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Property, Equipment, and Depreciation
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Equipment and Depreciation [Abstract]  
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Property, Equipment, and Depreciation

Property and equipment are reported at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.   Tires are capitalized separately from revenue equipment and are reported separately as “Prepaid Tires” in the consolidated balance sheets and amortized over two years.  Depreciation expense of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 has been included in communication and utilities in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Depreciation for financial statement purposes is computed by the straight-line method for all assets other than tractors.  The Company recognizes depreciation expense on tractors at 125% declining balance. Tractors are depreciated to salvage values of $15,000 while trailers are depreciated to salvage values of $4,000.

Effective July 1, 2013, the Company adjusted its depreciation estimate for tractors to the 125% declining balance method from the 150% declining balance method to better reflect the estimated trade value of the tractors at the estimated trade date as well as better match the expense of tractor ownership with a tractors declining value over the estimated useful life of the asset. Under the declining balance method, depreciation for each tractor is highest in the first year and declines in each year throughout the useful life.  Changing to the 125% declining balance method from the 150% declining balance method increased operating income and decreased depreciation expense by approximately $2.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.