Accordingly, information security and the continued development and enhancement of the controls and processes designed to protect our systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority for us.

 We have been, and in the future may be, subject to cybersecurity and malware attacks and other intentional hacking. Any failure to identify and address or to prevent a cyber- or malware-attack could result in service interruptions, operational difficulties, loss of revenues or market share, liability to our customers or others, the diversion of corporate resources, injury to our reputation and increased service and maintenance costs.

 Although our information systems are protected through physical and software security as well as redundant backup systems, they remain susceptible to cyber security risks. Some of our software systems are utilized by third parties who provide outsourced processing services which may increase the risk of a cyber-security incident. We have invested and continue to invest in technology security initiatives, employee training, information technology risk management and disaster recovery plans. The development and maintenance of these measures is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures become increasingly more sophisticated. Despite our efforts, we are not fully insulated from data breaches, technology disruptions or data loss, which could adversely impact our competitiveness and results of operations.

 Any future successful cyber-attack or catastrophic natural disaster could significantly affect our operating and financial systems and could temporarily disrupt our ability to provide required services to our customers, impact our ability to manage our operations and perform vital financial processes, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

 We are subject to certain risks arising from doing business in Mexico.

 As we continue to grow our business in Mexico, we are subject to greater risks of doing business internationally. Those risks include but are not limited to the following:

 • Fluctuations in foreign currencies;

 • changes in the economic strength of Mexico;

 • difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations and intellectual property rights;

 • burdens of complying with a wide variety of international and U.S. export and import laws; and

 • social, political, and economic instability.

 We also face additional risks associated with our business in Mexico, including but not limited to the following:

 • The adoption and enforcement of restrictive trade policies;

 • the imposition of any import or export tariffs, taxes, duties, or fees;

 • the safety and security of our employees and independent contractors, and the potential theft or vandalism of our revenue equipment; and

 • potential disruptions or delays at border crossings due to immigration-related issues or other factors.

 If we are unable to address business concerns related to our Mexican operations in a timely and cost-efficient manner, our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows could be adversely affected.

 Risks Related to Our Common Stock

 Our public shareholders may have limited influence over our significant corporate actions.

 Matthew T. Moroun, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, is the trustee of certain family trusts that collectively own greater than 50% of our outstanding shares. In this capacity, Mr. Moroun holds investment power over the shares in the family trusts. Frederick P. Calderone, a member of our Board of Directors, is the special trustee of the family trusts and, in that capacity, he exercises voting authority over the shares in the family trusts. The special trustee serves at the discretion of the trustee of the trusts, and members of the Moroun family are the beneficiaries of the trusts. Votes cast on behalf of the family trusts control any action requiring the general approval of our shareholders, including the election of our board of directors, the adoption of amendments to our articles of incorporation and bylaws, and the approval of any merger or sale of substantially all of our assets. This concentration of ownership could also limit the price that some investors might be willing to pay for shares of our common stock.

 The interests of our controlling shareholders may conflict with those of the Company and our other shareholders.

 The interests of the Moroun family trusts could conflict with the interests of Universal or our other shareholders. For example, the concentration of ownership in the trusts could delay, defer, or prevent a change of control of the Company that may otherwise be favorable to the Company and our other shareholders. The votes cast on behalf of the family trusts could also result in our entry into transactions or agreements that our other shareholders do not approve. Our controlling shareholders might also refrain from voting in favor of a transaction that would result in our other shareholders receiving consideration for our common stock that is much higher than its then-current market price. Any such decisions that may be made in the future by our controlling shareholders will be in their absolute discretion, subject to applicable laws and fiduciary duties.

 Because we are a "controlled company" under NASDAQ rules, we are not subject to certain corporate governance standards that apply to other publicly traded companies.

 The NASDAQ rules state that a controlled company is one in which more than 50% of the voting power is held by another person or group of persons acting together. A controlled company may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including:

 • a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors;

 • a nominating and corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities; and

 • the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities.

 We are a controlled company under these rules, and these requirements will not apply to us as long as we retain that status. Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of NASDAQ.

 Our stock trading volume may not provide adequate liquidity for investors.

 Although shares of our common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market, the average daily trading volume in our common stock is less than that of other larger transportation and logistics companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of a sufficient number of willing buyers and sellers of the common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the daily average trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of the common stock in a brief period of time, or the expectation of these sales, could cause a decline in the price of our common stock. Additionally, low trading volumes may limit a shareholder's ability to sell shares of our common stock.

 Our ability to pay regular dividends on our common stock is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, any covenants included in our credit facilities any legal or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant.

 We have adopted a cash dividend policy which anticipates a total annual dividend of $0.42 per share of common stock. However, the payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend, among other things, on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, any covenants included in our credit facilities, any legal or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors the Board of Directors deem relevant. As a consequence of these limitations and restrictions, we may not be able to make, or may have to reduce or eliminate, the payment of dividends on our common stock. Any change in the level of our dividends or the suspension of the payment thereof could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 Our articles of incorporation and bylaws have, and under Michigan law are subject to, provisions that could deter or prevent a change of control.

 Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that might enable our management to resist a proposed takeover of our Company. These provisions could discourage, delay, or prevent a change of control of our Company or an acquisition of our Company at a price that our shareholders may find attractive. These provisions also may discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for our shareholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. The existence of these provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions include:

 • a requirement that special meetings of our shareholders may be called only by our Board of Directors, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, our Chief Executive Officer, or the holders of a majority of our outstanding common stock;

 • advance notice requirements for shareholder proposals and nominations;

 • the authority of our Board of Directors to issue, without shareholder approval, preferred stock with such terms as the Board of Directors may determine, including in connection with our implementation of any shareholders rights plan; and

 • an exclusive forum bylaw provision requiring that any derivative action brought on behalf of the corporation, any action asserting a claim of breach of a legal or fiduciary duty and any similar claim under the Michigan Business Corporation Act or our articles of incorporation must be brought exclusively in the Circuit Court of the County of Macomb in the State of Michigan or the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division.

 In addition, certain provisions of Michigan law that apply to us could discourage or prevent a change of control or acquisition of our Company.

 Ineffective internal control over financial reporting could result in errors in our financial statements, reduce investor confidence, and adversely impact our stock price.

 As discussed in Part II, Item 9A "Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting" later in this report, in the fourth quarter of 2023, we identified a material weakness in controls in place to identify potential data-entry errors related to our contracted rates and quantities and their associated invoices and amounts recorded as unbilled revenue. We are in the process of remediating the material weakness, but our efforts may not be successful. To remediate the material weakness, we plan to modify our policies and procedures for the timely review and approval of those contracted rates that are entered into the system, add a monitoring control that requires a secondary review of all contracted rates entered into the system to ensure they are being reviewed timely and entered accurately, and enhance the controls associated with invoices to ensure they reflect contracted rates. If we are unable to remediate the material weakness in an appropriate and timely manner, or if we identify additional control deficiencies that individually or together constitute significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, our ability to accurately record, process, and report financial information and consequently, our ability to prepare financial statements within required time periods, could be adversely affected. Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in violations of applicable securities laws, stock exchange listing requirements, and the covenants under our debt agreements, subject us to litigation and investigations, negatively affect investor confidence in our financial statements, and adversely impact our stock price and ability to access capital markets.

 ITEM 1B: UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 None.

 ITEM 1C: CYBERSECURITY

 Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy

 We have developed and implemented a cybersecurity risk management program intended to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our critical systems and information.

 We design and assess our program based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF and AI Risk Management Framework). This does not mean that we meet any particular technical standards, specifications, or requirements, but only that we use the NIST CSF as a guide to help us identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks relevant to our business.

 Information about cybersecurity risks and our risk management processes is collected, analyzed and considered as part of our overall enterprise risk management program.

 Key components of our cybersecurity risk management program include:

 • risk assessments designed to help identify cybersecurity risks to our critical systems, information, services, and our broader enterprise IT environment;

 • a security team principally responsible for managing (1) our cybersecurity risk assessment processes, (2) our security controls, and (3) our response to cybersecurity incidents;

 • the use of external service providers, where appropriate, to assess, test or otherwise assist with aspects of our security processes;

 • cybersecurity awareness training of our employees, incident response personnel and senior management; and

 • a cybersecurity incident response plan that includes procedures for responding to cybersecurity incidents.

 At this time, we have not identified risks from known cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any prior cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected us, including our operations, business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. We face certain ongoing risks from cybersecurity threats that, if realized, are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our operations, business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. For an additional discussion of certain risks associated with cybersecurity see Item 1A, "Risk Factors" above.

 Cybersecurity Governance

 Our Board considers cybersecurity risk as part of its risk oversight function and has delegated to the Audit Committee oversight of cybersecurity and other information technology risks. The Audit Committee oversees management's implementation of our cybersecurity risk management program. The Audit Committee receives quarterly reports from management on our cybersecurity risks. In addition, management updates the Audit Committee, as necessary, regarding any significant cybersecurity incidents. The Audit Committee reports to the full Board regarding its activities, including those related to cybersecurity, and the full Board also receives a periodic briefing from management on our cyber risk management program.

 Our Cybersecurity team, led by our Manager of Information Security, is responsible for assessing and managing our material risks from cybersecurity threats. The team is led by individuals who, on a combined basis, have more than 20 years of IT and cybersecurity related experience across multiple industries. Our Manager of Information Security has primary responsibility for our overall cybersecurity risk management program and supervises both our internal cybersecurity personnel and any retained external cybersecurity consultants.

 Our Cybersecurity team is informed about and monitors the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity risks and incidents through various means, which may include, among other things, briefings with internal security personnel, threat intelligence and other information obtained from governmental, public or private sources, including external consultants engaged by us, and alerts and reports produced by security tools deployed in our IT environment.

 ITEM 2: PROPERTIES

 We are headquartered and maintain our corporate administrative offices in Warren, Michigan. We own our corporate administrative offices, as well as 23 terminal yards and other properties in the following locations: Dearborn, Michigan; Romulus, Michigan; Compton, California; Riverside, California; Jacksonville, Florida; Garden City, Georgia; Savannah, Georgia; Harvey, Illinois; Gary, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; Albany, Missouri; South Kearny, New Jersey; Cleveland, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Reading, Ohio; York County, Pennsylvania; Wall, Pennsylvania; Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; Memphis, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; Cloverdale, Virginia; and Clearfield, Utah.

 As of December 31, 2023, we also leased 87 operating, terminal and yard, and administrative facilities in various U.S. cities located in 22 states, in Windsor, Ontario; and in Monterrey, Mexico; Saltillo, Mexico; and San Luis Potos, Mexico. Generally, our facilities are utilized by our operating segments for various administrative, transportation-related or value-added services. We also deliver value-added services under our contract logistics segment inside or linked to 38 facilities provided by customers. Certain of our leased facilities are leased from entities controlled by our majority shareholders. These facilities are leased on either a month-to-month basis or extended terms. For more information on our lease arrangements, see Part II, Item 8: Notes 10, 12 and 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 The Company is involved in certain other claims and pending litigation arising from the ordinary conduct of business. We also provide accruals for claims within our self-insured retention amounts. Based on the knowledge of the facts, and in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, in the Company's opinion the resolution of these claims and pending litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, if we experience claims that are not covered by our insurance or that exceed our estimated claim reserve, it could increase the volatility of our earnings and have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 Not applicable.

 ITEM 5: MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 Market Information

 Our common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol ULH.

 As of March 4, 2024, there were approximately 50 record holders of our common stock, based upon data available to us from our transfer agent. We believe, however, that we have a significantly greater number of shareholders because a substantial number of our common shares are held at the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation on behalf of our shareholders.

 Dividends

 We have a cash dividend policy that anticipates a regular dividend of $0.42 per share of common stock, payable in quarterly increments of $0.105 per share of common stock. In addition, under our current dividend policy, after considering the regular quarterly dividends made during the year, the Board of Directors also evaluates the potential declaration of an annual special dividend payable in the first quarter of each year. The Board of Directors did not declare a special dividend in the first quarter of 2024.

 Currently, we anticipate continuing to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis, but we cannot guarantee that such dividends will be paid in the future. Future dividend policy and the payment of dividends, if any, will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of circumstances then existing, including our earnings, financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.

 Limitations on our ability to pay dividends are described under the section captioned "Liquidity and Capital Resources – Revolving Credit, Promissory Notes and Term Loan Agreements" in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

 Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 See Part III, Item 12, "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters" of this Annual Report for a presentation of compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance.

 Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

 On July 29, 2021, the Company announced that it had been authorized to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock from time to time in the open market. As of December 31, 2023, 513,251 shares remain available under this authorization. No specific expiration date has been assigned to the authorization.

 There were no purchases of our equity securities by or on behalf of us or any affiliated purchaser within the fourth quarter of 2023.

 Performance Graph

 The graph below matches Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.'s cumulative 5-year total shareholder return on common stock with the cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite index and the NASDAQ Transportation index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each index (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2023.

 12/31/2018

 12/31/2019

 12/31/2020

 12/31/2021

 12/31/2022

 12/31/2023

 Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.

 100.00

 107.96

 118.61

 110.74

 199.29

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 ITEM 6: RESERVED

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

 Overview

 Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc. is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide a variety of customized transportation and logistics solutions throughout the United States and in Mexico, Canada and Colombia. Our operating subsidiaries provide a comprehensive suite of transportation and logistics solutions that allow our customers to reduce costs and manage their global supply chains more efficiently. We market our services through a direct sales and marketing network focused on selling our portfolio of services to large customers in specific industry sectors, through company-managed facilities and full-service freight forwarding and customs house brokerage offices, and through a contract network of agents who solicit freight business directly from shippers.

 We operate, manage or provide services at 121 logistics locations in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Colombia and through our network of agents and owner-operators located throughout the United States and in Ontario, Canada. Thirty-eight of our value-added service operations are located inside customer plants or distribution operations; the other facilities are generally located close to our customers' plants to optimize the efficiency of their component supply chains and production processes. Our facilities and services are often directly integrated into the production processes of our customers and represent a critical piece of their supply chains. To support our flexible business model, we generally coordinate the duration of real estate leases associated with our value-added services with the end date of the related customer contract associated with such facility, or use month-to-month leases, in order to mitigate exposure to unrecovered lease costs.

 We offer our customers a wide range of transportation services by utilizing a diverse fleet of tractors and trailing equipment provided by us, our owner-operators and third-party transportation companies. Our owner-operators provided us with 1,766 tractors and 950 trailers. We own 2,284 tractors, 4,434 trailers, 3,494 chassis and 108 containers. Our agents and owner-operators are independent contractors who earn a fixed commission calculated as a percentage of the revenue or gross profit they generate for us and who bring an entrepreneurial spirit to our business. Our transportation services are provided through a network of both union and non-union employee drivers, owner-operators, contract drivers, and third-party transportation companies.

 As of December 31, 2023, we employed 9,311 people in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Colombia, including 3,038 employees subject to collective bargaining agreements. We also engaged contract staffing vendors to supply an average of 450 additional personnel on a full-time-equivalent basis.

 Our use of agents and owner-operators allows us to maintain both a highly flexible cost structure and a scalable business operation, while reducing investment requirements. These benefits are passed on to our customers in the form of cost savings and increased operating efficiency, while enhancing our cash generation and the returns on our invested capital and assets.

 We believe that our flexible business model also offers us substantial opportunities to grow through a mixture of organic growth and acquisitions. We intend to continue our organic growth by recruiting new agents and owner-operators, expanding into new industry verticals and targeting further penetration of our key customers. We believe our integrated suite of transportation and logistics services, our network of facilities in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Colombia, our long-term customer relationships and our reputation for operational excellence will allow us to capitalize on these growth opportunities. We also expect to continue to make strategic acquisitions of companies that complement our business model, as well as companies that derive a portion of their revenues from asset based operations.

