CNF TRANSPORTATION INC
POS AM, 1997-05-30
TRUCKING (NO LOCAL)
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<PAGE>
 
      
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 30, 1997.     
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-26595
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                ---------------
                         
                      POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1     
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                ---------------
<TABLE>
      <S>                                        <C>                           <C>
        CNF TRANSPORTATION INC.                            DELAWARE                     94-1444798
(ORMERLY CONSOLIDATED FREIGHTWAYS, INC.)F
                     CNF TRUST I                           DELAWARE                     APPLIED FOR
</TABLE>
 
               3240 HILLVIEW AVENUE, PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304
                                 (415) 494-2900
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                                ---------------
                            EBERHARD G. H. SCHMOLLER
              SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
                            CNF TRANSPORTATION INC.
               3240 HILLVIEW AVENUE, PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304
                                 (415) 494-2900
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                        OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS)
                                ---------------
                                   COPIES TO:
                                ERIC S. HAUETER
                                BROWN & WOOD LLP
             555 CALIFORNIA STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94104
                                 (415) 772-1200
                                ---------------
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time to
time after the effective date of this Registration Statement as determined by
market conditions.
                                ---------------
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [_]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), other than securities offered only in
connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under
the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
 
                                ---------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PROPOSED
                                                             PROPOSED      MAXIMUM
                                                             MAXIMUM      AGGREGATE   AMOUNT OF
          TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF            AMOUNT TO BE  OFFERING PRICE  OFFERING   REGISTRATION
      SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED(1)        REGISTERED(1)   PER UNIT(1)  PRICE(1)(2)     FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>
Senior and Subordinated Debt Securities of
 CNF Transportation Inc. (the
 "Company")(3)(4).........................                      --
Preferred Stock of the Company(5).........                      --
Common Stock of the Company(5)(6).........                      --
Common Stock Warrants of the Company(7)...      (10)            --          (10)        (10)*
Depositary Shares(5)(8)...................                      --
Preferred Securities of CNF Trust I (the
 "Trust")(5)..............................                      --
Guarantee of Preferred Securities(9)......                      --
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Paid previously.                                      (Footnotes on next page)
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>
 
   
Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act, the prospectus included in this
Registration Statement is a combined prospectus relating also to Registration
Statement No. 33-29793 and Registration Statement No. 33-60619 previously filed
by the Company under the Securities Act. This Registration Statement also con-
stitutes post-effective amendment No. 4 to such Registration Statement No. 33-
29793 and post-effective amendment No. 3 to such Registration Statement No. 33-
60619 and such post-effective amendments shall hereafter become effective con-
currently with the effectiveness of this Registration Statement and in accor-
dance with Section 8(c) of the Securities Act.     
 
(Footnotes continued from previous page)
 
 (1) Not specified as to each class of securities to be registered pursuant to
     General Instruction II.D of Form S-3. Securities registered hereby may be
     offered for U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies,
     currency units or composite currencies. Securities registered hereby may
     be sold separately, together or in units with other securities registered
     hereby.
 
 (2) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee
     pursuant to Rule 457(o). The proposed maximum offering price will be
     determined from time to time by the applicable Registrant in connection
     with the issuance by such Registrant of the securities registered
     hereunder.
 
 (3) If any Debt Securities are issued at an original issue discount, then such
     greater amount as may be sold for an aggregate initial offering price of
     up to the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.
 
 (4) In addition to any Debt Securities that may be issued directly under this
     Registration Statement, there is being registered hereunder such
     indeterminate amount of Debt Securities as may be issued upon conversion
     or exchange of other Debt Securities, Preferred Stock or Depositary
     Shares, for which no consideration will be received by the Registrants,
     and such aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities as may be issued
     and sold to the Trust in connection with the issuance by the Trust of
     Preferred Securities. Any Debt Securities sold to the Trust as aforesaid
     may be distributed, under certain circumstances, to the holders of
     Preferred Securities for no additional consideration.
 
