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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

     
(Mark One)
   
 
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002
 
or
 
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
    For the transition period from           to

Commission File No. 0-18605

Swift Transportation Co., Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Nevada
  86-0666860
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
2200 South 75th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ
(Address of principal executive offices)
  85043
(Zip Code)

(602) 269-9700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

     
Common Stock, $.001 par value
  Nasdaq National Market

      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 þ          No o

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

      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).     Yes þ          No o

      At June 28, 2002, the aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was $1,238,991,118.

      The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock on March 21, 2003 was 83,233,464.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

      Materials from the Registrant’s Notice and Proxy Statement relating to the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders have been incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
Item 1. Business
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 6. Selected Financial and Operating Data
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
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
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
Item 14. Controls and Procedures
Item 15. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 16. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
EX-10.21
EX-21
EX-23.1
EX-23.2
EX-99.1
EX-99.2
EX-99.3


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

             
Page

PART I
Item 1.
  Business     2  
Item 2.
  Properties     9  
Item 3.
  Legal Proceedings     10  
Item 4.
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     10  
PART II
Item 5.
  Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters     10  
Item 6.
  Selected Financial and Operating Data     11  
Item 7.
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     12  
Item 7A.
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     21  
Item 8.
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     22  
Item 9.
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     45  
PART III
Item 10.
  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     45  
Item 11.
  Executive Compensation     45  
Item 12.
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     45  
Item 13.
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     45  
Item 14.
  Controls and Procedures     45  
Item 15.
  Principal Accountant Fees and Services     45  
PART IV
Item 16.
  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K     46  
SIGNATURES     50  

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PART I

Item 1.     Business

General

      Swift Transportation Co., Inc. is the largest publicly-held, truckload carrier in the United States. Swift operates primarily throughout the continental United States, combining strong regional operations with a transcontinental van operation. The principal types of freight transported by Swift include retail and discount department store merchandise, manufactured goods, paper products, non-perishable food, beverages and beverage containers and building materials. The Company operates predominantly in one industry, road transportation, as a truckload motor carrier and thus has only one single reportable segment.

      Swift Transportation Co., Inc., a Nevada corporation headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, is a holding company for the operating corporations named Swift Transportation Co., Inc. and Swift Transportation Corporation. These companies are collectively referred to herein as “Swift” or the “Company.” The Company’s headquarters are located at 2200 South 75th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85043, and its telephone number is (602) 269-9700.

      This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including but not limited to the portions hereof entitled “Business — Growth Strategy” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements. Additional written or oral forward-looking statements may be made by the Company from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” and “project,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, projections of revenues, income, or loss, capital expenditures, plans for future operations, financing needs or plans, the impact of inflation, plans relating to products or services of the Company, the benefits of the Company’s terminal network, the continued consolidation of the truckload industry, the increase in the number of companies outsourcing their transportation requirements, the Company’s ability to sell its used trucks at favorable prices, the Company’s ability to attract and retain qualified drivers, the Company’s ability to pass on to its customers increased labor and fuel costs and protect itself against increases in fuel costs through the use of fuel efficient equipment, and pending or future acquisitions, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

      Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. Statements in this Annual Report, including the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” describe factors, among others, that could contribute to or cause such differences. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements are set forth in “Business” and “Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters” in this Annual Report.

Operating Strategy

      Swift focuses on achieving high density for service-sensitive customers in short-to-medium haul traffic lanes. Through its network of terminals, Swift is able to provide regional service on a nationwide basis. Swift’s terminal network establishes a local market presence in the regions Swift serves and enables Swift to respond more rapidly to its customers’ changing requirements. This regional network also enables Swift to enhance driver recruitment and retention by returning drivers to their homes regularly, reduce its purchases of higher priced fuel at truck stops and expedite lower cost, in-house equipment maintenance. With an average length of haul of less than 600 miles, Swift is able to limit its direct competition with railroads, intermodal services and longer-haul, less specialized truckload carriers. (See further discussion under “Competition”.) Swift seeks to

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provide premium service with commensurate rates, rather than compete primarily on the basis of price. The principal elements of Swift’s premium service include: regional terminals to facilitate single and multiple pick-ups and deliveries and maintain local contact with customers; well-maintained, late model equipment; a fully-integrated computer system to monitor shipment status and variations from schedule; an onboard communications system that enables the Company to dispatch and monitor traffic; timely deliveries; and extra equipment to respond promptly to customers’ varying requirements.