 We report our financial results in four distinct reportable segments, contract logistics, intermodal, trucking, and company-managed brokerage. Operations aggregated in our contract logistics segment deliver value-added and/or dedicated transportation services to support in-bound logistics to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and major retailers on a contractual basis, generally pursuant to terms of one year or longer. Our intermodal segment is associated with local and regional drayage moves predominately coordinated by company-managed terminals using a mix of owner-operators, company equipment and third-party capacity providers (broker carriers). Operations aggregated in our trucking segment are associated with individual freight shipments coordinated by our agents and company-managed terminals using a mix of owner-operators, company equipment and broker carriers. Our company-managed brokerage segment provides for the pick-up and delivery of individual freight shipments using broker carriers, coordinated by our company-managed operations.

 Current Economic Conditions

 As a leading provider of customized freight transportation and logistics solutions, our business can be impacted to varying degrees by factors beyond our control. The COVID-19 virus that emerged in 2020 affected economic activity broadly and customer sectors served by our industry. Labor and equipment shortages continue to present challenges to many transportation-related industries. Disruptions in supply chains for industrial materials and supplies have impacted some of the end-market activities that create demand for our services, and a significant labor dispute involving one or more of our customers could reduce our revenues and harm our profitability. We cannot predict how long these dynamics will last, or whether future challenges, if any, will adversely affect our results of operations.

 Additionally, economic inflation can have a negative impact on our operating costs, and any economic recession could depress activity levels and adversely affect our results of operations. A prolonged period of inflationary pressures could cause interest rates, equipment, maintenance, labor and other operating costs to continue to increase. If the Company is unable to offset rising costs through corresponding customer rate increases, such increases could adversely affect our results of operations. However, the pricing environment generally becomes more competitive during economic downturns, which may, as it has in the past, affect our ability to obtain price increases from customers both during and following such periods. Also, an economic recession could depress customer demand for transportation services.

 Factors Affecting Our Revenues

 Operating Revenues. We generate substantially all of our revenues through fees charged to customers for the transportation of freight and for the customized logistics services we provide. We also derive revenue from fuel surcharges, where separately identifiable, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention, container management and storage and other related services. Operations in our intermodal, trucking and company-managed brokerage segments are associated with individual freight shipments coordinated by our agents and company-managed terminals. In contrast, our contract logistics segment delivers value-added services and/or transportation services to specific customers on a dedicated basis, generally pursuant to contract terms of one year or longer. Our segments are further distinguished by the amount of forward visibility we have into pricing and volumes, and also by the extent to which we dedicate resources and company-owned equipment. Fees charged to customers by our full service international freight forwarding and customs house brokerage are based on the specific means of forwarding or delivering freight on a shipment-by-shipment basis.

 Our truckload, intermodal and brokerage revenues are primarily influenced by fluctuations in freight volumes and shipping rates. The main factors that affect these are competition, available truck capacity, and economic market conditions. Our value-added and dedicated transportation business is substantially driven by the level of demand for outsourced logistics services. Major factors that affect our revenues include changes in manufacturing supply chain requirements, production levels in specific industries, pricing trends due to levels of competition and resource costs in logistics and transportation, and economic market conditions.

 We recognize revenue as control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for its services. For our transportation services businesses, which include truckload, brokerage, intermodal and dedicated services, revenue is recognized over time as the performance obligations on the in-transit services are completed. For the Company's value-added service businesses, we have elected to use the "right to invoice" practical expedient, reflecting that a customer obtains the benefit associated with value-added services as they are provided. For additional information on revenue recognition, see Item 8, Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 Factors Affecting Our Expenses

 Purchased transportation and equipment rent. Purchased transportation and equipment rent represents the amounts we pay to our owner-operators or other third party equipment providers to haul freight and, to the extent required to deliver certain logistics services, the cost of equipment leased under short-term contracts from third parties. The amount of the purchased transportation we pay to our owner-operators is primarily based on contractually agreed-upon rates for each load hauled, net of any rental income we receive by leasing our trailers to owner-operators. The expense also includes the amount of fuel surcharges, where separately identifiable, that we receive from our customers and pass through to our owner-operators. Our strategy is to maintain a highly flexible business model that employs a cost structure that is mostly variable in nature. As a result, purchased transportation and equipment rent is the largest component of our costs and increases or decreases proportionately with changes in the amount of revenue generated by our owner-operators and other third party providers and with the production volumes of our customers. We recognize purchased transportation and equipment rent as the services are provided.

 Direct personnel and related benefits. Direct personnel and related benefits include the salaries, wages and fringe benefits of our employees, as well as costs related to contract labor utilized in selling and operating activities. These costs are a significant component of our cost structure and increase or decrease proportionately with the expansion, addition or closing of operating facilities. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 33% of our employees were subject to collective bargaining agreements. Any changes in union agreements will affect our personnel and related benefits cost. The operations in the United States, Mexico and Canada that are subject to collective bargaining agreements have separate, individualized agreements with several different unions that represent employees in these operations. While there are some facilities with multiple unions, each collective bargaining agreement with each union covers a single facility for that union. Such agreements have expiration dates that are generally independent of other collective bargaining agreements and include economics and operating terms tailored to the specific operational requirements of a customer. Our operation in Mexico provides competitive compensation within the Mexican statutory framework for managerial and supervisory personnel.

 Operating supplies and expenses. These expenses include items such as fuel, tires and parts repair items primarily related to the maintenance of company owned and leased tractors, trailers and lift equipment, as well as licenses, dock supplies, communication, utilities, operating taxes and other general operating expenses. Because we maintain a flexible business model, our operating expenses generally relate to equipment utilization, fluctuations in customer demand and the related impact on our operating capacity. Our transportation services provided by company owned equipment depend on the availability and pricing of diesel fuel. Although we often include fuel surcharges in our billing to customers to offset increases in fuel costs, other operating costs have been, and may continue to be, impacted by fluctuating fuel prices. We recognize these expenses as they are incurred and the related income as it is earned.

 Commission expense. Commission expense represents the amount we pay our agents for generating shipments on our behalf. The commissions we pay to our agents are generally established through informal oral agreements and are based on a percentage of revenue or gross profit generated by each load hauled. Traditionally, commission expense increases or decreases in proportion to the revenues generated through our agents. We recognize commission expense at the time we recognize the associated revenue.

 Occupancy expense. Occupancy expense includes all costs related to the lease and tenancy of terminals and operating facilities, except utilities, unless such costs are otherwise covered by our customers. Although occupancy expense is generally related to fluctuations in overall customer demand, our contracting and pricing strategies help mitigate the cost impact of changing production volumes. To minimize potential exposure to inactive or underutilized facilities that are dedicated to a single customer, we strive where possible to enter into lease agreements that are coterminous with individual customer contracts, and we seek contract pricing terms that recover fixed occupancy costs, regardless of production volume. Occupancy expense may also include certain lease termination and related occupancy costs that are accelerated for accounting purposes into the fiscal year in which such a decision was implemented.

 General and administrative expense. General and administrative expense includes the salaries, wages and benefits of administrative personnel, related support costs, taxes (other than income and property taxes), adjustments due to foreign currency transactions, bad debt expense, and other general expenses, including gains or losses on the sale or disposal of assets. These expenses are generally not directly related to levels of operating activity and may contain other expenses related to general business operations. We recognize general and administrative expense when it is incurred.

 Insurance and claims. Insurance and claims expense represents our insurance premiums and the accruals we make for claims within our self-insured retention amounts. Our insurance premiums are generally calculated based on a mixture of a percentage of line-haul revenue and the size of our fleet. Our accruals have primarily related to cargo and property damage claims. We may also make accruals for personal injuries and property damage to third parties, physical damage to our equipment, general liability and workers' compensation claims if we experience a claim in excess of our insurance coverage. To reduce our exposure to non-trucking use liability claims (claims incurred while the vehicle is being operated without a trailer attached or is being operated with an attached trailer which does not contain or carry any cargo), we require our owner-operators to maintain non-trucking use liability coverage, which the industry refers to as deadhead bobtail coverage, of $2.0 million per occurrence. Our exposure to liability associated with accidents incurred by other third party providers who haul freight on our behalf is reduced by various factors including the extent to which they maintain their own insurance coverage. Our insurance expense varies primarily based upon the frequency and severity of our accident experience, insurance rates, our coverage limits and our self-insured retention amounts.

 Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense relates primarily to the depreciation of owned tractors, trailers, computer and operating equipment, and buildings as well as the amortization of the intangible assets recorded for our acquired customer contracts and customer and agent relationships. We estimate the salvage value and useful lives of depreciable assets based on current market conditions and experience with past dispositions.

 Operating Revenues

 For financial reporting, we broadly group our services into the following categories: truckload services, brokerage services, intermodal services, dedicated services and value-added services. Our truckload, brokerage and intermodal services are associated with individual freight shipments coordinated by our agents and company-managed terminals, while our dedicated and value-added services are provided to specific customers on a contractual basis, generally pursuant to contract terms of one year or longer. The following table sets forth operating revenues resulting from each of these service categories for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, presented as a percentage of total operating revenues:

 Years ended December 31,

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Operating revenues:

 Truckload services

 12.9

 %

 11.4

 %

 14.2

 %

 Brokerage services

 14.7

 18.3

 22.9

 Intermodal services

 22.5

 29.4

 27.0

 Dedicated services

 20.7

 16.1

 11.7

 Value-added services

 29.2

 24.8

 24.2

 Total operating revenues

 100.0

 %

 100.0

 %

 100.0

 %

 Results of Operations

 2023 Compared to 2022

 The following table sets forth items derived from our Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

 2023

 2022

 Percent Change in Dollar Amount

 (Dollars in millions)

 $

 %

 $

 %

 %

 Operating revenues

 $

 100.0

 %

 $

 100.0

 %

 (17.5

)%

 Operating expenses:

 Purchased transportation and equipment rent

 571,213

 34.4

 847,414

 42.0

 (32.6

)

 Direct personnel and related benefits

 542,779

 32.7

 520,263

 25.8

 4.3

 Operating supplies and expenses

 170,994

 10.3

 177,440

 8.8

 (3.6

)

 Commission expense

 31,370

 1.9

 40,288

 2.0

 (22.1

)

 Occupancy expense

 44,301

 2.7

 41,286

 2.0

 7.3

 General and administrative

 51,839

 3.1

 48,924

 2.4

 6.0

 Insurance and claims

 27,163

 1.6

 22,749

 1.1

 19.4

 Depreciation and amortization

 77,036

 4.6

 3.8

 0.5

 Total operating expenses

 1,516,695

 91.2

 1,775,021

 88.1

 (14.6

)

 Income from operations

 145,444

 8.8

 11.9

 (39.5

)

 Interest (expense), net

 (22,753

)

 (1.4

)

 (16,156

)

 (0.8

)

 40.8

 Other non-operating income

 1,608

 0.1

 1,143

 0.1

 40.7

 Income before income taxes

 124,299

 7.5

 225,422

 11.2

 (44.9

)

 Income tax expense

 31,398

 1.9

 56,790

 2.8

 (44.7

)

 $

 5.6

 %

 $

 8.4

 %

 (44.9

)%

 Operating revenues. The decrease in operating revenues was primarily due to decreased rates and volumes in our transactional transportation-related services, which includes truckload, brokerage, and intermodal services. Operating revenues included separately identified fuel surcharges of $118.3 million in 2023, compared to $168.6 million in 2022. Also included in operating revenues were other accessorial charges such as detention, demurrage and storage, which totaled $58.1 million during 2023 compared to $123.6 million one year earlier.

 Purchased transportation and equipment rent. Purchased transportation and equipment rent generally increases or decreases in proportion to the revenues generated through owner-operators and other third party providers. These fluctuations are generally correlated with changes in demand for transactional transportation-related services. The absolute decrease in purchased transportation and equipment rental costs was primarily the result of an overall decrease in transactional transportation-related services. In 2023, transactional transportation-related service revenues decreased 30.1% compared to the prior year.

 Direct personnel and related benefits. Trends in direct personnel and benefit costs are generally correlated with changes in operating facilities and headcount requirements and, therefore, fluctuate correspondingly with the level of demand for our staffing needs in our contract logistics segment, which includes value-added services and dedicated transportation, as well as the use of employee drivers in certain of our intermodal operations. The increase was due to the launch of new business wins and robust volumes experienced at our contract logistics operations during 2023. While generalizations about the impact of personnel and related benefits costs are difficult, we manage compensation and staffing levels, including the use of contract labor, to maintain target economics based on near-term projections of demand for our services.

 Operating supplies and expenses. Operating supplies and expenses include items such as fuel, maintenance, cost of materials, communications, utilities and other operating expenses, and generally relate to fluctuations in customer demand. The main element driving the change was a decrease in other operating expenses including professional fees and bad debt expense. This was partially offset by an increase in vehicle and other maintenance.

 Commission expense. Commission expense decreased due to decreased revenue in our agency-based truckload business and decreased revenue from our intermodal agents.

 Occupancy expense. The increase in occupancy expense was attributable to an increase in building rents and property taxes.

 General and administrative. The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily due to an increase in salaries and wages as well as professional fees.

 Insurance and claims. The increase in insurance and claims expense was primarily due to a decrease in owner operator insurance deductions primarily related to the conversion of drivers in California to employees and an increase in auto liability insurance and claims expense. This was partially offset by a decrease in cargo claims. 2022 also included a $3.0 million credit to insurance and claims expense resulting from the favorable settlement of certain auto liability claims.

 Depreciation and amortization. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense resulted from a $2.1 million increase in depreciation expense and was partially offset by a $1.7 million decrease in amortization expense. During 2022, Universal revised the estimated useful life and salvage value of certain equipment, and these adjustments resulted in additional depreciation expense of $9.7 million in 2022.

 Interest expense, net. The increase in net interest expense reflects an increase in our outstanding borrowings as well as an increase in interest rates on our outstanding borrowings. As of December 31, 2023, our outstanding borrowings were $386.4 million compared to $382.9 million at December 31, 2022.

 Other non-operating income (expense). Other non-operating income increased by $0.5 million in 2023 and included $0.2 million in realized gain on sales of marketable securities during the year.

 Income tax expense. Our effective income tax rate was 25.3% in 2023 compared to 25.2% last year. The decrease in income taxes is primarily the result of a decrease in taxable income.

 2022 Compared to 2021

 The following table sets forth items derived from our Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:

 2022

 2021

 Percent Change in Dollar Amount

 (Dollars in millions)

 $

 %

 $

 %

 %

 Operating revenues

 $

 100.0

 %

 $

 100.0

 %

 15.1

 %

 Operating expenses:

 Purchased transportation and equipment rent

 847,414

 42.0

 824,789

 47.1

 2.7

 Direct personnel and related benefits

 520,263

 25.8

 454,256

 25.9

 14.5

 Operating supplies and expenses

 177,440

 8.8

 149,394

 8.5

 18.8

 Commission expense

 40,288

 2.0

 33,894

 1.9

 18.9

 Occupancy expense

 41,286

 2.0

 37,286

 2.1

 10.7

 General and administrative

 48,924

 2.4

 42,035

 2.4

 16.4

 Insurance and claims

 22,749

 1.1

 38,829

 2.2

 (41.4

)

 Depreciation and amortization

 3.8

 67,537

 3.9

 13.5

 Total operating expenses

 1,775,021

 88.1

 1,648,020

 94.1

 7.7

 Income from operations

 11.9

 102,960

 5.9

 133.5

 Interest (expense), net

 (16,156

)

 (0.8

)

 (11,599

)

 (0.7

)

 39.3

 Other non-operating income

 1,143

 0.1

 7,220

 0.4

 (84.2

)

 Income before income taxes

 225,422

 11.2

 98,581

 5.6

 128.7

 Income tax expense

 56,790

 2.8

 24,848

 1.4

 128.5

 $

 8.4

 %

 $

 4.2

 %

 128.7

 %

 Operating revenues. The increase in operating revenues was primarily due to robust volumes in our contract logistics segment and increased rates in our transactional transportation-related services, which includes truckload, brokerage, and intermodal services. Operating revenues included separately identified fuel surcharges of $168.6 million in 2022, compared to $96.9 million in 2021. Also included in operating revenues were other accessorial charges such as detention, demurrage and storage, which totaled $123.6 million during 2022 compared to $84.9 million one year earlier.

