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Note 15 - Commitments and Contigencies
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

15.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES


Other than the lawsuit discussed below, the Company is not a party to any pending legal proceedings which management believes to be material to the Consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Company maintains liability insurance against risks arising out of the normal course of its business.


We are a defendant in a collective-action lawsuit which was filed on August 22, 2013, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who are current and former drivers and who worked for the Company during the period of August 22, 2010, through the date of the filing, allege claims for unpaid wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law. The complaint alleges that the Company failed to pay newly hired drivers minimum wage during orientation, training, and while traveling during normal business hours and that the Company failed to pay all drivers when working on assignment for more than 24 hours. The plaintiffs seek to enjoin the Company from continuing its current pay practices related to the allegations. They also seek actual damages, liquidated damages equal to accrual damages, court costs, and legal fees. The Company has reached a preliminary settlement with the plaintiffs in the amount of $3,950,000 and accordingly, has reserved this amount, along with estimated settlement costs, in the accompanying 2014 consolidated financial statements. Should the settlement not be approved by the court, further negotiations may take place to reach a different settlement or the case may continue on to trial. Management has determined that any losses under this claim will not be covered by existing insurance policies.


During 2014, the Company’s subsidiaries entered into operating leases for the lease of 421 trucks. Revenue equipment held under operating leases is not carried on our balance sheet and the respective lease payments are reflected in our consolidated statement of operations as a component of the Rents and purchased transportation category.


Leases for revenue equipment and certain premises under non-cancellable operating leases expire at various dates through 2019. Future minimum lease payments related to these non-cancellable leases at December 31, 2014 are as follows:


    (in thousands)  
         

2015

  $ 8,844  

2016

    8,915  

2017

    5,238  

2018

    206  

2019 and thereafter

    51  
         

Total

  $ 23,254  

Total rental expense, net of amounts reimbursed for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $6,239,000, $1,572,000, and $1,555,000, respectively.