      To manage the higher costs and greater logistical complexity inherent in operating in short-to-medium haul traffic lanes, Swift employs sophisticated computerized management control systems to monitor key aspects of its operations, such as availability of equipment, truck productivity and fuel consumption. Swift has a three-year replacement program for the majority of its tractors, which allows Swift to maximize equipment utilization and fuel economy by capitalizing on improved engine efficiency and vehicle aerodynamics and to minimize maintenance expense. Swift is currently extending the usage of three year old tractors into the fourth year while continuing to evaluate the October 2002 EPA engine. Until we better understand the quality, reliability, and fuel economy provided by these new engines we may choose to run our fleet up to five years. Our agreements with our manufacturer enable us to return trucks up to five years old with guaranteed residual values. In addition, we are able to procure cost effective warranties during years four and five.

Growth Strategy

      Major shippers continue to reduce the number of carriers they use for their regular freight needs. This has resulted in a relatively small number of financially stable “core carriers” and has contributed to consolidation in the truckload industry in recent years. The truckload industry remains highly fragmented, and management believes that overall growth in the truckload industry and continued industry consolidation will present opportunities for well managed, financially stable carriers such as Swift to expand. The Company intends to take advantage of growth opportunities through a combination of internal growth and selective acquisitions.

      The key elements of Swift’s growth strategy are:

  •  Strengthen Core Carrier Relationships. Swift intends to continue to strengthen its core carrier relationships, expand its services to its existing customers and pursue new customer relationships. By concentrating on expanding its services to its existing customers, Swift’s revenues from its top 25 customers of 2000 increased by 10% from 2000 to 2002. The largest 25, 10 and 5 customers, respectively, accounted for 50%, 34% and 25% of revenues in 2002, with no customer accounting for more than 7% of Swift’s revenues during that same period. In addition to expanding its services to existing customers, Swift actively pursues new traffic commitments from high volume, financially stable shippers for whom it has not previously provided services.
 
  •  Pursue Strategic Acquisitions. Swift’s revenue growth has been attributable, in significant part, to acquisitions, which have enabled Swift to expand from its historical operations base in the Western United States and develop a strong regional presence in the Midwestern, Eastern and Southeastern United States. Swift generally limits its consideration of acquisitions to those it believes will be accretive to earnings within six months, and historically all of its acquisitions have met this objective. In certain instances, such as the M.S. Carriers merger, where a proposed acquisition has the potential to significantly increase revenues, expand Swift’s operations in certain key geographic regions, or provide important synergistic opportunities, such as increased efficiencies in equipment utilization, Swift may consider going forward with such an acquisition even though it is not likely to be accretive to earnings within a period of six months.
 
  •  Exploit Private Fleet Outsourcing. A number of large companies maintain their own private trucking fleets to facilitate distribution of their products. Swift believes that a high percentage of private fleet traffic is short-to-medium haul in nature, traveling an average of 500 miles or less per round trip. In order to reduce operating costs associated with private fleets, a number of large companies have begun to outsource their transportation and logistics requirements. Swift believes that its strong regional operations and average length of haul of less than 600 miles position allows it to take advantage of this

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  trend. Swift already serves as a preferred supplier, or “core carrier” to many major shippers who are considering, or may in the future consider, outsourcing their transportation and logistics requirements.

Operations

      Swift has developed a network of regional terminals and offices strategically located in areas, which have strong, diverse economies and provide access to other key population centers. The terminals are located in close proximity to major customers who provide Swift with significant traffic volume. To minimize competition with long-haul truckload carriers and railroads, Swift operates principally within short-to-medium-haul traffic lanes. Although the Company’s transcontinental division allows it to serve a broad spectrum of shipper needs, the primary regions in which Swift operates are ideally suited to short-to-medium-haul lanes because of the distribution of population and economic centers.

      Swift focuses the marketing of its services to large, service-sensitive customers that regularly ship over established routes within Swift’s regional service areas. Swift’s services include: the availability of specialized equipment suitable for the requirements of certain industries; high cubic capacity trailers; computerized tracking of and frequent reporting on customer shipments; onboard communications that enable instant re-routing or modification of traffic; well-maintained, late-model equipment that enhances on-time deliveries; multiple drops, appointment pick-ups and deliveries; assistance in loading and unloading; extra trailers that can be placed for the convenience of customers; and sufficient equipment to respond promptly to customers’ varying requirements.