 Purchased transportation and equipment rent. Purchased transportation and equipment rent generally increases or decreases in proportion to the revenues generated through owner-operators and other third party providers. These fluctuations are generally correlated with changes in demand for transactional transportation-related services. The absolute increase in purchased transportation and equipment rental costs was primarily the result of an overall increase in transactional transportation-related services. In 2022, transactional transportation-related service revenues increased 14.2% compared to 2021.

 Direct personnel and related benefits. Trends in direct personnel and benefit costs are generally correlated with changes in operating facilities and headcount requirements and, therefore, fluctuate correspondingly with the level of demand for our staffing needs in our contract logistics segment, which includes value-added services and dedicated transportation, as well as the use of employee drivers in certain of our intermodal operations. The increase was due to the launch of new business wins and robust volumes experienced at our contract logistics operations during 2022. While generalizations about the impact of personnel and related benefits costs are difficult, we manage compensation and staffing levels, including the use of contract labor, to maintain target economics based on near-term projections of demand for our services.

 Operating supplies and expenses. Operating supplies and expenses include items such as fuel, maintenance, cost of materials, communications, utilities and other operating expenses, and generally relate to fluctuations in customer demand. The main elements driving the change were increases in fuel expense on company tractors, vehicle and other maintenance, and bad debt expense. These were partially offset by decreases in other operating expenses including professional fees and travel and entertainment expense. Other operating expenses included $5.8 million of previously disclosed legal matters in 2021.

 Commission expense. Commission expense increased due to increased revenue from both our agency based truckload business and our intermodal agents.

 Occupancy expense. The increase in occupancy expense was attributable to an increase in building rents and property taxes.

 General and administrative. The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily attributable to an increase in salaries, wages, and benefits.

 Insurance and claims. The decrease in insurance and claims was attributable to decreases in auto liability insurance premiums and claims expense and in cargo and service failure claims. Our 2022 insurance and claims included a $3.0 million credit resulting from the favorable settlement of certain auto liability claims during the period. Included in insurance and claims expense in 2021 were $6.0 million related to previously disclosed items.

 Depreciation and amortization. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense resulted from an $8.6 million increase in depreciation expense and a $0.5 million increase in amortization expense. During 2022, Universal revised the estimated useful life and salvage value of certain equipment, and these adjustments resulted in additional depreciation expense of $9.7 million during the period.

 Interest expense, net. The increase in net interest expense reflects an increase in interest rates partially offset by a decrease in our outstanding borrowings. As of December 31, 2022, our outstanding borrowings totaled $382.9 million compared to $428.4 million at the same time in 2021.

 Other non-operating income. Other non-operating income for 2022 includes a $1.0 million pre-tax holding gain on marketable securities due to changes in fair value recognized in income. Other non-operating income for 2021 includes a $5.7 million pre-tax gain from a favorable legal settlement and a $1.5 million pre-tax holding gain on marketable securities due to changes in fair value recognized in income.

 Income tax expense. Our effective tax rate was 25.2% in both 2022 and 2021. The increase in income taxes in 2022 is the result of an increase in taxable income.

 Segment Financial Results

 We report our financial results in four distinct reportable segments: contract logistics, intermodal, trucking, and company-managed brokerage, which are based primarily on the services each segment provides. This presentation reflects the manner in which management evaluates our operating segments, including an evaluation of economic characteristics and applicable aggregation criteria.

 The following tables summarize information about our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

 Operating Revenues

 2023

 2022

 2021

 $

 829,574

 $

 823,934

 $

 627,220

 374,667

 591,946

 473,059

 333,211

 392,639

 403,312

 119,741

 200,536

 242,794

 Other

 4,946

 6,401

 4,595

 Total operating revenues

 $

 $

 $

 Income from Operations

 2023

 2022

 2021

 $

 127,752

 $

 118,437

 $

 44,809

 1,297

 83,640

 30,379

 17,258

 27,564

 19,607

 (2,221

)

 9,993

 7,122

 Other

 1,358

 1,043

 Total income from operations

 $

 145,444

 $

 $

 102,960

 2023 Compared to 2022

 In the contract logistics segment, which includes our value-added and dedicated services, operating revenues increased 0.7%. At the end of 2023, we managed 71 value-added programs compared to 63 at the end of 2022. Included in our contract logistics segment revenues for 2023 were $36.3 million in separately identified fuel surcharges from dedicated transportation services, compared to $41.7 million last year. Income from operations increased $9.3 million and operating margin, as a percentage of revenue was 15.4% for 2023, compared to 14.4% last year.

 Operating revenues in the intermodal segment decreased 36.7% primarily due to decreases in the average revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges and in the number of loads hauled. Included in intermodal segment revenues for 2023 were $56.5 million in separately identified fuel surcharges, compared to $92.3 million last year. Intermodal segment revenues also include other accessorial charges such as detention, demurrage and storage, which totaled $58.1 million during 2023 compared to $123.6 million one year earlier. The average operating revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges, decreased 19.8% and load volumes fell an additional 14.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a percentage of revenue, operating margin in the intermodal segment for 2023 was 0.3%, compared to 14.1% one year earlier.

 In the trucking segment, operating revenues decreased 15.1% primarily due to decreases in the average revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges and in the number of loads hauled. Trucking segment revenues included $124.3 million of brokerage services compared to $168.3 million during the same period last year. Also included in our trucking segment revenues were $25.5 million in separately identified fuel surcharges during 2023 compared to $34.7 million in fuel surcharges last year. On a year-over-year basis, the average operating revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges, decreased 3.8% while load volumes declined 10.9%. As a percentage of revenue, operating margin in the trucking segment for 2023 was 5.2% compared to 7.0% last year.

 Operating revenues in the company-managed brokerage segment decreased 40.3% primarily due to decreases in the average operating revenue per load and in the number of loads moved. On a year-over-year basis, average operating revenue per load and load volumes in the company-managed brokerage segment decreased 21.0% and 16.9%, respectively. As a percentage of revenue, operating margin for 2023 was (1.9)% compared to 5.0% during the same period last year.

 2022 Compared to 2021

 In the contract logistics segment, which includes our value-added and dedicated services, operating revenues increased 31.4% due to robust volumes. At the end of 2022, Universal managed 63 value-added programs, unchanged from the prior year period. Included in our contract logistics segment revenues for 2022 were $41.7 million in separately identified fuel surcharges from dedicated transportation services, compared to $21.2 million in 2021. Income from operations increased $73.6 million and operating margin, as a percentage of revenue was 14.4% for 2022, compared to 7.1% in 2021. Included in 2021 were also $18.9 million of losses incurred in connection with previously disclosed contract logistics program launches.

 Operating revenues in the intermodal segment increased 25.1% primarily due to an increase in the average revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges. Included in intermodal segment revenues for 2022 were $92.3 million in separately identified fuel surcharges, compared to $51.2 million in 2021. Intermodal segment revenues also include other accessorial charges such as detention, demurrage and storage, which totaled $123.6 million during 2022 compared to $84.9 million one year earlier. The average operating revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges, increased 34.5% while load volumes fell 16.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a percentage of revenue, operating margin in the intermodal segment for 2022 was 14.1%, compared to 6.4% one year earlier.

 In the trucking segment, operating revenues decreased 2.6% due to a decrease in the number of loads hauled. Trucking segment revenues included $168.3 million of brokerage services compared to $159.0 million during the same period in the prior year. Also included in our trucking segment revenues were $34.7 million in separately identified fuel surcharges during 2022 compared to $24.4 million in fuel surcharges in 2021. Trucking segment results also included $6.0 million in previously disclosed pre-tax charges in 2021. On a year-over-year basis, the average operating revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges, increased 33.3% while load volumes declined 30.7%. As a percentage of revenue, operating margin in the trucking segment for 2022 was 7.0% compared to 4.9% for 2021.

 Operating revenues in the company-managed brokerage segment decreased 17.4% primarily due to a decrease in the number of loads moved. On a year-over-year basis, load volumes in the company-managed brokerage segment decreased 25.8% while average operating revenue per load increased 2.6%. As a percentage of revenue, operating margin for 2022 was 5.0% compared to 2.9% for 2021.

 Liquidity and Capital Resources

 Our primary sources of liquidity are funds generated by operations, loans and extensions of credit under our credit facilities, on margin against our marketable securities and from installment notes, and proceeds from the sales of marketable securities. We use secured asset lending to fund a substantial portion of purchases of tractors, trailers and material handling equipment.

 We employ a flexible operating strategy which we believe lowers our capital expenditure requirements. In general, our facilities used in our value-added services are leased on terms that are either substantially matched to our customer's contracts, are month-to-month or are provided to us by our customers. We also utilize owner-operators and third-party carriers to provide a significant portion of our transportation and specialized services. A significant portion of the tractors and trailers used in our business are provided by our owner-operators. In addition, our use of agents reduces our overall need for large terminals. As a result, our capital expenditure requirements are limited in comparison to most large transportation and logistics service providers, which maintain significant properties and sizable fleets of owned tractors and trailers.

 In 2023, our capital expenditures totaled $240.6 million. These expenditures primarily consisted of transportation equipment, investments in support of our value-added service operations, and the expansion of our terminal network including the $80.0 million purchase of a terminal in Compton, Los Angeles County, California. Our flexible business model depends somewhat on the customized solutions we implement for specific customers. As a result, our capital expenditures will depend on specific new contracts and the overall age and condition of our owned transportation equipment. Due to shortages, production backlogs, and limited availability of transportation equipment in recent years, as well as the acquisition of strategic real estate and customer specific programs, our expenditures are somewhat higher than the customary range of 4% to 5% of our operating revenues. In 2024, we expect our capital expenditures to be in the range of $480 million to $500 million. We expect to make these capital expenditures for the acquisition of transportation equipment, to support new and existing value-added service operations, to expand our owned terminal network, and for improvements to our existing terminal yard and container facilities.

 We have a cash dividend policy that anticipates a regular dividend of $0.42 per share of common stock, payable in quarterly increments of $0.105 per share of common stock. After considering the regular quarterly dividends made during the year, the Board of Directors also evaluates the potential declaration of an annual special dividend payable in the first quarter of each year. The Board of Directors did not declare a special dividend in the first quarter of 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we paid a total of $0.42 per common share, or $11.0 million. Future dividend policy and the payment of dividends, if any, will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of circumstances then existing, including our earnings, financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.

 We continually evaluate our liquidity requirements and capital structure in light of our operating needs, growth initiatives and capital resources. The availability of financing or equity capital will depend upon our financial condition and results of operations as well as prevailing market conditions. If such additional borrowing, lease financing, or equity capital is not available at the time we need it, then we may need to borrow more under the Revolving Credit Facility (if not then fully drawn), extend the maturity of then-outstanding debt, or rely on alternative financing arrangements. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional debt under our existing financial arrangements to satisfy our ongoing capital requirements. However, we believe that our existing liquidity and sources of capital are sufficient to support our operations over the next 12 months.

 We also continually evaluate business development opportunities, including potential acquisitions that fit our strategic plans. There can be no assurance that we will identify any opportunities that fit our strategic plans or will be able to execute any such opportunities on terms acceptable to us. Depending on prospective consideration to be paid for an acquisition, any such opportunities would be financed first from available cash and cash equivalents and availability of borrowings under our credit facilities.

 Revolving Credit, Promissory Notes and Term Loan Agreements

 Our revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") provides for a $400 million revolver at a variable rate of interest based on index-adjusted SOFR or a base rate and matures on September 30, 2027. The Revolving Credit Facility, which is secured by cash, deposits, accounts receivable, and selected other assets of the applicable borrowers, includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, as well as financial covenants requiring minimum fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios, and customary mandatory prepayments provisions. Our Revolving Credit Facility includes an accordion feature which allows us to increase availability by up to $200 million upon our request. At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all its covenants, and $378.1 million was available for borrowing.

 Our UACL Credit and Security Agreement (the "UACL Credit Agreement") provides for maximum borrowings of $90 million in the form of an $80 million term loan and a $10 million revolver at a variable rate of interest based on index-adjusted SOFR or a base rate and matures on September 30, 2027. The UACL Credit Agreement, which is secured by cash, deposits, accounts receivable, and selected other assets of the applicable borrowers, includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, as well as financial covenants requiring minimum fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios, and customary mandatory prepayments provisions. Our UACL Credit Agreement includes an accordion feature which allows us to increase availability by up to $30 million upon our request. At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all its covenants, and $10.0 million was available for borrowing.

 A wholly owned subsidiary issued a series of promissory notes in order to finance transportation equipment (the "Equipment Financing"). The notes issued in connection with the Equipment Financing, which are secured by liens on specific titled vehicles, are generally payable in 60 monthly installments and bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 2.25% to 7.27%.

 Certain wholly owned subsidiaries entered into a $165.4 million term loan facility to repay outstanding balances under a then-existing term loan and certain other real estate notes (the "Real Estate Facility"). The Real Estate Facility matures on April 29, 2032 and is secured by first-priority mortgages on specific parcels of real estate owned by the Company, including all land and real property improvements, and first-priority assignments of rents and related leases of the loan parties. The Real Estate Facility includes customary affirmative and negative covenants, and principal and interest is payable on the facility on a monthly basis, based on an annual amortization of 10%. The facility bears interest at Term SOFR, plus an applicable margin equal to 2.12%. At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants under the facility.

 We also maintain a short-term line of credit secured by our portfolio of marketable securities. It bears interest at Term SOFR plus 1.10%. The amount available under the margin facility is based on a percentage of the market value of the underlying securities. We did not have any amounts advanced against the line as of December 31, 2023, and the maximum available borrowings were $5.3 million.

 Discussion of Cash Flows

 At December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $12.5 million compared to $47.2 million at December 31, 2022. Operating activities provided $210.2 million in net cash, and we used $236.8 million in investing activities and $8.6 million in financing activities.

 The $210.2 million in net cash provided by operations was primarily attributed to $92.9 million of net income, which reflects non-cash depreciation and amortization, noncash lease expense, amortization of debt issuance costs, gains on marketable equity securities and equipment sales, stock-based compensation, provisions for credit losses and a change in deferred income taxes totaling $119.7 million, net. Net cash provided by operating activities also reflects an aggregate increase in net working capital totaling $2.4 million. The primary drivers behind the increase in working capital were principal reductions in operating lease liabilities during the period, increases in prepaid expenses and other assets, and decreases in trade accounts payable, accruals for insurance and claims, income taxes payable and other long-term liabilities. These were partially offset by decreases in trade and other accounts receivable, and other assets. Affiliate transactions increased net cash provided by operating activities by $0.4 million. The increase in net cash resulted from an increase in accounts payable to affiliates of $0.1 million and a decrease in accounts receivable from affiliates of $0.2 million.

