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Note 1 - Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Description of Business and Principles of Consolidation–P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (the “Company”), through its subsidiaries, operates as a truckload transportation and logistics company. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned operating subsidiaries: P.A.M. Transport, Inc., P.A.M. Cartage Carriers, LLC, Overdrive Leasing, LLC, Choctaw Express, LLC, Decker Transport Co., LLC, T.T.X., LLC, Transcend Logistics, Inc., and East Coast Transport and Logistics, LLC. The following subsidiaries were inactive during all periods presented: P.A.M. International, Inc., P.A.M. Logistics Services, Inc., Choctaw Brokerage, Inc., P.A.M. Canada, Inc. and S & L Logistics, Inc. Use of Estimates–The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the financial statement date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company periodically reviews these estimates and assumptions. The Company's estimates were based on its historical experience and various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents–The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts–Accounts receivable are presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. Management estimates this allowance based upon an evaluation of the aging of our customer receivables and historical write-offs, as well as other trends and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. The Company continually updates the history it uses to make these estimates so as to reflect the most recent trends, factors and other information available. In order to gather information regarding these trends and factors, the Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers. Customer receivables are considered to be past due when payment has not been received by the invoice due date. Write-offs occur when we determine an account to be uncollectible and could differ from the allowance estimate as a result of a number of factors, including unanticipated changes in the overall economic environment or factors and risks surrounding a particular customer. Management believes its methodology for estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts to be reliable however, additional allowances may be required if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, and could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Bank Overdrafts–The Company classifies bank overdrafts in current liabilities as an accounts payable and does not offset other positive bank account balances located at the same or other financial institutions. Bank overdrafts generally represent checks written that have not yet cleared the Company’s bank accounts. The majority of the Company’s bank accounts are zero balance accounts that are funded at the time items clear against the account by drawings against a line of credit, therefore the outstanding checks represent bank overdrafts. Because the recipients of these checks have generally not yet received payment, the Company continues to classify bank overdrafts as accounts payable. Bank overdrafts are classified as changes in accounts payable in the cash flows from operating activities section of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Bank overdrafts as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $3,179,000 and $4,803,000, respectively. Accounts Receivable Other–The components of accounts receivable other consist primarily of amounts representing company driver advances, owner-operator advances, equipment manufacturer warranties, and restricted cash. Advances receivable from company drivers as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, were approximately $707,000 and $882,000, respectively. Restricted cash consists of cash proceeds from the sale of trucks and trailers under our like-kind exchange (“LKE”) tax program. See Note 11, “Federal and State Income Taxes,” for a discussion of the Company’s LKE tax program. We classify restricted cash as a current asset within “Accounts receivable-other” as the exchange process must be completed within 180 days in order to qualify for income tax deferral treatment. The changes in restricted cash balances are reflected as an investing activity in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as they relate to the sales and purchases of revenue equipment. Marketable Equity Securities–Marketable equity securities are classified by the Company as either available for sale or trading. Securities classified as available for sale are carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income in the statements of stockholders’ equity. Securities classified as trading are carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in the statements of operations. Realized gains and losses are computed utilizing the specific identification method. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets–The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable, and it exceeds its fair value. For long-lived assets classified as held and used, if the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the future net cash flows, it is not recoverable. Property and Equipment–Property and equipment is recorded at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation. For financial reporting purposes, the cost of such property is depreciated principally by the straight-line method. For tax reporting purposes, accelerated depreciation or applicable cost recovery methods are used. Depreciation is recognized over the estimated asset life, considering the estimated salvage value of the asset. Such salvage values are based on estimates using expected market values for used equipment and the estimated time of disposal which, in many cases include guaranteed residual values by the manufacturers. Gains and losses are reflected in the year of disposal. The following is a table reflecting estimated ranges of asset useful lives by major class of depreciable assets:
Asset Class | Estimated Asset Life
Service vehicles (years) | 3 | - | 5
Office furniture and equipment (years) | 3 | - | 7
Revenue equipment (years) | 3 | - | 12
Structure and improvements (years) | 5 | - | 40
The Company’s management periodically evaluates whether changes to estimated useful lives and/or salvage values are necessary to ensure its estimates accurately reflect the economic use of the assets. During 2013, management adjusted the estimated useful lives and salvage values of certain trucks based on such an evaluation. These changes resulted in a decrease in depreciation expense of approximately $550,000 during 2013. This reduction in depreciation expense increased the Company’s 2013 reported net income by approximately $340,000 ($0.04 per diluted share). During 2012, management adjusted the estimated useful lives and salvage values of certain trucks based on such an evaluation. These changes resulted in a decrease in depreciation expense of approximately $450,000 during 2012. This reduction in depreciation expense increased the Company’s 2012 reported net income by approximately $300,000 ($0.03 per diluted share). During 2011, management decreased the estimated useful lives and adjusted the salvage values of certain trucks which were expected to be traded for newer model trucks. These changes resulted in additional depreciation expense of approximately $4,200,000 during 