      The achievement of significant regular freight volumes on high-density routes and consistent shipment scheduling over these routes are key elements of Swift’s operations. As a result, Swift’s operations personnel are better able to match available equipment to available loads and schedule regular maintenance and fueling at Company terminals, thereby enhancing productivity and asset utilization and minimizing empty miles and expensive over-the-road fueling and repair costs. Consistent scheduling also allows Swift to be more responsive to its customers’ needs. Swift’s regular scheduling and relatively short length of haul enable drivers to return to their homes regularly, which has helped Swift improve driver recruitment and retention.

      In order to reduce the higher operating costs traditionally associated with medium-length hauls and specialized equipment, Swift has installed sophisticated computerized management control systems to monitor key aspects of its operations. Swift has a significant investment in its computer hardware and utilizes state-of-the-art software specially designed for the trucking industry. The Company’s fully integrated computer network allows its managers to coordinate available equipment with the transportation needs of its customers, monitor truck productivity and fuel consumption and schedule regular equipment maintenance. Dispatchers monitor the location and delivery schedules of all shipments and equipment to coordinate routes and increase equipment utilization. The Company’s computer system provides immediate access to current information regarding driver and equipment status and location, special load and equipment instructions, routing and dispatching.

      Swift’s larger terminals are staffed with terminal managers, driver managers and customer service representatives. Terminal managers work with both the fleet managers and the customer service representatives, as well as other operations personnel, to coordinate the needs of both customers and drivers. Terminal managers are also responsible for soliciting new customers and serving existing customers in their areas. Each driver manager is responsible for the general operation of approximately 35 trucks and their drivers, including driver retention, productivity per truck, routing, fuel consumption, safety and scheduled maintenance. Customer service representatives are assigned specific customers to ensure specialized, high-quality service and frequent customer contact.

      In addition to the domestic operations described above, Swift has a growing cross border operation that primarily ships through commercial border crossings from Laredo, Texas westward to California. In 2000, Swift augmented its cross border operation by acquiring 49% of Trans-Mex, a carrier that focuses on shipments to and from Mexico and intends to purchase the remaining 51% in February 2004. For additional information regarding Swift’s guarantee of certain Trans-Mex obligations, see the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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      In April 2000, Swift and five other publicly traded truckload carriers founded Transplace, LLC, an Internet-based transportation logistics company. Swift contributed its transportation logistics business and associated intangible assets to Transplace.com upon its formation. Swift’s interest in Transplace.com is approximately 29%. Swift reports its equity interest in Transplace.com and its share of the profits and losses of Transplace.com in its consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. See the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

      As a transportation logistics company, Transplace matches shippers with trucking companies and receives a fee for this service. Swift may receive from Transplace the opportunity to provide transportation services to shippers. In addition, Swift may utilize Transplace to assist in obtaining additional capacity for a customer of Swift. During the year ended December 31, 2002, Swift received less than 1% of its operating revenue from Transplace and paid less than 4% of its purchased transportation to Transplace.

Acquisitions

      The growth of the Company has been dependent in part upon the acquisition of trucking companies throughout the United States. From 1988 through 1997, the Company completed eight acquisitions through which the Company grew from a regional carrier in the Western United States to a national carrier with operations throughout the entire United States.

      In January 2001, Swift further expanded its operations in the eastern United States through an agreement with Cardinal Freight Carriers Inc. (“Cardinal Freight”), a van and flatbed carrier based in Concord, North Carolina. Under this agreement, Swift has hired a number of Cardinal Freight’s drivers and subleased a number of tractors from Cardinal Freight.

      In June 2001, Swift merged with M.S. Carriers, Inc. (“M.S. Carriers”), also a publicly- held truckload carrier operating predominantly in the eastern United States. In exchange for 19,464,322 shares of the Company’s common stock, M.S. Carriers became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Merger was accounted for as a pooling of interests.

      See “Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition” under Item 7.

Revenue Equipment

      Swift acquires premium tractors to help attract and retain drivers, promote safe operations and minimize maintenance and repair costs. Management believes the higher initial investment is recovered through improved resale value, improved fuel economy and reduced maintenance costs.