 The $236.8 million in net cash used in investing activities consisted of $240.6 million in capital expenditures, which was partially offset by $3.5 million in proceeds from the sale of equipment and $0.3 million in proceeds from the sale of marketable securities.

 We used $8.6 million in financing activities. During the year, we paid cash dividends of $11.0 million, $0.9 million in capitalized financing costs and $0.1 million for purchases of common stock. We had outstanding borrowings totaling $386.4 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $382.9 million at December 31, 2022. During the period, we made payments on term loan and equipment and real estate notes totaling $74.6 million, borrowed $56.2 million for new equipment and had net borrowings on our revolving lines of credit totaling $21.9 million.

 Contractual Obligations

 As of December 31, 2023, we had contractual obligations related to our long-term debt of $314.8 million and $58.2 million for principal borrowings and interest, respectively, which become due through 2032. See Item 8, Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt obligations. We also have contractual obligations for operating leases commitments and purchase commitments related to agreements to purchase equipment, construct terminal and warehouse projects, and purchase strategic real estate. See Item 8, Note 12 and Note 15, respectively, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding lease obligations and purchase commitments.

 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 None.

 Legal Matters

 We are subject to various legal proceedings and other contingencies, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We accrue estimated losses if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We use judgment and evaluate, with the assistance of legal counsel, whether a loss contingency arising from litigation should be disclosed or recorded. The outcome of legal proceedings is inherently uncertain, so typically a loss cannot be precisely estimated. Accordingly, if the outcome of legal proceedings is different than is anticipated by us, we would have to record the matter at the actual amount at which it was resolved, in the period resolved, impacting our results of operations and financial position for the period. See Item 8, Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 Critical Accounting Policies

 Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, operating revenues and operating expenses.

 Critical accounting policies are those that are both (1) important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and (2) require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. As the number of variables and assumptions affecting the possible future resolution of the uncertainties increase, those judgments become even more subjective and complex. In order to provide an understanding about how our management forms its judgments about future events, including the variables and assumptions underlying the estimates, and the sensitivity of those judgments to different circumstances, we have identified our critical accounting policies below.

 Insurance and Claim Costs

 We maintain auto liability, workers compensation and general liability insurance with licensed insurance carriers. We are self-insured for all cargo and equipment damage claims. Insurance and claims expense represents premiums paid by us and the accruals made for claims within our self-insured retention amounts. A liability is recognized for the estimated cost of all self-insured claims including an estimate of incurred but not reported claims based on historical experience and for claims expected to exceed our policy limits. In addition, legal expenses related to auto liability claims are covered under our policy. We are responsible for all other legal expenses related to claims.

 We establish reserves for anticipated losses and expenses related to cargo and equipment damage claims and auto liability claims. The reserves consist of specific reserves for all known claims and an estimate for claims incurred but not reported, and losses arising from known claims ultimately settling in excess of insurance coverage using loss development factors based upon industry data and past experience. In determining the reserves, we specifically review all known claims and record a liability based upon our best estimate of the amount to be paid. In making our estimate, we consider the amount and validity of the claim, as well as our past experience with similar claims. In establishing the reserve for claims incurred but not reported, we consider our past claims history, including the length of time it takes for claims to be reported to us. Based on our past experience, the time between when a claim occurs and when it is reported to us is short. As a result, we believe that the number of incurred but not reported claims at any given point in time is small. These reserves are periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect our experience and updated information relating to specific claims. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had accruals of $11.2 million and $14.3 million, respectively, for estimated claims net of insurance receivables. If we experience claims that are not covered by our insurance or that exceed our estimated claim reserve, it could increase the volatility of our earnings and have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Based on our 2023 reserve for claims incurred but not reported, a 10% increase in claims incurred but not reported would increase our insurance and claims expense by approximately $0.5 million.

 Valuation of Long-Lived Assets, including Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 At both December 31, 2023 and 2022, our goodwill balance was $170.7 million. We are required to test goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently, whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit with goodwill below its carrying amount. We annually test goodwill impairment during the third quarter. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired in connection with our acquisitions. We continually assess whether any indicators of impairment exist, which requires a significant amount of judgment. Such indicators may include a sustained significant decline in our share price and market capitalization; a decline in our expected future cash flows; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; overall weaknesses in our industry; and slower growth rates. Adverse changes in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of goodwill and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors such as current performance and overall economic conditions to determine whether or not it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we choose that option, then we would not be required to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test unless we determine that, based on a qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If we determine that it is more likely than not, or if we choose not to perform a qualitative assessment, we then proceed with the quantitative assessment. Under the quantitative test, if the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to not be impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, up to the value of the goodwill.

 During each of the third quarters of 2023 and 2022, we completed our goodwill impairment testing by performing a quantitative assessment using the income approach for each of our reporting units with goodwill. The determination of the fair value of the reporting units requires us to make estimates and assumptions related to future revenue, operating income and discount rates. Based on the results of this test, no impairment loss was recognized. There were no triggering events identified from the date of our assessment through December 31, 2023 that would require an update to our annual impairment test.

 We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets, other than goodwill, for impairment by analyzing the operating performance and anticipated future cash flows for those assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such assets may not be recoverable. We evaluate the need to adjust the carrying value of the underlying assets if the sum of the expected cash flows is less than the carrying value. Our projection of future cash flows, the level of actual cash flows, the methods of estimation used for determining fair values and salvage values can impact impairment. Any changes in management's judgments could result in greater or lesser annual depreciation and amortization expense or impairment charges in the future. Depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

 Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Currently Effective

 See Item 8: Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of new accounting pronouncements.

 ITEM 7A: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 Interest Rate Risk

 Our principal exposure to interest rate risk relates to outstanding borrowing under our revolving credit and term loan agreements, our real estate facility, and margin facility, all of which charge interest at floating rates. Borrowings under the credit agreements with each of the banks bear interest at Term SOFR or a base rate, plus an applicable margin. Our margin facility bears interest at Term SOFR plus 1.10%. As of December 31, 2023, we had total variable interest rate borrowings of $230.1 million. Assuming variable rate debt levels remain at $230.1 million for a full year, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates on our variable rate debt would increase interest expense approximately $2.3 million annually.

 In connection with the Real Estate Facility, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to fix a portion of the interest rate on our variable rate debt. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest at Term SOFR and pays a fixed rate of 2.88%. The swap agreement has an effective date of April 29, 2022, a maturity date of April 30, 2027, and an amortizing notional amount of $83.3 million. At December 31, 2023, the fair value of the swap agreement was an asset of $1.8 million. Since the swap agreements qualifies for hedge accounting, the changes in fair value are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

 Included in cash and cash equivalents is approximately $0.2 million in short-term investment grade instruments. The interest rates on these instruments are adjusted to market rates at least monthly. In addition, we have the ability to put these instruments back to the issuer at any time. Accordingly, any future interest rate risk on these short-term investments would not be material.

 Commodity Price Risk

 Fluctuations in fuel prices can affect our profitability by affecting our ability to retain or recruit owner-operators. Our owner-operators bear the costs of operating their tractors, including the cost of fuel. The tractors operated by our owner-operators consume large amounts of diesel fuel. Diesel fuel prices fluctuate greatly due to economic, political and other factors beyond our control. To address fluctuations in fuel prices, we seek to impose fuel surcharges on our customers and pass these surcharges on to our owner-operators. Historically, these arrangements have not fully protected our owner-operators from fuel price increases. If costs for fuel escalate significantly it could make it more difficult to attract additional qualified owner-operators and retain our current owner-operators. If we lose the services of a significant number of owner-operators or are unable to attract additional owner-operators, it could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 Exposure to market risk for fluctuations in fuel prices also relates to a small portion of our transportation service contracts for which the cost of fuel is integral to service delivery and the service contract does not have a mechanism to adjust for increases in fuel prices. Increases and decreases in the price of fuel are generally passed on to our customers for which we realize minimal changes in profitability during periods of steady market fuel prices. However, profitability may be positively or negatively impacted by sudden increases or decreases in market fuel prices during a short period of time as customer pricing for fuel services is established based on market fuel costs. We believe the exposure to fuel price fluctuations would not materially impact our results of operations, cash flows or financial position. Based upon our 2023 fuel consumption, a 10% increase in the average annual price per gallon of diesel fuel would increase our annual fuel expense on company owned tractors by approximately $5.5 million.

 Equity Securities Risk

 We hold certain actively traded marketable equity securities, which subjects the Company to fluctuations in the fair market value of its investment portfolio based on current market price. The recorded value of marketable equity securities increased to $10.8 million at December 31, 2023 from $10.0 million at December 31, 2022. The increase resulted from an increase in the market value of the portfolio of approximately $0.8 million. During 2023, we also sold $0.3 million of marketable equity, with realized gains on sales totaling approximately $0.2 million. A 10% decrease in the market price of our marketable equity securities would cause a corresponding 10% decrease in the carrying amounts of these securities, or approximately $1.1 million. For additional information with respect to the marketable equity securities, see Item 8, Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 Foreign Exchange Risk

 In the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, 2.4% and 1.9%, respectively, of our revenues were derived from services provided outside the United States, principally in Mexico, Canada and Colombia. Exposure to market risk for changes in foreign currency exchange rates relates primarily to selling services and incurring costs in currencies other than the local currency and to the carrying value of net investments in foreign subsidiaries. As a result, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk due primarily due to translation of the accounts of our Mexican, Canadian and Colombian operations from their local currencies into U.S. dollars and also to the extent we engage in cross-border transactions. The majority of our exposure to fluctuations in the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, and Colombian peso is naturally hedged since a substantial portion of our revenues and operating costs are denominated in each country's local currency. Based on 2023 expenditures denominated in foreign currencies, a 10% decrease in the exchange rates would increase our annual operating expenses by approximately $3.0 million. Historically, we have not entered into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Short-term exposure to fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates are related primarily to intercompany transactions. The duration of these exposures is minimized by ongoing settlement of intercompany trading obligations.

 The net investments in our Mexican, Canadian and Colombian operations are exposed to foreign currency translation gains and losses, which are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in our statement of shareholders' equity. Adjustments from the translation of the net investment in these operations increased equity by approximately $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 Board of Directors and Shareholders

 Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.

 Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

 We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc., a Michigan corporation, and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively, the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"), and our report dated March 15, 2024 expressed an adverse opinion.

 Basis for Opinion

 These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 Critical Audit Matter

 The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

 Goodwill Impairment Analysis – Contract Logistics and Intermodal Reporting Units

 As described further in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company tests goodwill for impairment annually (in the third fiscal quarter) or more frequently, whenever events occur, or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit with goodwill below its carrying amount. The determination of the fair value of the reporting units requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions related to future revenue, operating income and discount rates. The Company's consolidated goodwill balance was $170.7 million as of December 31, 2023, which is allocated to the Company's four reporting units. As of December 31, 2023, $56.3 million of goodwill was recorded in the Contract Logistics reporting unit and $101.1 million in the Intermodal reporting unit. We identified the annual goodwill impairment assessment of the Contract Logistics and Intermodal reporting units as a critical audit matter.

 The principal consideration for our determination that the annual goodwill impairment assessment of the Contract Logistics and Intermodal reporting units is a critical audit matter is a high degree of auditor judgement necessary in evaluating the reasonableness of the fair value of the reporting units. The fair value estimate is sensitive to significant assumptions made by management in the discounted cash flow analyses specifically, forecasts of future revenue, operating income and discount rates.

 Our audit procedures related to the goodwill impairment assessment of the Contract Logistics and Intermodal reporting units included the following, among others.

 • We tested the design and operating effectiveness of controls relating to management's valuation of goodwill, including the control over the determination of key inputs such as the forecasting of revenue, operating income and determination of the discount rate.

 • We compared management's forecasts of future revenue and operating income to third-party industry projections and the Company's historical operating results.

 • We utilized our valuation specialists with specialized skills and knowledge, to assess the reasonableness of the discount rates used in the models.

 /s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.

 Southfield, Michigan

 Consolidated Balance Sheets

 December 31, 2023 and 2022

 (In thousands, except share data)

 Assets

 2023

 2022

 Current assets:

 Cash and cash equivalents

 $

 12,511

 $

 47,181

 Marketable securities

 10,772

 10,000

 Accounts receivable – net of allowance for credit losses of $ 11,229 and $ 14,308,
 respectively

 287,946

 350,720

 Other receivables

 22,633

 25,146

 Prepaid expenses and other

 26,509

 25,629

 Due from affiliates

 Total current assets

 361,081

 459,652

 Property and equipment, net

 565,480

 391,154

 Operating lease right-of-use asset

 87,208

 99,731

 Goodwill

 170,730

 170,730

 Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization of $ 134,514 and $ 121,843,
 respectively

 61,296

 73,967

 Deferred income taxes

 1,225

 1,394

 Other assets

 6,503

 7,050

 Total assets

 $

 1,253,523

 $

 1,203,678

 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 Current liabilities:

 Accounts payable

 $

 64,102

 $

 87,138

 Current portion of long-term debt

 70,689

 65,303

 Current portion of operating lease liabilities

 29,998

 28,227

 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 43,062

 43,106

 Insurance and claims

 25,464

 30,574

 Due to affiliates

 20,737

 20,627

 Income taxes payable

 6,364

 11,926

 Total current liabilities

 260,416

 286,901

 Long-term liabilities:

 Long-term debt, net of current portion

 311,235

 313,197

 Operating lease liability, net of current portion

 63,620

 77,600

 Deferred income taxes

 79,567

 69,585

 Other long-term liabilities

 6,487

 9,465

 Total long-term liabilities

 460,909

 469,847

 Shareholders' equity:

 Common stock, no par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; 31,007,100 and
 30,996,205 shares issued; 26,284,223 and 26,277,549 shares outstanding,
 respectively

 31,008

 30,997

 Paid-in capital

 5,103

 4,852

 Treasury stock, at cost; 4,722,877 and 4,718,656 shares

 ( 96,840

)

 ( 96,706

)

 Retained earnings

 595,450

 513,589

 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

 Interest rate swaps, net of income taxes of $ 457 and $ 726, respectively

 1,350

 2,156

 Foreign currency translation adjustments

 ( 3,873

)

 ( 7,958

)

 Total shareholders' equity

 532,198

 446,930

 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 $

 1,253,523

 $

 1,203,678

 Consolidated Statements of Income

 (In thousands, except per share data)

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Operating revenues:

 Truckload services, including related party amounts of $ 6,682, $ 903
 and $ 660, respectively

 $

 213,874

 $

 230,696

 $

 248,878

 Brokerage services

 244,024

 368,880

 401,823

 Intermodal services

 374,667

 591,946

 473,059

 Dedicated services

 343,543

 324,589

 204,102

 Value-added services

 486,031

 499,345

 423,118

 Total operating revenues

 Operating expenses:

 Purchased transportation and equipment rent, including related party
 amounts of $ 316, $ 1,072 and $ 1,695, respectively

 571,213

 847,414

 824,789

 Direct personnel and related benefits, including related party amounts of
 $ 54,169, $ 51,879 and $ 42,371, respectively

 542,779

 520,263

 454,256

 Operating supplies and expenses, including related party amounts of
 $ 9,221, $ 7,597 and $ 3,887, respectively

 170,994

 177,440

 149,394

 Commission expense

 31,370

 40,288

 33,894

 Occupancy expense, including related party amounts of $ 13,649, $ 12,220
 and $ 12,384, respectively

 44,301

 41,286

 37,286

 General and administrative, including related party amounts of
 $ 12,396, $ 11,801 and $ 8,923, respectively