2011. This additional depreciation expense increased the Company’s 2011 reported net loss by approximately $2,600,000 ($0.29 per diluted share). Prepaid Tires–Tires purchased with revenue equipment are capitalized as a cost of the related equipment. Replacement tires are included in prepaid expenses and deposits and are amortized over a 24-month period. Amounts paid for the recapping of tires are expensed when incurred. Advertising Expense–Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $662,000, $685,000 and $437,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Classification of Owner/Operator Expense – In order to conform to industry practice, the Company began to classify payments to third-party owner operator drivers as purchased transportation rather than as salaries, wages and benefits as had been presented in reports prior to the period ended September 30, 2013. This reclassification has no effect on operating income, net income or earnings per share. The Company has made corresponding reclassifications to comparative periods shown. Repairs and Maintenance–Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Self Insurance Liability–A liability is recognized for known health, workers’ compensation, cargo damage, property damage and auto liability damage claims. An estimate of the incurred but not reported claims for each type of liability is made based on historical claims made, estimated frequency of occurrence, and considering changing factors that contribute to the overall cost of insurance. Income Taxes–The Company applies the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The application of income tax law to multi-jurisdictional operations such as those performed by the Company, are inherently complex. Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and often ambiguous. As such, we may be required to make subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures. Interpretations of and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations may change over time which could cause changes in our assumptions and judgments that could materially affect amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements. We recognize the impact of tax positions in our financial statements. These tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold to be recognized and tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the consolidated statements of income as income tax expense. In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10-30, weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2013, management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was not necessary. Revenue Recognition–Revenue is recognized in full upon completion of delivery to the receiver’s location. For freight in transit at the end of a reporting period, the Company recognizes revenue pro rata based on relative transit time completed as a portion of the estimated total transit time. Expenses are recognized as incurred. Share-Based Compensation–The Company estimates the fair value of stock option awards on the option grant date using the Black-Scholes pricing model and recognizes compensation for stock option awards expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Forfeitures are estimated at grant date based on historical experience. For additional information with respect to share-based compensation, see Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements. Earnings Per Share–The Company computes basic earnings per share (“EPS”) by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the potential dilution that could occur from stock-based awards and other stock-based commitments using the treasury stock or the as if converted methods, as applicable. The difference between the Company's weighted-average shares outstanding and diluted shares outstanding is due to the dilutive effect of stock options for all periods presented. See Note 13 for computation of diluted EPS. Fair Value Measurements–Certain financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value within the financial statements on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. For additional information with respect to fair value measurements, see Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements. Reporting Segments–The Company's operations are all in the motor carrier segment and are aggregated into a single reporting segment in accordance with the aggregation criteria under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). The Company provides truckload transportation services as well as brokerage and logistics services to customers throughout the United States and portions of Canada and Mexico. Truckload transportation services revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, represented 92.6%, 91.8% and 93.5% of total revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Remaining revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, for each respective year were generated by brokerage and logistics services. Concentrations of Credit Risk–The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and generally does not require collateral from its customers. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses. In view of the concentration of the Company’s revenues and accounts receivable among a limited number of customers within the automobile industry, the financial health of this industry is a factor in the Company’s overall evaluation of accounts receivable. Subsequent Events–We have evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure through the date these financial statements were filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and concluded that no subsequent events or transactions have occurred that require recognition or disclosure in our financial statements. Foreign Currency Transactions– The functional currency of the Company’s foreign branch office in Mexico is the U.S. dollar. The Company remeasures the monetary assets and liabilities of this branch office, which are maintained in the local currency ledgers, at the rates of exchange in effect at the end of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses recorded in the local currency during the period are remeasured using average exchange rates for each period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using historical rates. Any resulting exchange gain or loss from the remeasurement process are included in non-operating income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Recent Accounting Pronouncements– In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-2, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This guidance requires an organization to present the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”), but only if the item reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2013 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which requires entities to disclose both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting agreement. The objective of the disclosure is to facilitate comparison between those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of U.S. GAAP and those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards. Retrospective presentation for all comparative periods presented is required. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2013 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow.

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