Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.

Previous wording

We cannot predict future economic conditions, fuel price fluctuations, cost increases, revenue equipment resale values, or how consumer confidence, macroeconomic conditions, or production capabilities, could be affected by armed conflicts or terrorist attacks, government efforts to combat terrorism, military action against or from a foreign state or group located in a foreign state, or heightened security requirements. Enhanced security measures in connection with such events could impair our operating efficiency and productivity and result in higher operating costs. In addition, the Trump administration has stated its intention to impose new or increased tariff rates on imported goods from a number of countries, including China, Canada, Mexico, and the EU. Such trade policies and tariff implementations, and any related retaliatory trade policies and tariff implementations by foreign government may result in decreased shipping volumes, increased equipment and fuel costs, and could have an adverse impact on our revenues and results of operations.

Current wording

We cannot predict future economic conditions, fuel price fluctuations, cost increases, revenue equipment resale values, or how consumer confidence, macroeconomic conditions, or production capabilities, could be affected by armed conflicts or terrorist attacks, government efforts to combat terrorism, military action against or from a foreign state or group located in a foreign state, or heightened security requirements. Enhanced security measures in connection with such events could impair our operating efficiency and productivity and result in higher operating costs. In addition, the imposition of new or increased tariffs and other trade restrictions, and any related retaliatory trade policies and tariff implementations by foreign governments may result in decreased shipping volumes, increased equipment and fuel costs, and could have an adverse impact on our revenues and results of operations.

Previous wording

Tractor and trailer vendors may reduce their manufacturing output in response to lower demand for their products in economic downturns or shortages of component parts. Lower output from manufacturers could have a materially adverse effect on our ability to purchase or take possession of a quantity of new revenue equipment that is sufficient to sustain our desired growth rate and to maintain a late-model fleet. Tractor and trailer manufacturers have experienced periodic shortages of certain components and supplies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, including semiconductor chips, forcing some manufacturers to curtail or suspend their production, which led to a lower supply of tractors and trailers and higher prices. An inability to obtain an adequate supply of new tractors or trailers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, particularly our maintenance expense, the length of our trade cycle, and driver retention.

Current wording

Tractor and trailer vendors may reduce their manufacturing output in response to lower demand for their products in economic downturns or shortages of component parts. Lower output from manufacturers could have a materially adverse effect on our ability to purchase or take possession of a quantity of new revenue equipment that is sufficient to sustain our desired growth rate and to maintain a late-model fleet. Tractor and trailer manufacturers have experienced periodic shortages of certain components and supplies in recent years, including semiconductor chips, forcing some manufacturers to curtail or suspend their production, which led to a lower supply of tractors and trailers and higher prices. An inability to obtain an adequate supply of new tractors or trailers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, particularly our maintenance expense, the length of our trade cycle, and driver retention.

Previous wording

Although we do not have any direct operations in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, the Middle East, China, or Taiwan, we may be affected by the broader consequences of such conflicts or their expansion to other areas or countries or similar conflicts elsewhere, such as increased inflation, supply chain issues, including shortages of new revenue equipment, access to parts for our revenue equipment, embargoes, tariffs, geopolitical shift, access to or increased prices for diesel fuel, higher energy prices, potential retaliatory action by foreign governments, including cyber-attacks, and the extent of an armed conflict’s effect on the global economy. The magnitude of these risks cannot be predicted, including the extent to which the conflict may heighten other risks disclosed herein. Ultimately, these or other factors could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

Although we do not have any direct operations outside of the US and Mexico, we may be affected by the broader consequences of global conflicts, such as increased inflation, supply chain issues, including shortages of new revenue equipment, access to parts for our revenue equipment, embargoes, tariffs, import or export controls, geopolitical shift, access to or increased prices for diesel fuel, higher energy prices, potential retaliatory action by foreign governments, including cyber-attacks, and the extent of an armed conflict’s effect on the global economy. The magnitude of these risks cannot be predicted, including the extent to which the conflict may heighten other risks disclosed herein. Ultimately, these or other factors could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