 51,839

 48,924

 42,035

 Insurance and claims, including related party amounts of $ 16,739,
 $ 15,754 and $ 17,997, respectively

 27,163

 22,749

 38,829

 Depreciation and amortization

 77,036

 67,537

 Total operating expenses

 1,516,695

 1,775,021

 1,648,020

 Income from operations

 145,444

 102,960

 Interest income

 1,454

 Interest expense

 ( 24,207

)

 ( 16,288

)

 ( 11,642

)

 Other non-operating income

 1,608

 1,143

 7,220

 Income before income taxes

 124,299

 225,422

 98,581

 Income tax expense

 31,398

 56,790

 24,848

 $

 $

 $

 Earnings per common share:

 Basic

 $

 3.53

 $

 6.37

 $

 2.74

 Diluted

 $

 3.53

 $

 6.37

 $

 2.74

 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 Basic

 26,284

 26,469

 26,919

 Diluted

 26,308

 26,489

 26,929

 Dividends declared per common share

 $

 0.42

 $

 0.42

 $

 0.42

 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 (In thousands)

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Net Income

 $

 $

 $

 Other comprehensive income (loss):

 Unrealized changes in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of
 income taxes of $( 269), $ 786 and $ 82, respectively

 ( 806

)

 2,334

 Foreign currency translation adjustments

 4,085

 ( 1,033

)

 ( 251

)

 Total other comprehensive income

 3,279

 1,301

 Total comprehensive income

 $

 96,180

 $

 169,933

 $

 73,780

 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 (In thousands)

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Cash flows from operating activities:

 $

 $

 $

 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
 activities:

 Depreciation and amortization

 77,036

 67,537

 Noncash lease expense

 30,376

 29,406

 26,058

 Amortization of debt issuance costs

 Gain on marketable equity securities

 ( 1,041

)

 ( 1,044

)

 ( 1,500

)

 Gain on disposal of property and equipment

 ( 1,650

)

 ( 5,442

)

 ( 1,202

)

 Write-off of debt issuance costs

 —

 —

 Stock-based compensation

 Provision for credit losses

 3,773

 9,775

 6,315

 Deferred income taxes

 10,151

 8,215

 ( 3,197

)

 Change in assets and liabilities:

 Trade and other accounts receivable

 62,503

 ( 16,266

)

 ( 92,968

)

 Prepaid expenses and other assets

 ( 1,810

)

 4,702

 ( 7,074

)

 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, income taxes payable,
 insurance and claims and other current liabilities

 ( 29,827

)

 ( 37,524

)

 36,635

 Principal reduction in operating lease liabilities

 ( 30,633

)

 ( 27,991

)

 ( 24,650

)

 Due to/from affiliates, net

 2,619

 1,163

 Other long-term liabilities

 ( 2,979

)

 1,788

 Net cash provided by operating activities

 210,246

 213,405

 83,280

 Cash flows from investing activities:

 Capital expenditures

 ( 240,554

)

 ( 117,099

)

 ( 38,841

)

 Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

 3,513

 14,281

 5,605

 Purchases of marketable securities

 —

 ( 925

)

 ( 114

)

 Proceeds from sale of marketable securities

 —

 Net cash used in investing activities

 ( 236,772

)

 ( 103,743

)

 ( 33,233

)

 Cash flows from financing activities:

 Proceeds from borrowing - revolving debt

 202,283

 443,987

 408,478

 Repayments of debt - revolving debt

 ( 180,349

)

 ( 607,244

)

 ( 396,547

)

 Proceeds from borrowing - term debt

 56,186

 339,641

 15,967

 Repayments of debt - term debt

 ( 74,557

)

 ( 221,944

)

 ( 61,151

)

 Dividends paid

 ( 11,040

)

 ( 13,941

)

 ( 11,305

)

 Purchases of treasury stock

 ( 134

)

 ( 14,321

)

 —

 Capitalized financing costs

 ( 947

)

 ( 4,417

)

 —

 Net cash used in financing activities

 ( 8,558

)

 ( 78,239

)

 ( 44,558

)

 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 1,826

 ( 320

)

 Net (decrease) increase in cash

 ( 34,670

)

 33,249

 5,169

 Cash and cash equivalents – January 1

 47,181

 13,932

 8,763

 Cash and cash equivalents – December 31

 $

 12,511

 $

 47,181

 $

 13,932

 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Continued

 (In thousands)

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Supplemental cash flow information:

 Cash paid for interest

 $

 23,399

 $

 14,331

 $

 11,223

 Cash paid for income taxes

 $

 25,412

 $

 40,886

 $

 36,173

 Non-cash financing activities:

 During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had non-cash activities resulting from $ 2.8 million of declared dividends that were unpaid as of the end the year.

 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity

 (In thousands, except per share data)

 Common
stock

 Paid-in
capital

 Treasury
stock

 Retained
earnings

 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 Total

 Balances – December 31, 2020

 $

 30,981

 $

 4,484

 $

 ( 82,385

)

 $

 293,643

 $

 ( 7,150

)

 $

 239,573

 —

 —

 —

 —

 Other comprehensive income

 —

 —

 —

 —

 Dividends paid ($ 0.315 per share)

 —

 —

 —

 ( 8,479

)

 —

 ( 8,479

)

 Dividends payable ($ 0.105 per share)

 —

 —

 —

 ( 2,826

)

 —

 ( 2,826

)

 Stock based compensation

 —

 —

 —

 Balances – December 31, 2021

 $

 30,988

 $

 4,639

 $

 ( 82,385

)

 $

 356,071

 $

 ( 7,103

)

 $

 302,210

 —

 —

 —

 —

 Other comprehensive loss

 —

 —

 —

 —

 1,301

 1,301

 Dividends paid ($ 0.42 per share)

 —

 —

 —

 ( 11,114

)

 —

 ( 11,114

)

 Stock based compensation

 —

 —

 —

 Purchases of treasury stock

 —

 —

 ( 14,321

)

 —

 —

 ( 14,321

)

 Balances – December 31, 2022

 $

 30,997

 $

 4,852

 $

 ( 96,706

)

 $

 513,589

 $

 ( 5,802

)

 $

 -

 $

 446,930

 —

 —

 —

 —

 Other comprehensive income

 —

 —

 —

 —

 3,279

 3,279

 Dividends paid ($ 0.42 per share)

 —

 —

 —

 ( 11,040

)

 —

 ( 11,040

)

 Stock based compensation

 —

 —

 —

 Purchases of treasury stock

 —

 —

 ( 134

)

 —

 —

 ( 134

)

 Balances – December 31, 2023

 $

 31,008

 $

 5,103

 $

 ( 96,840

)

 $

 595,450

 $

 ( 2,523

)

 $

 532,198

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 (a) Business

 Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc. ("Universal" or the "Company") is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide a variety of customized transportation and logistics solutions throughout the United States and in Mexico, Canada and Colombia. Our operating subsidiaries provide our customers with supply chain solutions that can be scaled to meet their changing demands. We offer our customers a broad array of services across their entire supply chain, including truckload, brokerage, intermodal, dedicated and value-added services. Our customized solutions and flexible business model are designed to provide us with a highly variable cost model.
 (b) Basis of Presentation

 The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions relating to these entities have been eliminated.
 Our fiscal year consists of four quarters, each with thirteen weeks.
 The Company made certain immaterial reclassifications to items in its prior financial statements so that their presentation is consistent with the format in the financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2023. These reclassifications, however, had no effect on reported consolidated net income, comprehensive income, earnings per common share, cash flows, total assets or shareholders' equity as previously reported.
 In June 2022, the Company made a change in an accounting estimate to revise the estimated useful life and salvage values of certain equipment. The change resulted in additional depreciation expense of $ 9.7 million recorded during the quarter ended July 2, 2022 ($ 7.2 million net of tax, or $ 0.27 per basic and diluted share).
 Current Economic Conditions
 The Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures included in its financial statements and accompanying notes and assesses certain accounting matters that require consideration of forecasted financial information. The Company's assumptions about future conditions important to these estimates and assumptions are subject to uncertainty, including the negative impact inflationary pressures can have on our operating costs. Prolonged periods of inflation could cause interest rates, equipment, maintenance, labor and other operating costs to continue to increase.

 (c) Use of Estimates

 The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations; carrying amounts of property and equipment and intangible assets; marketable securities; valuation allowances for receivables; and liabilities related to insurance and claim costs. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 (d) Cash and Cash Equivalents

 We consider all highly liquid investments, purchased with a maturity of three months or less, to be cash equivalents. Accounts at banks with an aggregate excess of the amount of checks issued over cash balances are included as accounts payable in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, and changes in such accounts are reported as cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. At times cash held at banks may exceed FDIC insured limits.

 (e) Marketable Securities

 Marketable equity securities are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company's marketable securities, all of which are available-for-sale, consist of common and preferred stocks with readily determinable fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method, and interest and dividends are included in other non-operating income. See Note 4 "Marketable Securities" for further information on our portfolio.

 (f) Accounts Receivable

 Accounts receivable are recorded at the net invoiced amount, net of an allowance for credit losses, and do not bear interest. They include amounts for services rendered in the respective period but not yet billed to the customer until a future date, which typically occurs within one month. In order to reflect customer receivables at their estimated net realizable value, we record charges against revenue based upon current information. These charges generally arise from rate changes, errors, and revenue adjustments that may arise from contract disputes or differences in calculation methods employed by the customer. The allowance for credit losses is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on historical write-off experience, specific customer collection issues, the aging of our outstanding accounts receivable, and the credit quality of our customers. In determining our allowance for credit losses, we also consider current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions and their expected impact on collections. Balances are considered past due based on invoiced terms. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. We do not have any off balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers. Accounts receivable from affiliates are shown separately and include trade receivables from the sale of services to affiliates.

 (g) Inventories

 Included in prepaid expenses and other is inventory used in a portion of our value-added service operations. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Provisions for excess and obsolete inventories are based on our assessment of excess and obsolete inventory on a product-by-product basis.
 At December 31, inventory consists of the following (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 Finished goods

 $

 9,525

 $

 8,321

 Raw materials and supplies

 2,881

 3,040

 Total

 $

 12,406

 $

 11,361

 (h) Property and Equipment

 Property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

 Description

 Life in Years

 Transportation equipment

 3 - 15

 Other operating assets

 3 - 15

 Information technology equipment

 3 - 5

 Buildings and related assets

 10 - 39

 The amounts recorded for depreciation expense were $ 64.4 million, $ 62.3 million, and $ 53.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
 Tire repairs, replacement tires, replacement batteries, consumable tools used in our logistics services, and routine repairs and maintenance on vehicles are expensed as incurred. Parts and fuel inventories are included in prepaid expenses and other. We capitalize certain costs associated with vehicle repairs and maintenance that materially extend the life or increase the value of the vehicle or pool of vehicles.

 (i) Intangible Assets

 Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of agent and customer relationships, customer contracts, tradenames, non-competition agreements, and trademarks that have been acquired in business combinations. These assets are amortized either over the period of economic benefit or on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related intangible asset. The estimated useful lives of these intangible assets range from three to nineteen years.
 Our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 Gross
Carrying
Amount

 Accumulated
Amortization

 Net Carrying
Amount

 Gross
Carrying
Amount

 Accumulated
Amortization

 Net Carrying
Amount

 Definite Lived Intangibles:

 Agent and customer relationships

 $

 165,990

 $

 104,762

 $

 61,228

 $

 165,990

 $

 92,536

 $

 73,454

 Customer contracts

 20,600

 20,600

 —

 20,600

 20,600

 —

 Tradenames

 4,000

 4,000

 —

 4,000

 4,000

 —

 Non-compete agreements

 2,720

 2,652

 2,720

 2,207

 Trademarks

 2,500

 2,500

 —

 2,500

 2,500

 —

 Total Identifiable Intangible Assets

 $

 195,810

 $

 134,514

 $

 61,296

 $

 195,810

 $

 121,843

 $

 73,967

 Estimated amortization expense by year is as follows (in thousands):

 2024

 $

 10,207

 2025

 9,555

 2026

 8,745

 2027

 8,227

 2028

 6,912

 Thereafter

 17,650

 Total

 $

 61,296

 The amounts recorded for amortization expense were $ 12.7 million, $ 14.4 million, and $ 13.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 (j) Goodwill

 Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired in connection with the Company's acquisitions. Under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 350 "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other", we are required to test goodwill for impairment annually (in our third fiscal quarter) or more frequently, whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit with goodwill below its carrying amount. We have the option to first assess qualitative factors such as current performance and overall economic conditions to determine whether or not it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we choose that option, then we would not be required to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test unless we determine that, based on a qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If we determine that it is more likely than not, or if we choose not to perform a qualitative assessment, we then proceed with the quantitative assessment. Under the quantitative test, if the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to not be impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, up to the value of the goodwill. During the third quarter of 2023, we completed our goodwill impairment testing by performing a quantitative assessment using the income approach for each of our reporting units with goodwill. The determination of the fair value of the reporting units requires us to make estimates and assumptions related to future revenue, operating income and discount rates. Based on the results of this test, no impairment loss was recognized.
 At both December 31, 2023 and 2022, $ 56.3 million of goodwill was recorded in our contract logistics segment, $ 101.1 million in our intermodal segment, $ 9.8 million in our trucking segment and $ 3.5 million in our company-managed brokerage segment.

 (k) Long-Lived Assets

 Long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles such as property and equipment and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset to be tested for possible impairment, we first compare the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by a long-lived asset or group to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or group is deemed to not be recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market prices and independent third-party appraisals. Changes in management's judgment relating to salvage values and/ or estimated useful lives could result in greater or lesser annual depreciation expense or impairment charges in the future. Indefinite lived intangibles are tested for impairment annually by comparing the carrying value of the assets to their fair value.

 (l) Contingent Consideration

 Contingent consideration arrangements granted in connection with a business combination are evaluated to determine whether contingent consideration is, in substance, additional purchase price of an acquired enterprise or compensation for services, use of property or profit sharing. Additional purchase price is added to the fair value of consideration transferred in the business combination and compensation is included in operating expenses in the period it is incurred. Contingent consideration related to additional purchase price is measured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. None of the acquired companies in 2018 or 2019 had contingent consideration arrangements.

 (m) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 For cash equivalents, accounts receivables, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, the carrying amounts are reasonable estimates of fair value as the assets are readily redeemable or short term in nature and the liabilities are short-term in nature. Marketable securities, consisting of equity securities, are carried at fair market value as determined by quoted market prices. Our revolving credit and term loan agreements consist of variable rate borrowings. The carrying value of these borrowings approximates fair value because the applicable interest rates are adjusted frequently based on short-term market rates. For our equipment promissory notes, the fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. See Note 9 "Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures" for further information.

 (n) Deferred Compensation

 Deferred compensation relates to our bonus plans. Annual bonuses may be awarded to certain operating, sales and management personnel based on overall Company performance and achievement of specific employee or departmental objectives. Such bonuses are typically paid in annual installments over a five-year period. All bonus amounts earned by and due to employees in the current year are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Those that are payable in subsequent years are included in other long-term liabilities.

 (o) Closing Costs

 Our customers may discontinue or alter their business activity in a location earlier than anticipated, prompting us to exit a customer-dedicated facility. We recognize exit costs associated with operations that close or are identified for closure as an accrued liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Such charges include lease termination costs, employee termination charges, asset impairment charges, and other exit-related costs associated with a plan approved by management. If we close an operating facility before its lease expires, costs to terminate a lease are recognized when an early termination provision is exercised, or we record a liability for non-cancellable lease obligations based on the fair value of remaining lease payments, reduced by any existing or prospective sublease rentals. Employee termination costs are recognized in the period that the closure is communicated to affected employees. The recognition of exit and disposal charges requires us to make certain assumptions and estimates as to the amount and timing of such charges. Subsequently, adjustments are made for changes in estimates in the period in which the change becomes known.