 (5) Such indeterminate number of shares of Preferred Stock and Common Stock,
     and such indeterminate number of Depositary Shares and Preferred
     Securities, as may be issued from time to time at indeterminate prices. In
     addition to any Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Common Stock and
     Preferred Securities that may be issued directly under this Registration
     Statement, there are being registered hereunder such indeterminate number
     of shares of Preferred Stock and Common Stock, and such indeterminate
     number of Depositary Shares, as may be issued upon conversion or exchange
     of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Preferred
     Securities, as the case may be, for which no separate consideration will
     be received by the Registrants.
 
 (6) The aggregate amount of Common Stock registered hereunder is limited,
     solely for purposes of any at the market offerings, to that which is
     permissible under Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act of 1933, as
     amended.
 
 (7) Common Stock Warrants will represent rights to purchase Common Stock
     registered hereby.
 
 (8) Depositary Shares will represent fractional interests in shares of
     Preferred Stock registered hereby.
 
 (9) Includes the rights of holders of the Preferred Securities under the
     Guarantee and certain back-up undertakings consisting of obligations of
     the Company with respect to such Preferred Securities under the Trust's
     Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration") and the
     Company's Indenture relating to subordinated Debt Securities, as the same
     may be amended or supplemented from time to time (the "Subordinated
     Indenture"). No separate consideration will be received for such
     Guarantee. The obligations of the Company under the subordinated Debt
     Securities held by the Trust, the Subordinated Indenture, the Declaration
     and the Guarantee, when taken together, will provide a full and
     unconditional guarantee, on a subordinated basis, by the Company of the
     Preferred Securities of the Trust.
 
(10) No additional amount of securities is being registered hereby. As
     described elsewhere on the cover page of this Registration Statement,
     $45,000,000 and $105,000,000 proposed maximum aggregate offering price of
     securities or, if any such securities are issued at an original issue
     discount, such greater amount as may be sold for an aggregate initial
     offering price of up to $45,000,000 and $105,000,000 (or the equivalent
     thereof in foreign currencies, currency units or composite currencies) are
     being carried forward from Registration Statement Nos. 33-29793 and 33-
     60619, respectively, previously filed by the Company under the Securities
     Act; filing fees of $9,000 and $36,206.90 were previously paid to register
     such securities under such prior registration statements.
<PAGE>
 
PROSPECTUS
 
CNF TRANSPORTATION INC.
Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares,
Common Stock and Common Stock Warrants
 
CNF TRUST I
Preferred Trust Securities guaranteed to the extent set forth herein by CNF
Transportation Inc.
 
CNF Transportation Inc. (the "Company") may from time to time offer and sell
(i) its unsecured debt securities, which may be either senior (the "Senior Debt
Securities") or subordinated (the "Subordinated Debt Securities" and, together
with the Senior Debt Securities, the "Debt Securities"), (ii) shares of its
preferred stock, no par value (the "Preferred Stock"), in one or more series;
(iii) depositary shares (the "Depositary Shares") evidenced by depositary
receipts; (iv) shares of its common stock, par value $.625 per share (the
"Common Stock"); and (v) warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock (the
"Common Stock Warrants"), for an aggregate initial public offering price of up
to $150,000,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currencies, currency units or
composite currencies (each, a "Currency")).
 