      The following table shows the type and age of Company-owned and leased equipment at December 31, 2002:

                                                   
57’, 53’ and Sets of Flatbed Refrigerated Specialized
Model Year Tractors(1) 48’ Vans Double Vans Trailers Trailers Trailers







2003
    2,547       2,373       142               447       86  
2002
    2,682       1,349               264       230       116  
2001
    2,167       4,701               235       172       48  
2000
    3,991       10,697               85       48       100  
1999
    894       8,797               52       51       9  
1998
    153       5,525               21               2  
1997
    172       4,689               168       96          
1996 and prior
    333       6,749       409       432       43       97  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Total
    12,939       44,880       551       1,257       1,087       458  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 


(1)  Excludes 3,152 owner-operator tractors.

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      When purchasing new revenue equipment, Swift acquires tractors and trailers manufactured to the Company’s specifications. Since 1990, Swift has predominantly acquired tractors manufactured by Freightliner powered by Series 60 Detroit Diesel engines. Standardization of drive-line components allows Swift to operate with a minimum spare parts inventory, enhances Swift’s maintenance program and simplifies driver training. Swift adheres to a comprehensive maintenance program that minimizes downtime and enhances the resale value of its equipment. In addition to its maintenance facility in Phoenix, Arizona, Swift performs routine servicing and maintenance of its equipment at most of its regional terminal facilities, thus avoiding costly on-road repairs and out-of-route trips. Swift has adopted a three-year replacement program on the majority of its line-haul tractors. This replacement policy enhances Swift’s ability to attract and retain drivers, maximize its fuel economy by capitalizing on improvement in both engine efficiency and vehicle aerodynamics, stabilize maintenance expense and maximize equipment utilization. Swift is currently evaluating its replacement policy in light of the changes to tractor engines due to new emissions standards mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that became effective on October 1, 2002. Swift is currently extending the usage of three year old tractors into the fourth year while continuing to evaluate the October 2002 EPA engine. Until we better understand the quality, reliability, and fuel economy provided by these new engines we may choose to run our fleet up to five years. Our agreements with our manufacturer enable us to return trucks up to five years old with guaranteed residual values. In addition, we are able to procure cost effective warranties during years four and five.

      Swift has installed Qualcomm onboard, two-way vehicle satellite communication systems in the majority of its tractors. This communication system links drivers to regional terminals and corporate headquarters, allowing Swift to rapidly alter its routes in response to customer requirements and to eliminate the need for driver stops to report problems or delays. This system allows drivers to inform dispatchers and driver managers of the status of routing, loading and unloading or the need for emergency repairs. Swift believes the communications system improves fleet control, the quality of customer service and driver recruitment and retention. Swift intends to continue to install the communication system in substantially all tractors acquired in the future.

      Swift has adopted a speed limit of 60 miles per hour for Company tractors (62 miles per hour for team drivers) and 65 miles per hour for owner-operator tractors, below the speed limits of many states. Swift believes these measures reduce accidents, enhance fuel mileage and minimize maintenance expense. Substantially all of Swift’s Company tractors are equipped with electronically controlled engines that are set to limit the speed of the vehicle. M.S. Carriers drivers who joined Swift upon the merger continue to operate at 65 miles per hour.

      Swift enters into contracts with owner-operators. These owner-operators own their tractors and are responsible for operating costs as opposed to drivers who are employees of Swift. The owner-operators operate under the authority of the Company and are generally compensated based upon miles. Owner-operators comprise approximately 25% of our total fleet.

Marketing and Customers

      Swift has targeted the service-sensitive segment of the truckload market, both common and contract, rather than that segment that uses price as its primary consideration. The Company has chosen to provide premium service with commensurate rates rather than compete primarily on the basis of price. The principal elements of Swift’s premium service include: regional terminals to facilitate single and multiple pick-ups and deliveries and to maintain local contact with customers; a fully-integrated computer system to monitor shipment location and variations from schedule; an onboard communication system that enables the Company to reroute traffic; well-maintained, late model equipment; timely deliveries; and extra equipment for the convenience of customers, which enables Swift to respond promptly to customers’ varying requirements and assistance in loading and unloading. Swift concentrates its marketing efforts on expanding the amount of service it provides to existing customers.