 (p) Revenue Recognition

 Revenue is recognized as control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for its services.
 For our transportation services businesses, which include truckload, brokerage, intermodal and dedicated services, revenue is recognized over time as the performance obligations on the in-transit services are completed. A performance obligation is created when a customer submits a bill of lading for the transportation of goods from origin to destination. Performance obligations are satisfied as the shipments move from origin to destination, and transportation revenue is recognized based on the percentage of the service that has been completed at the end of the reporting period.
 Value-added services, which are typically dedicated to individual customer requirements, include material handling, consolidation, sequencing, sub-assembly, cross-dock services, kitting, repacking, warehousing and returnable container management. We have elected to use the "right to invoice" practical expedient, reflecting that a customer obtains the benefit associated with value-added services as they are provided.
 We are the primary obligor when rendering services and assume the corresponding credit risk with customers. We have discretion in setting sales prices and, as a result, our earnings may vary. In addition, we have discretion to choose and negotiate terms with our multiple suppliers for the services ordered by our customers. This includes owner-operators with whom we contract to deliver our transportation services. As such, revenue and the related purchased transportation and commissions are recognized on a gross basis. Fuel surcharges, where separately identifiable, of $ 118.3 million, $ 168.6 million and $ 96.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, are included in operating revenues.
 See Note 3, "Revenue Recognition," for more information on revenue recognition.

 (q) Insurance and Claims

 Insurance and claims expense represents charges for premiums and the accruals made for claims within our self-insured retention amounts. The accruals are primarily related to auto liability, general liability, cargo and equipment damage, and service failure claims. A liability is recognized for the estimated cost of all self-insured claims including an estimate of incurred but not reported claims based on historical experience and for claims expected to exceed our policy limits. We may also make accruals for personal injury and property damage to third parties, and workers' compensation claims if a claim exceeds our insurance coverage. Such accruals are based upon individual cases and estimates of ultimate losses, incurred but not reported losses, and losses arising from known claims ultimately settling in excess of insurance coverage using loss development factors based upon industry data and past experience. Since the reported accrual is an estimate, the ultimate liability may be materially different from the amount recorded.
 If adjustments to previously established accruals are required, such amounts are included in operating expenses in the current period. We maintain insurance with licensed insurance carriers. Legal expenses related to auto liability claims are covered under our insurance policy. We are responsible for all other legal expenses related to claims.
 In brokerage arrangements, our exposure to liability associated with accidents incurred by other third-party carriers, who haul freight on our behalf, is reduced by various factors including the extent to which the third party providers maintain their own insurance coverage.
 Our insurance expense varies primarily based upon the frequency and severity of our accident experience, insurance rates, coverage limits, and self-insured retention amounts.

 (r) Stock Based Compensation

 We record compensation expense for the grant of stock based awards. Compensation expense is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and recognized as an expense over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the grant). See Note 14 "Stock Based Compensation" for further information.

 (s) Income Taxes

 Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 We are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2020. In addition, we file income tax returns in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. Historically, we have been responsible for filing separate state, local and foreign income tax returns for our self and our subsidiaries. We are no longer subject to state or foreign jurisdiction income tax examinations for years before 2019 and 2018, respectively.
 We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense and penalties in other operating expenses.

 (t) Foreign Currency Translation

 The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries operating in Mexico, Canada and Colombia are prepared to conform to U.S. GAAP and translated into U.S. Dollars by applying a current exchange rate. The local currency has been determined to be the functional currency. Items appearing in the Consolidated Statements of Income are translated using average exchange rates during each period. Assets and liabilities of international operations are translated at period-end exchange rates. Translation gains and losses are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of shareholders' equity.

 (u) Concentrations of Credit Risk

 Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities with high quality financial institutions. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral. Our customers are generally concentrated in the automotive, retail and consumer goods, metals, energy and manufacturing industries. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, aggregate sales in the automotive industry totaled 43 %, 36 % and 31 % of revenue, respectively. In 2023, 2022 and 2021, General Motors accounted for approximately 20 %, 16 % and 13 % of our total operating revenues, respectively. In 2023, 2022 and 2021, sales to our top 10 customers, including General Motors, totaled 48 %, 42 % and 38 %, respectively.

 (2) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 Adoption of New Accounting Standard
 On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Accounting for Credit Losses (Topic 326). The ASU requires the use of an "expected loss" model on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires estimated credit losses to be recorded as allowances instead of reductions to amortized cost of the securities. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 Accounting Pronouncements Issued but Not Yet Effective
 In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280). The ASU expands disclosures related to a public entity's reportable segment and requires more enhanced information about significant segment expenses, including in interim periods. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, using a retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new standard, which is limited to financial statement disclosures.
 In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740). The ASU modifies income tax disclosures by requiring greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliations and disclosure of income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2024, using a prospective approach. Early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new standard, which is limited to financial statement disclosures.

 (3) Revenue Recognition

 The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company broadly groups its services into the following categories: truckload services, brokerage services, intermodal services, dedicated services and value-added services. We disaggregate these categories and report our service lines separately on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
 Truckload services include dry van, flatbed, heavy-haul and refrigerated operations. We transport a wide variety of general commodities, including automotive parts, machinery, building materials, paper, food, consumer goods, furniture, steel and other metals on behalf of customers in various industries.
 To complement our available capacity, we provide customers with freight brokerage services by utilizing third-party transportation providers to move freight. Brokerage services also include full-service domestic and international freight forwarding and customs brokerage.
 Intermodal services include rail-truck, steamship-truck and support services. Our intermodal support services are primarily short- to medium-distance delivery of rail and steamship containers between the railhead or port and the customer.
 Dedicated services are primarily provided in support of automotive and retail customers using van equipment. Our dedicated services are primarily short-run or round-trip moves within a defined geographic area.
 Transportation services are short-term in nature; agreements governing their provision generally have a term of one year or less. They do not contain significant financing components. The Company recognizes revenue over the period transportation services are provided to the customer, including service performed as of the end of the reporting period for loads currently in-transit, in order to recognize the value that is transferred to a customer over the course of the transportation service.
 We determine revenue in-transit using the input method, under which revenue is recognized based on the duration of time that has lapsed from the departure date (start of transportation services) to the arrival date (completion of transportation services). Measurement of revenue in-transit requires the application of significant judgment. We calculate the estimated percentage of an order's transit time that is complete at period end, and we apply that percentage of completion to the order's estimated revenue.
 Value-added services, which are typically dedicated to individual customer requirements, include material handling, consolidation, sequencing, sub-assembly, cross-dock services, kitting, repacking, warehousing and returnable container management. Value-added revenues are substantially driven by the level of demand for outsourced logistics services. Major factors that affect value-added service revenue include changes in manufacturing supply chain requirements and production levels in specific industries, particularly the North American automotive and Class 8 heavy-truck industries.
 Revenue is recognized as control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for its services. We have elected to use the "right to invoice" practical expedient to recognize revenue, reflecting that a customer obtains the benefit associated with value-added services as they are provided. The contracts in our value-added services businesses are negotiated agreements, which contain both fixed and variable components. The variability of revenues is driven by volumes and transactions, which are known as of an invoice date. Value-added service contracts typically have terms that extend beyond one year, and they do not include financing components.
 The following table provides information related to contract balances associated with our contracts with customers at December 31 (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 Prepaid expenses and other - contract assets

 $

 $

 We generally receive payment for performance obligations within 45 days of completion of transportation services and 65 days for completion of value-added services. Contract assets in the table above generally relate to revenue in-transit at the end of the reporting period.
 See also Note 17 for additional information on revenue reported by segment and by geographic region.

 (4) Marketable Securities

 Marketable equity securities are carried at fair value, with gains and losses in fair market value included in the determination of net income. The fair value of marketable equity securities is determined based on quoted market prices in active markets, as described in Note 9.
 The following table sets forth market value, cost, and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities at December 31 (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 Fair value

 $

 10,772

 $

 10,000

 Cost basis

 7,316

 7,351

 Unrealized gains (losses)

 $

 3,456

 $

 2,649

 The following table sets forth the gross unrealized gains and losses on the Company's marketable securities at December 31 (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 Gross unrealized gains

 $

 4,124

 $

 3,513

 Gross unrealized losses

 ( 668

)

 ( 864

)

 Net unrealized gains (losses)

 $

 3,456

 $

 2,649

 The following table shows the Company's net realized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Realized gain (loss)

 Sale proceeds

 $

 $

 —

 $

 Cost basis of securities sold

 —

 Realized gain (loss)

 $

 $

 —

 $

 Realized gain (loss), net of taxes

 $

 $

 —

 $

 The Company did no t sell marketable equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2022.
 During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, our marketable equity securities portfolio experienced net unrealized pre-tax gains in market value of approximately $ 799,000 and $ 1,044,000, respectively, which were reported in other non-operating income for the period.

 (5) Accounts Receivable

 Accounts receivable amounts appearing in the consolidated financial statements include both billed and unbilled receivables. We bill customers in accordance with contract terms, which may result in a brief timing difference between when revenue is recognized and when invoices are rendered. Unbilled receivables, which usually are billed within one month, totaled $ 59.7 million and $ 70.9 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
 Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for credit losses. Following is a summary of the activity in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Balance at beginning of year

 $

 14,308

 $

 7,841

 $

 5,140

 Provision for credit losses

 3,773

 9,775

 6,315

 Uncollectible accounts written off

 ( 6,852

)

 ( 3,308

)

 ( 3,614

)

 Balance at end of year

 $

 11,229

 $

 14,308

 $

 7,841

 (6) Property and Equipment

 Property and equipment at December 31 consists of the following (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 Transportation equipment

 $

 461,550

 $

 405,731

 Land, buildings and related assets

 256,419

 175,874

 Other operating assets

 120,500

 128,237

 Information technology equipment

 29,429

 28,553

 Construction in process

 67,855

 4,990

 Total property and equipment

 935,753

 743,385

 Less accumulated depreciation

 ( 370,273

)

 ( 352,231

)

 Total property and equipment, net

 $

 565,480

 $

 391,154

 (7) Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following items at December 31 (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 Accrued payroll

 $

 18,047

 $

 15,889

 Accrued payroll taxes

 3,149

 2,124

 Driver escrow liabilities

 3,275

 4,101

 Legal settlements and claims

 4,050

 5,850

 Commissions, other taxes and other

 14,541

 15,142

 Total

 $

 43,062

 $

 43,106

 (8) Debt

 Debt is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 Interest Rates at

 December 31, 2023

 2023

 2022

 Outstanding Debt:

 Revolving Credit Facility (1) (2)

 6.70 %

 $

 21,934

 $

 —

 UACL Credit Agreement (2)

 Term Loan

 7.45 %

 69,000

 79,000

 Revolver

 7.45 %

 —

 —

 Equipment Financing (3)

 2.25 % to 7.27 %

 156,341

 148,177

 Real Estate Facility (4)

 7.47 %

 139,170

 155,705

 Margin Facility (5)

 6.45 %

 —

 —

 Unamortized debt issuance costs

 ( 4,521

)

 ( 4,382

)

 381,924

 378,500

 Less current portion of long-term debt

 70,689

 65,303

 Total long-term debt, net of current portion

 $

 311,235

 $

 313,197

 (1) On September 30, 2022, we amended our Revolving Credit Facility by increasing the revolving credit commitment to up to $ 400 million. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility may now be made until and mature on September 30, 2027, and bear interest at index-adjusted SOFR or a base rate plus an applicable margin for each based on the Company's leverage ratio. The term loan proceeds were advanced on November 27, 2018, and the Company repaid in full its then outstanding balance on the term loan on April 29, 2022. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first-priority pledge of the capital stock of applicable subsidiaries, as well as first-priority perfected security interests in cash, deposits, accounts receivable, and selected other assets of the applicable borrowers. The Revolving Credit Facility includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, as well as financial covenants requiring minimum fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios, and customary mandatory prepayments provisions. At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants under the facility, and $ 378.1 million was available for borrowing on the revolver.

 (8) Debt—continued

 (2) Our UACL Credit Agreement provides for maximum borrowings of $ 90 million in the form of an $ 80 million term loan and a $ 10 million revolver. Term loan proceeds were advanced on September 30, 2022 and used to repay existing indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility. The term loan matures on September 30, 2027 and will be repaid in consecutive quarterly installments, as defined in the UACL Credit Agreement, commencing December 31, 2023. The remaining term loan balance is due at maturity. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility may be made until and mature on September 30, 2027. Borrowings under the UACL Credit Agreement bear interest at index-adjusted SOFR, or a base rate, plus an applicable margin for each based on the borrower's leverage ratio. The UACL Credit Agreement is secured by a first-priority pledge of the capital stock of applicable subsidiaries, as well as first-priority perfected security interest in cash, deposits, accounts receivable, and selected other assets of the applicable borrowers. The UACL Credit Agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, as well as financial covenants requiring minimum fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios, and customary mandatory prepayments provisions. At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants under the facility, and $ 10.0 million was available for borrowing on the revolver.
 (3) Our Equipment Financing consists of a series of promissory notes issued by a wholly owned subsidiary. The equipment notes, which are secured by liens on specific titled vehicles, are generally payable in 60 monthly installments and bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 2.25 % to 7.27 %.
 (4) Our Real Estate Facility provided for a $ 165.4 million term loan, the full amount of which was advanced on April 29, 2022. The Company used the facility's proceeds to repay the outstanding balances under the term loan portion of the Revolving Credit Facility and certain other Real Estate Note obligations. The facility matures on April 29, 2032. Obligations under the facility are secured by first-priority mortgages on specific parcels of real estate owned by the Company, including all land and real property improvements, and first-priority assignments of rents and related leases of the loan parties. The credit agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants, and principal and interest are payable on the facility on a monthly basis, based on an annual amortization of 10 %. The facility bears interest at Term SOFR, plus an applicable margin equal to 2.12 %. At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants under the facility.
 (5) Our Margin Facility is a short-term line of credit secured by our portfolio of marketable securities. It bears interest at Term SOFR plus 1.10 %. The amount available under the line of credit is based on a percentage of the market value of the underlying securities. At December 31, 2023, the maximum available borrowings under the line of credit were $ 5.3 million.

 The following table reflects the maturities of our principal repayment obligations as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

 Years Ending
December 31

 Revolving Credit Facility

 UACL Term Loan

 UACL Revolver

 Equipment Financing

 Real Estate Financing

 Margin Facility

 Total

 2024

 $

 —

 $

 6,000

 $

 —

 $

 49,147

 $

 $

 —

 $

 71,682

 2025

 —

 6,500

 —

 39,068

 —

 62,103

 2026

 —

 8,000

 —

 34,484

 —

 59,019

 2027

 21,934

 48,500

 —

 26,445

 —

 113,414

 2028

 —

 —

 —

 7,197

 —

 23,732

 Thereafter

 —

 —

 —

 —

 56,495

 —

 56,495

 Total

 $

 21,934

 $

 69,000

 $

 —

 $

 156,341

 $

 139,170

 $

 —

 $

 386,445

 The Company is also party to an interest rate swap agreement that qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company executed the swap agreement to fix a portion of the interest rate on its variable rate debt. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest at Term SOFR and pays a fixed rate of 2.88 %. The swap agreement has an effective date of April 29, 2022, a maturity date of April 30, 2027, and an amortizing notional amount of $ 83.3 million. At December 31, 2023, the fair value of the swap agreement was an asset of $ 1.8 million. Since the swap agreement qualifies for hedge accounting, the changes in fair value are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. See Note 9, "Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures" for additional information pertaining to interest rate swaps.