•changes in trade agreements, US-Mexico trade relations, or the imposition of tariffs on imports from Mexico and related retaliatory tariffs that may be imposed by the Mexican government;

Current wording

•changes in trade agreements, US-Mexico trade relations, or the imposition of additional tariffs on imports from Mexico and related retaliatory tariffs that may be imposed by the Mexican government;

Previous wording

Historically, acquisitions have been a part of our growth strategy. There is no assurance that we will be successful in identifying, negotiating, or consummating any future acquisitions. If we do not make any future acquisitions, our growth rate could be materially and adversely affected. Any future acquisitions we undertake could involve issuing dilutive equity securities or incurring indebtedness, the terms of which may be less favorable to us than anticipated. In addition, acquisitions (including our recent acquisition of U.S. Xpress and DHE) involve numerous risks, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business and results of operations, including:

Current wording

Historically, acquisitions have been a part of our growth strategy. There is no assurance that we will be successful in identifying, negotiating, or consummating any future acquisitions. If we do not make any future acquisitions, our growth rate could be materially and adversely affected. Any future acquisitions we undertake could involve issuing dilutive equity securities or incurring indebtedness, the terms of which may be less favorable to us than anticipated. In addition, acquisitions involve numerous risks, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business and results of operations, including:

Previous wording

We insure certain affiliated risks through our captive insurance company, Mohave, and through our risk retention group, Red Rock. Additionally, Mohave provides reinsurance to third-party insurance companies who provide insurance coverage for independent contractors, as well as affiliated carriers through the first quarter of 2024. Based on results of operations of this business, including the continued unfavorable development of insurance reserves, the Company ceased all third-party insurance operations and canceled any remaining policies as of March 31, 2024.

Current wording

We insure certain affiliated risks through our captive insurance companies and through our risk retention groups. Additionally, Mohave provided reinsurance to third-party insurance companies who provide insurance coverage for independent contractors, as well as affiliated carriers through the first quarter of 2024. However, based on results of operations of this business, including the continued unfavorable development of insurance reserves, the Company ceased all third-party insurance operations and canceled any remaining policies as of March 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Red Rock insures a share of our automobile liability risk. The insurance and reinsurance markets are subject to market pressures. Our captive insurance companies' access to the reinsurance markets may be restricted or involve the retention of additional risk, which could expose us to volatility in claims expenses.

Current wording

Our risk retention groups insure a share of our automobile liability risk. The insurance and reinsurance markets are subject to market pressures. Our captive insurance companies' access to the reinsurance markets may be restricted or involve the retention of additional risk, which could expose us to volatility in claims expenses.

Previous wording

Difficulty in attracting and retaining sufficient numbers of qualified driving associates, independent contractors, and third-party capacity providers could have a materially adverse effect on our growth and profitability. The truckload and LTL transportation industries are subject to a shortage of qualified driving associates. Such shortage is exacerbated during periods of economic expansion, in which there may be alternative employment opportunities, or during periods of economic downturns, in which unemployment benefits might be extended and financing is limited for independent contractors who seek to purchase equipment or for students who seek financial aid for driving school. Furthermore, capacity at driving schools may be limited by future outbreaks of contagious diseases and any governmental imposed lockdown or other attempts to reduce the spread of such an outbreak may reduce the pool of potential drivers available to us. Regulatory requirements could further reduce the number of eligible driving associates. We believe our employee screening process, which includes background checks and hair follicle drug testing, is more rigorous than generally employed in our industry and has decreased the pool of qualified applicants available to us. Our inability to engage a sufficient number of driving associates and independent contractors may negatively affect our operations.