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      Swift maintains a strong commitment to marketing. Swift has assigned a member of senior management to each of its largest customers to ensure a high level of customer support. Swift solicits new customers from its Phoenix, Arizona headquarters and each of its regional terminals through a marketing staff of approximately 50 persons. Once a customer relationship has been established, regional customer service representatives maintain contact and solicit additional business. Swift concentrates on attracting non-cyclical customers that regularly ship multiple loads from locations that complement existing traffic flows. Customer shipping point locations are regularly monitored and, as shipping patterns of existing customers expand or change, Swift attempts to obtain additional customers that will complement the new traffic flow. This strategy enables Swift to maximize equipment utilization.

      The largest 25, 10 and 5 customers accounted for approximately 50%, 34% and 25% respectively, of Swift’s revenues during 2002, 48%, 33% and 23%, respectively, of Swift’s revenues during 2001 and 44%, 30% and 19%, respectively, of Swift’s revenues during 2000. No customer accounted for more than 7% of Swift’s gross revenues during any of the three most recent fiscal years. Swift’s largest customers include retail and discount department store chains, manufacturers, non-perishable food companies, beverage and beverage container producers and building materials companies.

Drivers and Employees

      All Swift drivers must meet or exceed specific guidelines relating primarily to safety records, driving experience and personal evaluations, including a physical examination and mandatory drug testing. Upon being hired, a driver is trained in all phases of Swift’s policies and operations, safety techniques, and fuel efficient operation of the equipment. All new drivers must pass a safety test and have a current Commercial Drivers License. In addition, Swift has ongoing driver efficiency and safety programs to ensure that its drivers comply with its safety procedures.

      Senior management is actively involved with the development and retention of drivers. Recognizing the need for qualified drivers, Swift has contracted with driver-training schools, which are managed by outside organizations as well as local community colleges throughout the country. Candidates for the schools must be at least 23 years old (21 years old with military service), with a high school education or equivalent, pass a basic skills test and pass the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) physical examination, which includes drug and alcohol screening. Students are required to complete three weeks of classroom study and driving range time and a six to eight week, on-the-road training program.

      Swift bases its drivers at the regional terminals and monitors each driver’s location on its computer system. Swift uses this information to schedule the routing for its drivers so that they can return home frequently. In order to attract and retain highly qualified drivers and promote safe operations, the Company purchases premium quality tractors equipped with optional comfort and safety features, such as air ride suspension, air conditioning, high quality interiors, power steering, engine brakes and raised roof double sleeper cabs. The majority of company drivers are compensated on the basis of miles driven, loading/unloading and number of stops or deliveries, plus bonuses. The base pay for the miles driven by a drive increase with a driver’s length of service. Drivers employed by Swift participate in company-sponsored health, life and dental insurance plans and are eligible to participate in a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

      Swift believes its innovative driver-training programs, driver compensation, regionalized operations, driver tracking and late-model equipment provide important incentives to attract and retain qualified drivers. Although Swift has had no significant downtime due to inability to secure qualified drivers, no assurance can be given that a shortage of qualified drivers will not adversely affect the Company in the future.

      As of December 31, 2002, Swift employed approximately 20,400 full-time persons, of whom approximately 16,100 were drivers (including driver trainees), 1,600 were mechanics and other equipment maintenance personnel and the balance were support personnel, such as sales personnel, corporate managers and administration. No Swift driver or other employee is represented by a collective bargaining unit. In the opinion of management, Swift’s relationship with its drivers and employees is good.

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Safety

      The Company has an active safety and loss prevention program at each of its terminals. Supervisors engage in ongoing training of drivers regarding safe vehicle operations. The Company has adopted maximum speed limits. The Company believes that its insurance and claims expense, as a percentage of operating revenue is one of the best in the industry, which is attributable to its overall strong safety program. The Company has received the highest safety rating given to motor carriers by the United States Department of Transportation.

Fuel

      In order to reduce fuel costs, the Company purchases approximately 78% of its fuel in bulk at 34 of its 36 terminals. Swift stores fuel in underground storage tanks at two of its bulk fueling terminals and in above ground storage tanks at its other bulk fueling terminals. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Shortages of fuel, increases in fuel prices or rationing of petroleum products could have a material adverse effect on the operations and profitability of the Company. From time to time, the Company, in response to increases in fuel costs, has implemented fuel surcharges to pass on to its customers all or substantially all of increased fuel costs. However, there can be no assurance that such fuel surcharges could be used to offset future increases in fuel prices. The Company believes that its most effective protection against fuel cost increases is to maintain a fuel efficient fleet and to implement fuel surcharges when such option is necessary and available. The Company has generally not used derivative-type products as a hedge against higher fuel costs in the past but continues to evaluate this possibility.