 (9) Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures

 ASC Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and expanded disclosures with respect to fair value measurements.
 ASC Topic 820 also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
 • Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 • Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 • Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

 We have segregated all financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date in the tables below (in thousands):

 December 31, 2023

 Level 1

 Level 2

 Level 3

 Fair Value
Measurement

 Assets

 Cash equivalents

 $

 $

 —

 $

 —

 $

 Marketable securities

 10,772

 —

 —

 10,772

 Interest rate swap

 —

 1,807

 —

 1,807

 Total Assets

 $

 10,940

 $

 1,807

 $

 —

 $

 12,747

 December 31, 2022

 Level 1

 Level 2

 Level 3

 Fair Value
Measurement

 Assets

 Cash equivalents

 $

 $

 —

 $

 —

 $

 Marketable securities

 10,000

 —

 —

 10,000

 Interest rate swap

 —

 2,882

 —

 2,882

 Total Assets

 $

 10,013

 $

 2,882

 $

 —

 $

 12,895

 (9) Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures—continued

 The valuation techniques used to measure fair value for the items in the tables above are as follows:
 • Cash equivalents – This category consists of money market funds which are listed as Level 1 assets and measured at fair value based on quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 • Marketable securities – Marketable securities represent equity securities, which consist of common and preferred stocks, are actively traded on public exchanges and are listed as Level 1 assets. Fair value was measured based on quoted prices for these securities in active markets.

 • Interest rate swaps – The fair value of our interest rate swap is determined using a methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments (or receipts) and the discounted expected variable cash receipts (or payments). The variable cash receipts (or payments) are based on the expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market interest rate curves. The fair value measurement also incorporates credit valuation adjustments reflecting both the Company's nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk.

 Our Revolving Credit Facility, UACL Credit Agreement and Real Estate Facility consist of variable rate borrowings. We categorize borrowings under these credit agreements as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value of these borrowings approximate fair value because the applicable interest rates are adjusted frequently based on short-term market rates.
 For our equipment promissory notes with fixed rates, the fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. We categorize borrowings under this credit agreement as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying values and estimated fair values of these promissory notes at December 31, 2023 is summarized as follows:

 2023

 Carrying Value

 Estimated Fair
Value

 Equipment promissory notes

 $

 156,341

 $

 155,962

 We have not elected the fair value option for any of our financial instruments.

 (10) Transactions with Affiliates

 Matthew T. Moroun is Chairman of our Board of Directors and his son, Matthew J. Moroun, is a member of our Board of Directors. Certain Moroun family trusts beneficially own a majority of our outstanding shares. Matthew T. Moroun is trustee of these trusts with investment authority over the shares, and Frederick P. Calderone, a member of our Board of Directors, is special trustee of these trusts with voting authority over the shares. The Moroun family also owns or significantly influences the management and operating policies of other businesses engaged in transportation, insurance, business services, and real estate development and management. In the ordinary course of business, we procure from these companies certain supplementary administrative support services, including legal, human resources, tax, and IT infrastructure services. The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors reviews and approves related party transactions. The cost of these services is based on the actual or estimated utilization of the specific service.
 We also purchase other services from our affiliates. Following is a schedule of cost incurred and included in operating expenses for services provided by affiliates for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Insurance

 $

 76,926

 $

 73,398

 $

 65,076

 Real estate rent and related costs

 13,649

 12,220

 12,384

 Administrative support services

 6,377

 6,036

 4,215

 Truck fuel, maintenance and other operating costs

 9,221

 7,597

 3,887

 Contracted transportation services

 1,072

 1,695

 Total

 $

 106,489

 $

 100,323

 $

 87,257

 We pay the direct variable cost of maintenance, fueling and other operational support costs for services delivered at our affiliate's trucking terminals that are geographically remote from our own facilities. Such costs are billed when incurred, paid on a routine basis, and reflect actual labor utilization, repair parts costs or quantities of fuel purchased.
 We lease 31 facilities from related parties. Our occupancy is based on either month-to-month or contractual, multi-year lease arrangements which are billed and paid monthly. Leasing properties from a related party affords us significant operating flexibility; however, we are not limited to such arrangements. See Note 12, "Leases" for further information regarding the cost of leased properties.
 We purchase employee medical, workers' compensation, property and casualty, cargo, warehousing and other general liability insurance from an insurance company owned by our controlling shareholder. In our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we record our insured claims liability and the related recovery in insurance and claims, and other receivables. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were $ 14.3 million and $ 16.2 million, respectively, included in each of these accounts for insured claims with an affiliate.
 Other services from affiliates, including contracted transportation services, are delivered to us on a per-transaction basis or pursuant to separate contractual arrangements provided in the ordinary course of business. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, amounts due to affiliates were $ 20.7 million and $ 20.6 million, respectively.
 During 2023, we purchased used tractors and new trailers from affiliates totaling $ 6.3 million and $ 5.1 million, respectively. During 2022, used tractor purchases from an affiliate totaled $ 4.7 million. During 2023, we also contracted with an affiliate to provide real property improvements for us totaling $ 5.3 million. There were no such purchases made during 2022.
 In June 2022, we executed a real estate contract with an affiliate to acquire a multi-building, office complex located in Warren, Michigan for $ 8.3 million. The purchase price was established by an independent, third-party appraisal. The Company made an initial deposit of $ 0.2 million in 2022, and paid the balance at closing in the first quarter of 2023.
 Services provided by Universal to Affiliates
 We periodically assist our affiliates by providing selected transportation and logistics services in connection with their specific customer contracts or purchase orders. We may also lease facilities to our affiliates on an as-needed basis. Truck fueling and administrative expenses are presented net in operating expense. Following is a schedule of services provided to our affiliates for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Contracted transportation services

 $

 5,087

 $

 $

 Facilities and related support

 1,595

 —

 Total

 $

 6,682

 $

 $

 (10) Transactions with Affiliates—continued

 At December 31, 2023 and 2022, amounts due from affiliates were $ 0.7 million and $ 1.0 million, respectively.
 In August 2023, we exercised our right of first refusal to acquire 3,750 shares of restricted stock from Mr. H.E. "Scott" Wolfe, our director, for $ 120,900 based on the closing market price on the effective date of the transaction.
 In May 2022, we sold an inactive Mexican subsidiary to an affiliate for approximately $ 0.1 million. The purchase price was based on the book value of the net assets sold in the transaction, and as such, no gain or loss was recorded.
 On May 13, 2022, we commenced a "Dutch auction" tender offer to repurchase up to 100,000 shares of our outstanding common stock at a price of not greater than $ 28.00 nor less than $ 25.00 per share. Following the expiration of the tender offer on June 15, 2022, we accepted 164,189 shares, including 64,189 oversubscribed shares tendered, of our common stock for purchase at $ 28.00 per share, for a total purchase price of approximately $ 4.6 million, excluding fees and expenses related to the offer. The total number of shares purchased in the tender offer includes 5,000 shares tendered by our director, Mr. Wolfe. We paid for the accepted shares with available cash and funds borrowed under our existing line of credit.

 (11) Income Taxes

 A summary of income related to U.S. and non-U.S. operations are as follows (in thousands):

 Year Ended December 31,

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Operations

 U.S. Domestic

 $

 120,281

 $

 221,347

 $

 96,636

 Foreign

 4,018

 4,075

 1,945

 Total pre-tax income

 $

 124,299

 $

 225,422

 $

 98,581

 The provision (benefit) for income taxes attributable to income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 consists of the following (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Current:

 U.S. Federal

 $

 15,603

 $

 33,883

 $

 24,394

 State

 5,349

 14,277

 3,604

 Foreign

 —

 Total current

 20,978

 48,514

 27,998

 Deferred:

 U.S. Federal

 9,612

 11,530

 ( 4,231

)

 State

 ( 4,055

)

 Foreign

 Total deferred

 10,420

 8,276

 ( 3,150

)

 Total

 $

 31,398

 $

 56,790

 $

 24,848

 On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law that was aimed at providing emergency assistance for individuals, families, and businesses affected by COVID-19. Among other things, the CARES Act includes provisions allowing for the deferral of the employer portion of social security payments. We took advantage of this provision and deferred the cash payment of social security taxes. In 2022, we paid the deferred balance of social security taxes outstanding as of December 31, 2021, which totaled $ 5.1 million.

 (11) Income Taxes—continued

 Deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31 consist of the following (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 Domestic deferred tax assets:

 Allowance for credit losses

 $

 2,745

 $

 3,222

 Other assets

 1,781

 1,715

 Accrued expenses

 5,579

 9,385

 Total domestic deferred tax assets

 $

 10,105

 $

 14,322

 Domestic deferred tax liabilities:

 Prepaid expenses

 $

 4,355

 $

 5,512

 Marketable securities

 Intangible assets

 18,002

 21,124

 Property and equipment

 66,623

 56,767

 Total domestic deferred tax liabilities

 $

 89,672

 $

 83,907

 Net domestic deferred tax liabilities

 $

 79,567

 $

 69,585

 Foreign deferred tax assets

 Net operating losses

 $

 2,570

 $

 3,357

 Valuation allowance - foreign

 ( 1,345

)

 ( 1,963

)

 Total foreign deferred tax asset

 $

 1,225

 $

 1,394

 Net deferred tax liability

 $

 78,342

 $

 68,191

 In assessing whether deferred tax assets may be realized in the future, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of such tax assets will not be realized. The deferred tax assets and liabilities were reviewed separately by jurisdictions when measuring the need for valuation allowances. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income (both ordinary income and taxable capital gains) during the periods in which those temporary differences reverse. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Based upon the level of historical taxable income, reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the domestic deferred tax assets are expected to reverse, and our ability to generate future capital gains, management believes it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences. Thus, no valuation allowance has been established for the domestic deferred tax assets. We had foreign net operating loss carryforward associated with our Mexican subsidiary with a tax effect of $ 0.7 million and $ 1.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The net operating loss carryforward will expire in 2030. Although realization is not assured, the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be fully realized and as such no valuation allowance has been provided. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we also had foreign net operating loss carryforwards associated with our Canadian and German subsidiaries with a tax effect of $ 1.3 million and $ 1.7 million, respectively. Based on the anticipated earnings projections, management had previously recorded a full valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets associated with these entities.

 (11) Income Taxes—continued

 Income tax expense attributable to income from continuing operations differs from the statutory rates as follows:

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Federal statutory rate

 %

 %

 %

 State, net of federal benefit

 %

 %

 %

 Foreign

 %

 %

 %

 Effective tax rate

 %

 %

 %

 As of December 31, 2023, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit representing uncertainty in certain tax positions was $0.3 million. These uncertain tax positions are based on recognition thresholds and measurement attributes for the financial statement recognition and measurements of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Any prospective adjustments to our accrual for uncertain tax positions will be recorded as an increase or decrease to the provision for income taxes and would impact our effective tax rate. At December 31, 2023, there are no positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits would significantly increase or decrease within 12 months. As of December 31, 2023, the amount for both accrued interest and penalties was zero.
 The changes in our gross unrecognized tax benefits during the years ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 2021

 Unrecognized tax benefit – beginning of year

 $

 $

 $

 Increases related to current year tax positions

 Decreases related to prior year tax positions

 ( 15

)

 ( 21

)

 ( 81

)

 Unrecognized tax benefit – end of year

 $

 $

 $

 (12) Leases

 As of December 31, 2023, our obligations under operating lease arrangements primarily related to the rental of office space, warehouses, freight distribution centers, terminal yards and equipment. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset over the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments resulting from the lease agreement. We recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the effective date of a lease agreement. These assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date, using our incremental borrowing rate as of the respective dates of lease inception, as the rate implicit in each lease is not readily determinable.
 Our lease obligations typically do not include options to purchase the leased property, nor do they contain residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Options to extend or terminate an agreement are included in the lease term when it becomes reasonably certain the option will be exercised. As of December 31, 2023, we were not reasonably certain of exercising any renewal or termination options, and as such, no adjustments were made to the right-of-use lease assets or corresponding liabilities.
 Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, short-term leases, are not recorded on the balance sheet. Lease expense for short-term and long-term operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For facility leases, variable lease costs include the costs of common area maintenance, taxes, and insurance for which we pay the lessors an estimate that is adjusted to actual expense on a quarterly or annual basis depending on the underlying contract terms. For equipment leases, variable lease costs may include additional fees associated with using equipment in excess of estimated amounts.

 (12) Leases—continued

 The following table summarizes our lease costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and related information (in thousands):

 December 31, 2023

 Total

 Lease cost

 Operating lease cost

 $

 9,521

 $

 26,702

 $

 36,223

 Short-term lease cost

 16,155

 16,221

 Variable lease cost

 3,120

 4,001

 Total lease cost

 $

 10,468

 $

 45,977

 $

 56,445

 December 31, 2022

 Total

 Lease cost

 Operating lease cost

 $

 9,526

 $

 25,422

 $

 34,948

 Short-term lease cost

 1,914

 9,557

 11,471

 Variable lease cost

 3,095

 3,964

 Sublease income

 —

 ( 113

)

 ( 113

)

 Total lease cost

 $

 12,309

 $

 37,961

 $

 50,270

 The following table summarizes other lease related information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

 December 31, 2023

 Total

 Other information

 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating leases

 $

 9,401

 $

 26,744

 $

 36,145

 Right-of-use asset change due to lease termination

 $

 ( 64

)

 $

 ( 144

)

 $

 ( 208

)

 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

 $

 $

 16,118

 $

 16,269

 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)

 4.3

 3.2

 3.5

 Weighted-average discount rate

 7.5

 %

 5.4

 %

 6.1

 %

 December 31, 2022

 Total

 Other information

 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating leases

 $

 9,248

 $

 24,026

 $

 33,274

 Right-of-use asset change due to lease termination

 $

 —

 $

 ( 1,583

)

 $

 ( 1,583

)

 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

 $

 1,080

 $

 23,277

 $

 24,357

 Future right-of-use asset change due to a lease signed with a future commencement date

 $

 —

 $

 1,736

 $

 1,736

 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)

 4.8

 3.8

 4.1

 Weighted-average discount rate

 6.9

 %

 4.9

 %

 5.5

 %

 (12) Leases—continued

 Future minimum lease payments under these operating leases as of December 31, 2023, are as follows (in thousands):

 Total

 2024

 $

 9,162

 $

 25,514

 $

 34,676

 2025

 7,439

 20,942

 28,381

 2026

 4,887

 17,201

 22,088

 2027

 3,761

 8,158

 11,919

 2028

 3,553

 1,282

 4,835

 Thereafter

 3,362

 —

 3,362

 Total required lease payments

 $

 32,164

 $

 73,097

 $

 105,261

 Less amounts representing interest

 ( 11,643

)

 Present value of lease liabilities

 $

 93,618

 (13) Retirement Plans

 We offer 401(k) defined contribution plans to our employees. The plans are administered by a company controlled by our principal shareholder and include different matching provisions ranging from zero to $ 2,080 per participant annually depending on which subsidiary or affiliate is involved. The total expense for contributions for 401(k) plans, including plans related to collective bargaining agreements, was $ 1.1 million, $ 1.0 million and $ 0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
 In connection with a collective bargaining agreement that covered 15 Canadian employees at December 31, 2023, we are required to make defined contributions into the Canada Wide Industrial Pension Plan. At December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the required contributions totaled approximately $ 58,000, $ 40,000 and $ 32,000, respectively.