CNF Trust I (the "Trust"), a statutory business trust created under the laws of
the State of Delaware, may offer preferred securities representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust ("Trust Preferred Securities").
The payment of periodic cash distributions ("distributions") with respect to
Trust Preferred Securities out of moneys held by the Trust, and payment on
liquidation, redemption or otherwise with respect to such Trust Preferred
Securities, will be guaranteed by the Company to the extent described herein
(the "Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee"). See "Description of Trust
Preferred Securities Guarantee." The Company's obligations under the Trust
Preferred Securities Guarantee will be subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all other liabilities of the Company and will rank pari passu in
right of payment with the most senior preferred stock, if any, issued from time
to time by the Company, except that the Company's obligations under the Trust
Preferred Securities Guarantee will be subordinate and junior in right of
payment to the Company's Series B Preferred Stock (as defined herein). A series
of Subordinated Debt Securities may be issued and sold to the Trust, or a
trustee of the Trust, in connection with the investment of the proceeds from
the offering of Trust Preferred Securities and Trust Common Securities (as
defined herein, together the "Trust Securities") of the Trust. The Subordinated
Debt Securities purchased by the Trust may be subsequently distributed pro rata
to holders of Trust Preferred Securities and Trust Common Securities in
connection with the dissolution of the Trust upon the occurrence of certain
events as may be described in an accompanying supplement to this Prospectus (a
"Prospectus Supplement"). The Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee, when taken
together with the Company's other obligations under the Subordinated Debt
Securities, the Subordinated Indenture (as defined herein) and the Declaration
(as defined herein), including its obligations to pay certain costs, expenses,
debts and liabilities of the Trust (other than with respect to the Trust
Securities), will provide a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated
basis by the Company of payments due on the Trust Preferred Securities.
 
The Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Common Stock, Common
Stock Warrants and Preferred Securities (collectively, the "Securities") may be
offered independently or together in any combination for sale directly to
purchasers or through dealers, underwriters or agents to be designated. The
Debt Securities, Preferred Stock and Preferred Securities may be convertible
into or exchangeable for other Securities. The Securities will be offered to
the public at prices and on terms determined at the time of offering. The
Securities may be sold for U.S. dollars or other Currencies and any amounts
payable by the Company or the Trust, as the case may be, in respect of the
Securities may likewise be payable in U.S. dollars or other Currencies.
 
The Senior Debt Securities will rank on a parity in right of payment with all
other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. The
Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinated to all existing and future
Senior Indebtedness (as defined herein) of the Company. See "Description of
Debt Securities."
                                                   (continued on following page)
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
   
The date of this Prospectus is May 30, 1997.     
<PAGE>
 
(continued from cover page)
 
The Prospectus Supplement to this Prospectus sets forth (where applicable),
with respect to the series or issue of Securities (the "Offered Securities")
for which such Prospectus Supplement is being delivered: (i) the terms of any
Debt Securities offered, including, where applicable, their title, ranking,
aggregate principal amount, maturity, rate of interest (or method of
calculation) and time of payment thereof, any redemption or repayment terms,
the Currency or Currencies in which such Debt Securities will be denominated or
payable, any index, formula or other method pursuant to which principal,
premium, if any, or interest, if any, may be determined, any conversion or
exchange provisions, the right of the Company, if any, to defer payment of
interest on such Debt Securities and the maximum length of any such deferral
period, and other specific terms not described in this Prospectus; (ii) the
terms of any Preferred Stock offered, including, where applicable, the specific
designation, number of shares, dividend rate (or method of calculation) and
time of payment thereof, liquidation preference, any redemption or repayment
terms, any conversion or exchange provisions, any voting rights, and other
specific terms not described in this Prospectus; (iii) the terms of any
Depositary Shares offered which are not described in this Prospectus, including
the fraction of a share of Preferred Stock represented by each such Depositary
Share; (iv) the terms of any Common Stock Warrants offered, including where
applicable, the exercise price, detachability, duration and other specific
terms not described in this Prospectus; (v) the initial public offering price
and the net proceeds to the Company and other specific terms related to the
Offered Securities; and (vi) the terms of any Trust Preferred Securities
offered, including, where applicable, the specific designation, number of Trust
Preferred Securities, distribution rate (or method of calculation) and time of
payment thereof, liquidation amount, any redemption or repayment terms, any
conversion or exchange provisions, any voting rights, the right of the Trust,
if any, to defer payment of distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities and
the maximum length of any such deferral period, and other specific terms not
described in this Prospectus.
 