Competition

      The trucking industry is extremely competitive and fragmented. Swift seeks to provide premium service with commensurate rates, rather than compete primarily on the basis of price. The Company competes primarily with regional, medium-haul truckload carriers. Management believes, because of its cost efficiencies, productive equipment utilization and financial resources, that the Company has a competitive advantage over most regional truckload carriers. The Company believes that competition for the freight transported by the Company is based, in the long term, as much upon service and efficiency as on freight rates. There are some trucking companies with which the Company competes that have greater financial resources, and one may own more revenue equipment and carry a larger volume of freight than the Company. Long-haul truckload carriers and railroads also provide competition, but to a lesser degree. The Company also competes with other motor carriers for the services of drivers.

Regulation

      The Company is regulated by the United States Department of Transportation. This regulatory authority has broad powers, generally governing matters such as authority to engage in motor carrier operations, certain mergers, consolidations and acquisitions and periodic financial reporting. The trucking industry is subject to regulatory and legislative changes, which can affect the economics of the industry. The Company is also regulated by various state agencies.

      The Company’s operations are also subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations dealing with transportation, storage, presence, use, disposal and handling of hazardous materials, discharge of stormwater and underground fuel storage tanks. The Company believes that its operations are in substantial compliance with current laws and regulations and does not know of any existing condition that would cause compliance with applicable environmental regulations to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or operating results.

Seasonality

      In the transportation industry, results of operations generally show a seasonal pattern as customers reduce shipments after the winter holiday season. The Company’s operating expenses also tend to be higher in the

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winter months primarily due to colder weather, which causes higher fuel consumption from increased idle time.

Internet Web Site

      Additional information about the Company is available on our Internet web site, www.swifttrans.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other reports filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act are available, free of charge, on our website as soon as practical after they are filed. In addition, our press releases are posted to our web site as soon as practical after they are issued publicly. The information on our web site is not considered part of this report.

Item 2.     Properties

      Swift’s headquarters is located on approximately 153 acres in Phoenix, Arizona and contains 83,000 square feet of office space, 106,000 square feet of shop and maintenance facilities, 27,000 square feet of a drivers’ center, a recruiting and training center, a warehouse facility, a two-bay truck wash and an eight lane fueling center.

      Swift has terminals throughout the continental United States. A terminal may include customer service, marketing, fuel and repair facilities. The following table provides information regarding the Company’s significant facilities or terminals:

             
Location Owned or Leased Description



West Region
           
Arizona — Phoenix
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
California — Fontana
    Owned/ Leased     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
California — Lathrop (Bay Area)
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
California — Willows
    Owned     Fuel, Repair
California — Wilmington
    Owned     Customer Service, Fuel, Repair
Colorado — Denver
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Colorado — Pueblo
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Idaho — Lewiston
    Owned/ Leased     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
New Mexico — Albuquerque
    Leased     Fuel, Repair
Nevada — Sparks
    Owned/ Leased     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Oklahoma — Oklahoma City
    Owned     Fuel, Repair
Oregon — Troutdale
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Texas — Corsicana
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Texas — El Paso
    Owned/ Leased     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Texas — Irving
    Leased     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Texas — Laredo
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Utah — Salt Lake City
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Washington — Sumner
    Leased     Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Midwest Region
           
Illinois — Manteno
    Owned     Customer Service, Fuel, Repair
Indiana — Gary
    Owned     Customer Service, Fuel, Repair
Indiana — Shoals
    Owned     Customer Service, Fuel, Repair
Kansas — Edwardsville
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel
Michigan — New Boston
    Owned     Customer Service, Fuel, Repair
Minnesota — Invergrove Heights
    Leased     Marketing, Repair
Ohio — Columbus
    Owned     Customer Service, Fuel, Repair

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Location Owned or Leased Description



Tennessee — Memphis
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Wisconsin — Town of Menasha
    Owned     Fuel, Repair
East Region
           
Florida — Ocala
    Owned     Customer Service, Fuel, Repair
Georgia — Decatur
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
North Carolina — Eden
    Owned     Customer Service, Fuel, Repair
New Jersey — South Plainfield
    Owned     Repair
New York — Syracuse
    Owned     Fuel, Repair
Pennsylvania — Jonestown
    Owned     Fuel, Repair
South Carolina — Greer
    Owned     Customer Service, Marketing, Fuel, Repair
Virginia — Richmond
    Owned     Fuel, Repair
West Virginia — Martinsburg
    Owned     Fuel, Repair

      As of December 31, 2002, the Company’s aggregate monthly rent for all leased properties was $347,000.