 (14) Stock Based Compensation

 On April 23, 2014, our Board of Directors adopted our 2014 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan. The Plan was approved at the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders and became effective as of the date our Board adopted it. In May 2022, the Company's shareholders approved an amendment to the Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance by 200,000 shares. Grants under the Plan may be made in the form of options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock purchase rights, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock units, restricted stock units or shares of unrestricted common stock.
 In May 2023, we granted 3,549 shares of common stock to non-employee directors. These restricted stock awards have a fair value of $ 25.42 per share, based on the closing price of our stock on the grant date, and vested immediately.
 In March 2023, we granted 34,611 shares of restricted stock to certain of its employees, including 9,134 shares to our Chief Executive Officer and 8,441 shares to our Chief Financial Officer. The restricted stock awards have a grant date fair value of $ 27.59 per share, based on the closing price of our stock. The shares will vest in four equal installments on each March 15 in 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027, subject to their continued employment with us.
 In May 2022, we granted 2,157 shares of common stock to non-employee directors. These restricted stock awards have a fair value of $ 23.17 per share, based on the closing price of our stock on the grant date, and vested immediately.
 In September 2021, we granted 2,355 shares of restricted stock to one of our employees. These restricted stock awards have a fair value of $ 20.46 per share, based on the closing price of our stock on the grant date. The shares will vest in five equal increments on each August 9 in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, subject to continued employment with us.
 In February 2020, we granted 5,000 shares of restricted stock to our Chief Financial Officer. These restricted stock awards have a fair value of $ 17.74 per share, based on the closing price of our stock on the grant date. The shares will vest on February 20, 2024, subject to his continued employment with us.

 (14) Stock Based Compensation—continued

 In January 2020, we granted 60,000 shares of restricted stock to our Chief Executive Officer. These restricted stock awards have a fair value of $ 18.82 per share, based on the closing price of our stock on the grant date. The shares will vest in installments of 20,000 shares on January 10, 2024 and January 10, 2026, and installments of 10,000 shares on January 10, 2027 and January 10, 2028, subject to his continued employment with us.
 A grantee's vesting of restricted stock awards may be accelerated under certain conditions, including retirement.
 The following table summarizes the status of our non-vested shares and related information for the period indicated:

 Shares

 Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value

 Non-vested at January 1, 2023

 73,759

 $

 19.23

 Granted

 38,160

 $

 27.39

 Vested

 ( 10,895

)

 $

 24.03

 Forfeited

 ( 566

)

 $

 27.59

 Balance at December 31, 2023

 100,458

 $

 21.76

 The total grant date fair value of vested shares recognized as compensation cost was $ 0.3 million, $ 0.2 million and $ 0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Included in compensation cost during the year ended December 31, 2023 was approximately $ 90,000 recognized as a result of the grant of 3,549 shares of stock to non-employee directors. Included in compensation cost during the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $ 50,000 recognized as a result of the grant of 2,157 shares of stock to non-employee directors. No such grants were made during the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2023, there was approximately $ 2.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period. As a result, we expect to recognize stock-based compensation expense of $ 0.7 million in 2024, $ 0.3 million in 2025, $ 0.6 million in 2026, $ 0.4 million in 2027 and $ 0.2 million in 2028.

 (15) Commitments and Contingencies

 Our principal commitments relate to long-term real estate leases and payment obligations to equipment and construction vendors, and for purchases of strategic real estate.
 We are involved in certain other claims and pending litigation arising from the ordinary conduct of business. We also provide accruals for claims within our self-insured retention amounts. Based on the knowledge of the facts, and in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, in our opinion the resolution of these claims and pending litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, if we experience claims that are not covered by our insurance or that exceed our estimated claim reserve, it could increase the volatility of our earnings and have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 At December 31, 2023, approximately 33 % of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements that are renegotiated periodically, 48 % of which are subject to contracts that expire in 2024.
 At December 31, 2023, our firm commitments to purchase equipment and strategic real estate, as well as for on-going construction projects totaled $ 121.9 million.

 (16) Earnings Per Share

 Basic earnings per common share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding outstanding non-vested restricted stock. Diluted earnings per common share include dilutive common stock equivalents determined by the treasury stock method. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, there were 23,821, 19,837 and 10,845 weighted average non-vested shares of restricted stock, respectively, included in the denominator for the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
 In the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2021, 34,045 and 65,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because such shares were anti-dilutive. No such shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 (17) Segment Reporting

 We report our financial results in four distinct reportable segments: contract logistics, intermodal, trucking, and company-managed brokerage, which are based primarily on the services each segment provides. This presentation reflects the manner in which management evaluates our operating segments, including an evaluation of economic characteristics and applicable aggregation criteria.
 Operations aggregated in our contract logistics segment deliver value-added and/or dedicated transportation services to support in-bound logistics to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and major retailers on a contractual basis, generally pursuant to terms of one year or longer. Our intermodal segment is associated with local and regional drayage moves coordinated by company-managed terminals using a mix of owner-operators, company equipment and third-party capacity providers (broker carriers). Operations aggregated in our trucking segment are associated with individual freight shipments coordinated primarily by our agents using a mix of owner-operators, company equipment and broker carriers. Our company-managed brokerage segment provides for the pick-up and delivery of individual freight shipments using broker carriers, coordinated by our company-managed operations. Other non-reportable segments are comprised of the Company's subsidiaries that provide support services to other subsidiaries.
 Separate balance sheets are not prepared by segment, and we do not provide asset information by segment to the chief operating decision maker.
 The following tables summarize information about our reportable segments for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

 Operating Revenues

 2023

 2022

 2021

 $

 829,574

 $

 823,934

 $

 627,220

 374,667

 591,946

 473,059

 333,211

 392,639

 403,312

 119,741

 200,536

 242,794

 Other

 4,946

 6,401

 4,595

 Total operating revenues

 $

 $

 $

 Eliminated Inter-segment Revenues

 2023

 2022

 2021

 $

 ( 629

)

 $

 ( 4,718

)

 $

 ( 530

)

 ( 2,974

)

 ( 8,526

)

 ( 6,949

)

 ( 569

)

 ( 208

)

 ( 12,311

)

 ( 2,415

)

 ( 3,668

)

 ( 2,364

)

 Total eliminated inter-segment revenues

 $

 ( 6,587

)

 $

 ( 17,120

)

 $

 ( 22,154

)

 (17) Segment Reporting—continued

 Income from Operations

 2023

 2022

 2021

 $

 127,752

 $

 118,437

 $

 44,809

 1,297

 83,640

 30,379

 17,258

 27,564

 19,607

 ( 2,221

)

 9,993

 7,122

 Other

 1,358

 1,043

 Total income from operations

 $

 145,444

 $

 $

 102,960

 Depreciation and Amortization

 2023

 2022

 2021

 $

 45,027

 $

 47,013

 $

 33,504

 28,563

 25,509

 26,074

 2,631

 2,146

 5,979

 Other

 1,852

 1,601

 Total depreciation and amortization

 $

 77,036

 $

 $

 67,537

 We provide a portfolio of transportation and logistics services to a wide range of customers throughout the United States and in Mexico, Canada and Colombia. Revenues attributed to geographic areas are as follows (in thousands):

 Year Ended December 31,

 2023

 2022

 2021

 United States

 $

 1,622,993

 $

 1,977,339

 $

 1,720,619

 Mexico

 30,462

 22,889

 15,236

 Canada

 5,846

 13,175

 13,208

 Colombia

 2,838

 2,053

 1,917

 Total

 $

 $

 $

 Net long-lived assets by geographic area are presented in the table below (in thousands):

 Year Ended December 31,

 2023

 2022

 United States

 $

 604,365

 $

 455,577

 Mexico

 46,999

 34,067

 Canada

 —

 —

 Colombia

 1,324

 1,241

 Total

 $

 652,688

 $

 490,885

 (18) Subsequent Events

 On January 11, 2024, we closed on the purchase of real property in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. The purchase price was $ 13.0 million. We previously made a deposit of $ 0.3 million and used a combination of available cash on hand and funds borrowed under its existing line of credit to fund the balance at closing.

 (18) Subsequent Events—continued

 On February 14, 2024, we retired 4,722,877 shares of our treasury stock. When treasury shares are retired, we allocate the excess of the repurchase price over the par value of shares acquired to both retained earnings and paid-in capital. The portion allocated to paid-in capital is determined by applying the average paid-in capital per share, and the remaining portion is recorded to retained earnings. There was no effect on our overall equity position as a result of the retirement.
 On February 15, 2024, our Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly cash dividend of $ 0.105 per share of common stock, payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 4, 2024 and is expected to be paid on April 1, 2024. Declaration of future cash dividends is subject to final determination by the Board of Directors each quarter after its review of our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, any legal or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant.

 ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

 None.

 ITEM 9A: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods and accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report was made under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer.

 Based upon this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of such date due to a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, as described below.

 Inherent Limitations over Internal Controls

 Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company's assets;

 (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that the Company's receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company's management and directors; and

 (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of internal controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Also, any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls in future periods are subject to the risk that those internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in business conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, which is commonly referred to as the 2013 framework.

 Based on our assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective, due to the material weakness described below.

 A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 We identified a material weakness in controls designed to identify potential data-entry errors in contracted rates and quantities associated with their invoices and amounts recorded as unbilled revenue.

 The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report included herein. This report contains an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

 Remediation and Plans for Remediation of Material Weakness

 We are committed to maintaining a strong internal control environment and implementing measures designed to help ensure that control deficiencies contributing to the material weakness are remediated as soon as possible. Management is currently in the process of planning for and implementing remediation efforts to address the identified material weakness.

 We plan to remediate our material weakness by modifying our policies and procedures for the timely review and approval of those contracted rates that are entered into the system. We also plan to add a monitoring control that requires a secondary review of all contracted rates entered into the system to ensure they are being reviewed timely and entered accurately, and enhance the controls associated with invoices to ensure they reflect contracted rates.

 Management believes the steps outlined above will resolve the control deficiencies identified. We will continue to monitor and improve our internal controls over financial reporting. We may take additional steps or modify our plans for remediation to provide for reasonable assurance that we effectively maintain internal controls over financial reporting. We will consider the material weakness remediated after the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time, and management has concluded, through testing, that the controls are operating effectively.

 Changes in Internal Controls

 Except as otherwise discussed above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2023, which were identified in connection with management's evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 Board of Directors and Shareholders

 Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.

 Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc., a Michigan corporation, and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness described in the following paragraphs on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

 A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management's assessment.

 Management identified a material weakness in controls designed to identify potential data-entry errors in contracted rates and quantities associated with their invoices and amounts recorded as unbilled revenue.

 We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. The material weakness identified above was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2023 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated March 15, 2024 which expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 Basis for Opinion

 The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 /s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 Southfield, Michigan

 ITEM 9B: OTHER INFORMATION

 Trading Arrangements

 None of the Company's directors or officers adopted, modified or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the Company's fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023, as such terms are defined under Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

 ITEM 9C: DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

 None.

 Portions of the information required by Part III of Form 10-K are, pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 24, 2024. We will, within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year, file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A.

 ITEM 10: DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 24, 2024.

 ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 24, 2024.

 ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 24, 2024.

 The following table presents information about equity plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance at December 31, 2023:

 Plan Category

 Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

 Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance

 Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 100,458

 $

 —

 (1)

 254,708

 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 —

 $

 —

 —

 Total

 100,458

 $

 —

 (1)

 254,708

 (1) Reflects shares to be issued under restricted stock bonus awards, which do not have an exercise price. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has no outstanding options, warrants or rights that require payment of an exercise price.

 ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 24, 2024.

 ITEM 14: PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 24, 2024.

 ITEM 15: EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 (1) Financial Statements

 Page

 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (GRANT THORNTON LLP; Southfield, Michigan; PCAOB ID 248)

 Consolidated Balance Sheets

 Consolidated Statements of Income

 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 (2) Financial Statement Schedules

 Financial statement schedules have been omitted since they are either not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 (3) Exhibits

 Exhibit
 No.

 Description

 3.1

 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 15, 2004)

 3.2

 Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i)-1 and 3(i)-2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2012)

 3.3

 Certificate of Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2016)

 3.4

 Sixth Amended and Restated Bylaws, effective February 14, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2024)

 4.1

 Specimen Common Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 15, 2004)

 4.2*

 Description of Capital Stock of the Registrant

 4.3

 Second Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated July 28, 2021 among the Registrant and the Moroun Family Holders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 29, 2021)

 4.4

 Joinder Agreement to Registration Rights Agreement dated August 1, 2023, among Registrant and the Swiftsure Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K filed August 3, 2023)

 10.1

 Service Level Agreement between the Registrant and Data System Services, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2015)

 10.2+

 2014 Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant's Schedule 14A filed on April 29, 2014)

 10.3+

 Form of Restricted Stock Bonus Award Agreement under the 2014 Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B of Appendix A to the Registrant's Schedule 14A filed on April 29, 2014)

 10.4

 Credit Agreement dated as of April 29, 2022 among UTSI Finance, Inc., UTS Realty, LLC, the lenders party thereto, and Fifth Third Bank, N.A., as agent for the lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 2, 2022)

 Exhibit
 No.

 Description

 10.5

 Confirmation of Transaction, dated April 29, 2022, between Fifth Third Bank, N.A. and UTSI Finance, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 2, 2022)

 10.6

 Credit and Security Agreement dated as of November 27, 2018 among Universal Management Services, Inc., certain of its affiliates identified therein as Borrowers, certain subsidiaries of Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc., as guarantors, and KeyBank National Association as administrative agent and lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2018)

 10.7

 First Amendment Agreement dated September 30, 2022 among Universal Management Services, Inc., certain of its affiliates identified therein as Borrowers, KeyBank National Association, and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 3, 2022)

 10.8

 Credit and Security Agreement dated September 30, 2022 among UACL Logistics Holdings, LLC, certain of its affiliates identified therein as Borrowers, KeyBank National Association, and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 3, 2022

 10.9+

 Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Tim Phillips (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 14, 2020)

 10.10

 Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and each of its directors and executive officers with reporting obligations under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2023)

 21.1*

 Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 23.1*

 Consent of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accounting firm

 24*

 Powers of Attorney (see signature page)

 31.1*

 Chief Executive Officer certification, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 31.2*

 Chief Financial Officer certification, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 32.1**

 Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 97.1*

 Clawback Policy

 101.INS*

 101.SCH*

 + Indicates a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

 * Filed herewith.

 ** Furnished herewith.

 ITEM 16: FORM 10-K SUMMARY

 None.

 SIGNATURES

 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.

 (Registrant)

 By:

 /s/ Jude Beres

 Jude Beres, Chief Financial Officer

 Date: March 15, 2024

 POWER OF ATTORNEY

 Know all persons by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Tim Phillips and Jude Beres, jointly and severally, his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 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.

 Signatures

 Title

 Date

 /s/ Tim Phillips

 Chief Executive Officer

 Tim Phillips

 (Principal Executive Officer)

 /s/ Jude Beres

 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 Jude Beres

 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 /s/ Matthew T. Moroun

 Chairman of the Board

 Matthew T. Moroun

 /s/ Matthew J. Moroun

 Matthew J. Moroun

 /s/ Grant Belanger

 Grant Belanger

 /s/ Frederick P. Calderone

 Frederick P. Calderone

 /s/ Daniel J. Deane

 Daniel J. Deane

 /s/ Clarence W. Gooden

 Clarence W. Gooden

 /s/ Marcus D. Hudson

 Marcus D. Hudson

 /s/ Michael A. Regan

 Michael A. Regan

 /s/ Richard P. Urban

 Richard P. Urban

 /s/ H.E. "Scott" Wolfe

 H. E. "Scott" Wolfe