Current wording

Difficulty in attracting and retaining sufficient numbers of qualified driving associates, independent contractors, and third-party capacity providers could have a materially adverse effect on our growth and profitability. The truckload and LTL transportation industries are subject to a shortage of qualified driving associates. Such shortage is exacerbated during periods of economic expansion, in which there may be alternative employment opportunities, or during periods of economic downturns, in which unemployment benefits might be extended and financing is limited for independent contractors who seek to purchase equipment or for students who seek financial aid for driving school. Furthermore, increased scrutiny of accreditation of driving schools and limitations on capacity at driving schools resulting from future outbreaks of contagious diseases and any governmental imposed lockdown or other attempts to reduce the spread of such an outbreak, may reduce the pool of potential drivers available to us. Regulatory requirements could further reduce the number of eligible driving associates, including the DOT guidelines issued in 2025 strengthening enforcement of the FMCSA’s longstanding English-language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. Further, the FMCSA issued an interim rule in 2025 revising the requirements for the issuance or renewal of CDLs to non-domiciled persons and restricting the issuance or renewal of a CDL for non-domiciled persons without a lawful immigration status or legitimate employment-based reason to hold a CDL. While the interim rule has been challenged and enforcement has been temporarily stayed by a federal appeals court while it reviews the legality of the interim rule, it remains uncertain whether there will be further changes to the interim rule in response to such challenges or whether it will go into effect as originally issued. We believe our employee screening process, which includes background checks and hair follicle drug testing, is more rigorous than generally employed in our industry and has decreased the pool of qualified applicants available to us. Our inability to engage a sufficient number of driving associates and independent contractors may negatively affect our operations.

Previous wording

In addition, the adoption of artificial intelligence ("AI") and other emerging technologies may become significant to operating results in the future, including in areas such as brokerage, pickup and delivery appointments, and other areas where automation is possible. While AI and other technologies may offer substantial benefits, they may also introduce additional risk, including those relating to errors or inaccuracies in work product developed through the use of AI and privacy, intellectual property, and legal and regulatory risks. If we are unable to successfully implement and utilize such emerging technologies as effectively and as quickly as competitors, our results of operation may be negatively affected.

Current wording

In addition, the adoption of artificial intelligence ("AI") and other emerging technologies may become significant to operating results in the future, including in areas such as brokerage, dispatch, routing, pickup and delivery appointments, and other areas where automation is possible. While AI and other technologies may offer substantial benefits, they may also introduce additional risk, including those relating to errors or inaccuracies in work product developed through the use of AI and privacy, intellectual property, and legal and regulatory risks. If we are unable to successfully implement and utilize such emerging technologies as effectively and as quickly as competitors, our results of operation may be negatively affected. Furthermore, the use of AI by bad actors may make cyberattacks more difficult to anticipate or detect, and we may be unable to implement adequate preventive or curative measures in the case of such an attack.

Previous wording

We face a wide variety of risks related to public health crises, epidemics, pandemics or similar events, such as COVID-19. If a new health epidemic or outbreak were to occur, we could experience broad and varied impacts similar to the impact of COVID-19, including adverse impacts to our workforce, our operations, and financial impacts, such as increased costs, tightening of credit markets, market volatility, equipment shortages, and a weakened freight environment. If any of these were to occur, our operations, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Current wording

We face a wide variety of risks related to public health crises, epidemics, pandemics or similar events. If a health epidemic or outbreak were to occur, we could experience broad and varied impacts, including adverse impacts to our workforce, our operations, and financial impacts, such as increased costs, tightening of credit markets, market volatility, equipment shortages, and a weakened freight environment. If any of these were to occur, our operations, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Previous wording

We, our drivers, and our equipment are regulated by various federal and state agencies in the states, provinces, and countries in which we operate. Future laws and regulations or changes to existing laws and regulations may be more stringent, require changes in our operating practices, influence the demand for transportation services, or require us to incur significant additional costs, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