This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of Securities unless
accompanied or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, preceded by a
Prospectus Supplement.
 
The Securities may be offered through dealers, underwriters or agents
designated from time to time, as set forth in the accompanying Prospectus
Supplement. Net proceeds from the sale of Securities will be equal to the
purchase price in the case of a dealer, the public offering price less discount
in the case of an underwriter or the purchase price less commission in the case
of an agent in each case, less other expenses attributable to the issuance and
distribution of the Securities. The Company may also sell Securities directly
to investors on its own behalf. In the case of sales made directly by the
Company, no commission will be payable. See "Plan of Distribution" for possible
indemnification arrangements for dealers, underwriters and agents.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information may be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's
Regional Offices in New York (Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York,
New York 10048), and Chicago (Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite
1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661). Copies of these materials may be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Such material may also be accessed
electronically by means of the Commission's home page on the Internet at
http://www.sec.gov. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning
the Company may also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock
Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005 and at the offices of the
Pacific Stock Exchange, 301 Pine Street, San Francisco, California 94104.
 
This Prospectus constitutes a part of a registration statement on Form S-3 (the
"Registration Statement") filed by the Company and the Trust with the
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
This Prospectus omits certain of the information contained in the Registration
Statement in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission.
Reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for
further information with respect to the Company, the Trust and the Securities.
Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document are not
necessarily complete and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of
such document filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the Commission. Each such
statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
No separate financial statements of the Trust have been included herein. The
Company does not consider that such financial statements would be material to
holders of the Trust Preferred Securities because (i) all of the voting
securities of the Trust will be owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company,
a reporting company under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Trust has no independent
operations but exists for the sole purpose of issuing securities representing
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust and investing the
proceeds thereof in Subordinated Debt Securities issued by the Company, and
(iii) the Company's obligations described herein and in any accompanying
Prospectus Supplement under the Declaration, the Trust Preferred Securities
Guarantee, the Subordinated Debt Securities purchased by the Trust and the
Subordinated Indenture, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional
guarantee of payments due on the Trust Preferred Securities. See "Description
Of Debt Securities" and "Description Of Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee."
 
The Trust is not currently subject to the information reporting requirements of
the Exchange Act. The Trust will become subject to such requirements upon the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement, although it intends to seek and
expects to receive exemptions therefrom.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
   
The following documents have been filed by the Company with the Commission and
are incorporated herein by reference: the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1997.     
 
All documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof and prior
to the termination of the offering of the Securities shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
respective dates of filing of such documents. Any statement contained herein or
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein, in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement modifies or supersedes such statement.
Any statement or document so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except
as so modified or superseded, to constitute part of this Prospectus.
 
The Company will furnish without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus
is delivered, upon request, a copy of any and all of the documents described
above that are incorporated by reference herein other than exhibits to such
documents which are not specifically incorporated by reference in such
documents. Written or telephone requests should be directed to: CNF
Transportation Inc., Office of the Corporate Secretary, at 3240 Hillview
Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94304 (telephone (415) 494-2900).
 
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not
be relied upon as having been authorized. This Prospectus does not constitute
an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other
than the securities described in this Prospectus or an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any jurisdiction where or to
any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation.
Neither the delivery of this Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement nor any
sale made hereunder or thereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any
implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company or the
Trust since the date hereof or thereof or that the information contained or
incorporated by reference herein or therein is correct as of any time
subsequent to its date.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
CNF Transportation Inc. (the "Company") is a holding company which participates
through subsidiaries in domestic and international air cargo delivery services,
regional less-than-truckload highway trucking services, truckload and
intermodal rail services, ocean forwarding, contract logistics and related
transportation activities. These operations are organized into three primary
business segments: air freight and ocean forwarding (Emery Worldwide); regional
trucking and full-service truckload services (Con-Way Transportation Services);
and a third segment which is comprised of a third-party contract logistics
company (Menlo Logistics), Road Systems, a trailer manufacturer, and
VantageParts, a wholesale truck parts distributor.
 