Item 3.     Legal Proceedings

      The Company is a party to routine litigation incidental to its business, primarily involving claims for personal injury or property damage incurred in the transportation of freight. The Company’s insurance program for liability, physical damage and cargo damage involves self-insurance with varying risk retention levels. Claims in excess of these risk retention levels are covered by insurance in amounts which management considers to be adequate. The Company is not aware of any claims or threatened claims that might have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.

Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

      No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company’s security holders during the fourth quarter of 2002.

PART II

Item 5.     Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters

      The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on the Nasdaq National Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “SWFT”. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of the common stock reported by Nasdaq for the periods shown.

                 
Common Stock

High Low


2002
               
First Quarter
  $ 25.58     $ 20.38  
Second Quarter
    23.48       18.11  
Third Quarter
    23.90       14.94  
Fourth Quarter
    20.72       14.76  
 
2001
               
First Quarter
  $ 23.13     $ 13.50  
Second Quarter
    20.00       14.40  
Third Quarter
    22.55       15.00  
Fourth Quarter
    24.34       16.33  

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      On March 21, 2003, the last reported sales price of the Company’s common stock was $18.00 per share. At that date, the number of stockholder accounts of record of the Company’s common stock was 4,394. The Company estimates there are approximately 6,200 beneficial holders of the Company’s common stock.

      The Company has not paid cash dividends on its common stock in either of the two preceding fiscal years and our revolving credit facility and one of the Company’s notes payable includes limitations on the payment of cash dividends. It is the current intention of management to retain earnings to finance the growth of the Company’s business. Future payment of cash dividends will depend upon the financial condition, results of operations, and capital requirements of the Company, as well as other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.

Factors That May Affect Future Stock Performance

      The performance of the Company’s common stock is dependent upon several factors, including those set forth below and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition.”

      Influence by Principal Stockholder. Trusts established for the benefit of Jerry C. Moyes and his family beneficially own approximately 34% of the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, Mr. Moyes will have a significant influence upon the activities of the Company, as well as on all matters requiring approval of the stockholders, including electing members of the Company’s Board of Directors and causing or restricting the sale or merger of the Company. This concentration of ownership, as well as the ability of the Board to establish the terms of and issue preferred stock of the Company without stockholder approval, may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control or management of the Company, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over their current market prices.

      Possible Volatility of Stock Price. The market price of the Company’s common stock could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to certain factors, including, among others, variations in the anticipated or actual results of operations of the Company or other companies in the transportation industry, changes in conditions affecting the economy generally, fluctuations in interest rates and fuel prices, increases in insurance premiums affecting the trucking industry generally, the depressed market for used tractors affecting the trucking industry generally, analysts’ reports or general trends in the industry, as well as other factors unrelated to the Company’s operating results.

Item 6.     Selected Financial and Operating Data

      The selected consolidated financial data presented below for, and as of the end of, each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2002 is derived from the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The selected consolidated financial data has been restated to include the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of M.S. Carriers (See Pooling of Interests note to the financial statements). The Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002 and the independent auditors’ reports thereon, are included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. This data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K

                                         
Years Ended December 31,

2002 2001 2000 1999 1998(1)





(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except per Share and per Mile Amounts)
Consolidated Statements of Earnings Data:
                                       
Operating revenue
  $ 2,101,472     $ 2,112,221     $ 1,973,839     $ 1,688,954     $ 1,404,147  
Earnings before income taxes
  $ 96,108     $ 45,369     $ 110,014     $ 155,023     $ 133,098  
Net earnings
  $ 59,588     $ 27,221     $ 68,943     $ 97,418     $ 80,779  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ .69     $ .32     $ .82     $ 1.12     $ .93  

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Years Ended December 31,

2002 </