We, our drivers, and our equipment are regulated by various federal and state agencies in the states, provinces, and countries in which we operate. Future laws and regulations or changes to existing laws and regulations may require changes in our operating practices, require us to incur significant additional costs, or change the balance of supply and demand in the freight market, including an increase in supply if driver requirements are softened, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

In addition, tractors and trailers used in our full truckload and LTL operations are affected by laws and regulations related to air emissions and fuel efficiency. Governmental agencies continue to enact more stringent laws and regulations to reduce engine emissions. These laws and regulations are applicable to engines used in our revenue equipment. We have incurred and continue to incur costs related to the implementation of these more rigorous laws and regulations. Additionally, in certain locations governments have banned or may in the future ban internal combustion engines for some types of vehicles. To the extent these bans affect our revenue equipment, we may be forced to incur substantial expense to retrofit existing engines or make capital expenditures to update our fleet. As a result, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be negatively affected.

Current wording

In addition, tractors and trailers used in our full truckload and LTL operations are affected by laws and regulations related to air emissions and fuel efficiency. Governmental agencies continue to revise laws and regulations regarding greenhouse gases and emissions. When these laws and regulations have generally become more stringent, we have incurred and continue to incur increased compliance costs. More recently, the EPA proposed to repeal certain federal regulations regarding greenhouse gases and emissions, which could lead to more states enacting similar laws, resulting in a patchwork of emission regulations, which may increase our compliance costs. Legal challenges to the repeal or enactment of such laws and regulations at both the federal and state level could lead to uncertainty regarding our compliance which may negatively affect our results of operations. Additionally, in certain locations governments have banned or may in the future ban internal combustion engines for some types of vehicles. To the extent these bans affect our revenue equipment, we may be forced to incur substantial expense to retrofit existing engines or make capital expenditures to update our fleet. As a result, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be negatively affected.

Previous wording

As the environmental laws and regulations to which we are subject become more stringent, and may become further restrictive given concerns over climate change, we may experience increased costs related to compliance, and if such laws and regulations take effect faster than we anticipate or are prepared for, we may experience difficulty complying. In addition, certain environmental laws and regulations may require us to disclose certain metrics or other data related to our operations that have historically been confidential, or impose additional environmental monitoring or reporting requirements. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in fines or penalties, a decrease in productivity, and other constraints that could impair our financial and operational position and have a negative impact on our stock price and reputation. "Environmental Regulation" in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report, provides a discussion of the environmental laws and regulations applicable to our business and operations.

Current wording

The environmental laws and regulations to which we are subject have become more stringent, and may become further restrictive given concerns over climate change, causing us to experience increased costs related to compliance. If any future such laws and regulations take effect faster than we anticipate or are prepared for, we may experience difficulty complying. In addition, certain environmental laws and regulations may require us to disclose certain metrics or other data related to our operations that have historically been confidential, or impose additional environmental monitoring or reporting requirements. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in fines or penalties, a decrease in productivity, and other constraints that could impair our financial and operational position and have a negative impact on our stock price and reputation. "Environmental Regulation" in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report, provides a discussion of the environmental laws and regulations applicable to our business and operations.

Previous wording

Developments in labor and employment law and any unionizing efforts by employees could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations.

Current wording

Developments in labor and employment law and any unionizing efforts by employees or employees of related businesses could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations.

Previous wording

The nature of our business exposes us to the potential for various claims and litigation, including class-action litigation and other legal proceedings related to personal injury, labor and employment, property damage, cargo claims, safety and contract compliance, environmental liability, and other matters, and we have been subject to litigation regarding these matters in the past. The number and severity of litigation claims may be worsened by various factors, including, among others, weather and distracted driving by both truck drivers and other motorists.

Current wording

The nature of our business exposes us to the potential for various claims and litigation, including class-action litigation and other legal proceedings related to personal injury, labor and employment, property damage, cargo claims, safety and contract compliance, environmental liability, and other matters, and we have been subject to litigation regarding these matters in the past. The number and severity of litigation claims may be worsened by various factors, including, among others, weather and distracted driving by both truck drivers and other motorists. These legal proceedings have resulted, and may result in the future, in the payment of substantial settlements or damages and increases in our insurance costs.

Previous wording

The outcome of litigation, particularly class action lawsuits and regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify, and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to such lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. We establish reserves based on our assessment of known legal matters and contingencies. New legal claims, or subsequent developments related to known claims, may affect our assessment and estimates of our recorded legal reserves and may require us to make payments in excess of our reserves. The cost to defend litigation may also be significant. Because of the potential expenses and uncertainties associated with litigation, we may from time to time settle disputes, even where we believe we have a meritorious position. Further, not all claims are covered by our insurance, and there can be no assurance that our coverage limits will be adequate to cover all amounts in dispute. To the extent we experience claims that are uninsured, exceed our coverage limits, involve significant aggregate use of our self-insured retention amounts, or cause increases in future premiums, the resulting expenses could have a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, and our involvement in legal proceedings could negatively impact our business reputation and our relationship with our customers, suppliers, employees, and stockholders.

Current wording

The outcome of litigation, particularly class action lawsuits and regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify, and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to such lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. We establish reserves based on our assessment of known legal matters and contingencies. New legal claims, or subsequent developments related to known claims, may affect our assessment and estimates of our recorded legal reserves and may require us to make payments in excess of our reserves. The cost to defend litigation may also be significant. Because of the potential expenses and uncertainties associated with litigation, we may from time to time settle disputes, even where we believe we have a meritorious position. Further, not all claims are covered by our insurance, and there can be no assurance that our coverage limits will be adequate to cover all amounts in dispute. Additionally, our premiums for certain insurance layers are subject to upward adjustment based on claims experience. To the extent we experience claims that are uninsured, exceed our coverage limits, involve significant aggregate use of our self-insured retention amounts, or cause increases in future premiums, the resulting expenses could have a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, and our involvement in legal proceedings could negatively impact our business reputation and our relationship with our customers, suppliers, employees, and stockholders.

Previous wording

Changes to trade regulation, quotas, duties or tariffs, caused by the changing US and geopolitical environments or otherwise, may increase our costs and adversely affect our business.

Current wording

Changes to trade regulation, export controls, quotas, duties or tariffs, caused by the changing US and geopolitical environments or otherwise, may increase our costs and adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

Recently, the Trump administration has stated its intention to impose new or increased tariff rates on imported goods from a number of countries, including China, Canada, Mexico, and the E.U. The imposition of additional tariffs or quotas or changes to certain trade agreements, or retaliatory trade policies could, among other things, increase the costs of the materials used by our suppliers to produce new revenue equipment, limit the availability of new revenue equipment, or increase the price of fuel. Such cost increases for our revenue equipment suppliers would likely be passed on to us, and to the extent fuel prices increase, we may not be able to fully recover such increases through rate increases or our fuel surcharge program, either of which could have an adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

Since April 2025, new, substantial tariffs have been imposed on imports to the United States. The imposition of additional tariffs, import or export controls, or changes to certain trade agreements, or retaliatory trade policies could, among other things, increase the costs of the materials used by our suppliers to produce new revenue equipment, limit the availability of new revenue equipment, or increase the price of fuel. Such cost increases for our revenue equipment suppliers would likely be passed on to us, and to the extent fuel prices increase, we may not be able to fully recover such increases through rate increases or our fuel surcharge program, either of which could have an adverse effect on our business.

Previous wording

Increasing attention on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters may have a negative impact on our business, impose additional costs on us, and expose us to additional risks.

Current wording

Increasing attention on environmental and societal matters may have a negative impact on our business, impose additional costs on us, and expose us to additional risks.

Previous wording

Our implementation reporting on ESG matters present numerous operational, financial, legal, reputational and other risks, many of which are outside of our control, and all of which could have a material negative impact on our business. Companies have recently faced attention from stakeholders relating to ESG matters, including environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion. Failure to satisfy our stakeholders with regard to ESG matters could negatively impact our reputation, our ability to attract or retain employees, and our attractiveness as an investment and business partner. Organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters. Such ratings are used by some investors to inform their investment and voting decisions. Unfavorable ESG ratings may lead to negative investor sentiment toward the Company, which could have a negative impact on our stock price. Further, the Trump administration's initiatives surrounding ESG matters may be inconsistent with stakeholder positions on ESG matters, and we may experience conflicts between actual or proposed governmental regulations and stakeholder expectations, which could negatively impact investor sentiment or expose us to government investigation or enforcement actions.

Current wording

Our reporting on environmental and societal matters present numerous operational, financial, legal, reputational and other risks, many of which are outside of our control, and all of which could have a material negative impact on our business. Companies have recently faced attention from stakeholders relating to environmental and societal matters, including environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Failure to satisfy our stakeholders with regard to environmental and societal matters could negatively impact our reputation, our ability to attract or retain employees, and our attractiveness as an investment and business partner. Organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to environmental and societal matters. Such ratings are used by some investors to inform their investment and voting decisions. Unfavorable environmental and societal ratings may lead to negative investor sentiment toward the Company, which could have a negative impact on our stock price. Further, standards for tracking and reporting environmental and societal matters continue to evolve, and our reporting may not match stakeholder expectations.

Previous wording

We have goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on our balance sheet, which have increased since our U.S. Xpress and DHE acquisitions. Given our history of acquisitions and growth objectives, our goodwill and intangible assets could grow. We periodically evaluate our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. We could recognize impairments in the future, and we may never realize the full value of our intangible assets. If these events occur, our profitability and financial condition will suffer.

Current wording

We have goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on our balance sheet, which have increased due to our history of acquisitions. Given our growth objectives, which may include future acquisitions, our goodwill and intangible assets could grow. We periodically evaluate our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. In 2025 we recognized impairments in tradenames of $28.8 million associated with the rebranding of the MME and DHE brands of our LTL business under the AAA Cooper brand. Additionally, in 2025 we recognized impairments of $43.0 million associated with the decision to cease the operations of our Abilene truckload brand and combine the operations into our Swift business, much of which was related to goodwill and other intangible assets. We could recognize other impairments in the future, and we may never realize the full value of our intangible assets. If these events occur, our profitability and financial condition will suffer.

Previous wording

Our effective tax rate may be adversely impacted by changes in tax laws in jurisdictions where we operate. President Trump has indicated a desire to amend the federal tax laws. Until any changes are passed into law we will not know if such changes, if any, will have a materially adverse effect on our financial results and financial position. At December 31, 2024, the Company has a deferred tax liability of $919.8 million. The amount of deferred tax liability is determined by using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities are expected to reverse. Our net current tax liability has been determined based on the currently enacted rate of 21%. If the current rate were to change due to legislation, it would have an immediate revaluation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities in the year of enactment.

Current wording

Our effective tax rate may be adversely impacted by changes in tax laws in jurisdictions where we operate. The OBBBA was signed into law in 2025. The OBBBA makes permanent key elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including 100% bonus depreciation and the business interest expense limitation. Although we do not expect the OBBBA to have a negative effect on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows, until certain regulations are promulgated, we may not know the full extent of the OBBBA’s effects on our financial results and financial position. Additionally, President Trump has indicated a desire to potentially amend the federal tax laws further. Until any changes are passed into law we will not know if such changes, if any, will have a materially adverse effect on our financial results and financial position. At December 31, 2025, the Company has a deferred tax liability of $904.1 million. The amount of deferred tax liability is determined by using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities are expected to reverse. Our net current tax liability has been determined based on the currently enacted rate of 21%. If the current rate were to change due to legislation, it would have an immediate revaluation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities in the year of enactment.