The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1958 as a successor to a business
originally established in 1929. The Company's principal executive offices are
located at 3240 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94304 (telephone (415)
494-2900). Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires,
all references in this Prospectus to the Company include CNF Transportation
Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 
                                   THE TRUST
 
CNF Trust I (the "Trust") is a statutory business trust created under Delaware
law pursuant to (i) a trust agreement (as the same may be amended, supplemented
or restated from time to time, the "Declaration") executed by the Company, as
sponsor for the trust (the "Sponsor"), and certain of the CNF Trustees (as
defined herein) for the trust and (ii) the filing of a certificate of trust
with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 6, 1997. The Trust exists for the
exclusive purposes of (i) issuing the Trust Preferred Securities and common
securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust (the "Trust Common Securities" and, together with the Trust Preferred
Securities, the "Trust Securities"), (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the
Trust Securities in a specific series of Subordinated Debt Securities and (iii)
engaging in only those other activities necessary or incidental thereto. All of
the Trust Common Securities will be directly or indirectly owned by the
Company. The Trust Common Securities will rank pari passu, and payments will be
made thereon pro rata, with the Trust Preferred Securities except that upon an
event of default under the Declaration, the rights of the holders of the Trust
Common Securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon
liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the
holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. The Company will, directly or
indirectly, acquire Trust Common Securities in an aggregate liquidation amount
equal to approximately 3% of the total capital of the Trust. The Trust's
business and affairs will be conducted by the trustees (the "CNF Trustees")
appointed by the Company, as the direct or indirect holder of all the Trust
Common Securities. Except in certain limited circumstances, the holder of the
Trust Common Securities will be entitled to appoint, remove or replace any of,
and to increase or reduce the number of, the CNF Trustees. The duties and
obligations of the CNF Trustees shall be governed by the Declaration. A
majority of the CNF Trustees (the "Regular Trustees") will be persons who are
employees or officers of or affiliated with the Company. One CNF Trustee will
be a financial institution which will be unaffiliated with the Company and
which shall act as property trustee and as indenture trustee (the "Property
Trustee") for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the
"Trust Indenture Act"). In addition, unless the Property Trustee maintains a
principal place of business in the State of Delaware, and otherwise meets the
requirements of applicable law, one CNF Trustee will have its principal place
of business or reside in the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Trustee"). The
Company will pay all fees and expenses related to the Trust and the offering of
Trust Securities. The payment of periodic distributions with respect to the
Trust Preferred Securities out of moneys held by the Trust, and payment on
liquidation, redemption or otherwise with respect to the Trust Preferred
Securities, will be guaranteed by the Company to the extent described herein.
See "Description of Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee." The Company's
obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee will be subordinate
and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of the Company and rank
pari passu in right of payment with the most senior preferred stock, if any,
issued from time to time by the Company. The principal place of business of the
Trust shall be c/o CNF Transportation Inc., 3240 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto,
California 94304 (telephone (415) 494-2900).
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Unless otherwise described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company
intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities offered hereby
for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of
indebtedness, capital expenditures and working capital. Pending such
application, such proceeds may be invested in short-term investments and
marketable securities or used to temporarily repay indebtedness under credit
facilities. The proceeds from the sale of Trust Securities will be invested by
the Trust in Subordinated Debt Securities.
 
                CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
The Company's consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges and of earnings
to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods
indicated are as follows:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                     THREE MONTHS
                                    ENDED MARCH 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                    --------------- ------------------------
                                     1997    1996   1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
                                    ------- ------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S>                                 <C>     <C>     <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>
  Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
   Charges(1)......................    2.3x    1.9x 2.3x 2.6x 2.9x 1.7x 0.5x(2)
  Ratio of Earnings to Combined
   Fixed Charges
   and Preferred Stock
   Dividends(3)....................    2.3x    1.9x 2.3x 2.5x 2.5x 1.5x 0.4x(4)
</TABLE>    
- -------
(1) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is unaudited for all periods
    presented. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was derived by dividing
    earnings before fixed charges and income taxes by fixed charges. For this
    purpose, "earnings" represents income from continuing operations before
    consolidated income taxes and fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest
    and dividends on all of the Company's preferred stock). "Fixed charges"
    represents interest on capital leases and short-term and long-term debt,
    capitalized interest, dividends on shares of the Company's Series B
    Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock used to pay debt service on notes
    issued by the Company's Thrift and Stock Plan (the "TASP"), and the
    applicable portion of the consolidated rent expense which approximates the
    interest portion of lease payments. All of the outstanding shares of such
    Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock are held by the TASP.
 
(2) Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges for the period shown; the
    deficiency was $39.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1992.
 
(3) The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
    dividends is unaudited for all periods presented. The ratio of earnings to
    combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends was derived by
    dividing earnings before fixed charges and income taxes by combined fixed
    charges and dividends on the Company's Series C Conversion Preferred Stock.
    For this purpose, earnings and fixed charges are computed as described in
    note (1) above. The Series C Conversion Preferred Stock was issued in March
    1992 and all of the outstanding shares thereof were converted into Common
    Stock in March 1995.
 
(4) Earnings were inadequate to cover combined fixed charges and preferred
    stock dividends for the period shown; the deficiency was $47.8 million for
    the year ended December 31, 1992.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
The Company may issue Debt Securities either separately, or together with, or
upon the conversion of or in exchange for, other Securities. The Debt
Securities are to be either senior unsecured obligations (the "Senior Debt
Securities") of the Company issued in one or more series under an Indenture
(the "Senior Indenture") to be entered into between the Company and a trustee
(the "Senior Trustee") whose name will be set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, or subordinated unsecured obligations (the "Subordinated
Debt Securities") of the Company issued in one or more series under an
Indenture (the "Subordinated Indenture" and, together with the Senior
Indenture, the "Indentures") to be entered into between the Company and a
trustee (the "Subordinated Trustee" and, together with the Senior Trustee, the
"Trustees") whose name will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. The forms of the Indentures have been filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement. The terms of any series of Debt Securities will be
those set forth in the applicable Indenture and such Debt Securities and those
made part of such Indenture by the Trust Indenture Act. The summary of certain
provisions of the Indentures and the Debt Securities set forth below and the
summary of certain terms of a particular series of Debt Securities set forth in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement do not purport to be complete and are
subject to and are qualified in their entirety by reference to all of
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
the provisions of the Indentures, which provisions of the Indentures (including
defined terms) are incorporated herein by reference. Certain capitalized terms
used herein and not defined are defined in the Indentures. As used in this
"Description of Debt Securities," all references to the "Company" shall mean
CNF Transportation Inc., excluding, unless the context shall otherwise require,
its subsidiaries.
 
In the event that Subordinated Debt Securities are issued to the Trust or a
trustee of the Trust in connection with the issuance of Trust Securities, such
Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued pursuant to the Subordinated
Indenture and subsequently may be distributed pro rata to the holders of such
Trust Securities in connection with the dissolution of the Trust upon the
occurrence of certain events described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to
such Trust Securities. Only one series of Subordinated Debt Securities will be
issued to the Trust or a trustee of the Trust in connection with the issuance
of Trust Securities by the Trust.
 
The following description of Debt Securities sets forth certain general terms
and provisions of the series of Debt Securities to which any Prospectus
Supplement may relate. Certain other specific terms of any particular series of
Debt Securities will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. To
the extent that any particular terms of the Debt Securities described in a
Prospectus Supplement differ from any of the terms described herein, then such
terms described herein shall be deemed to have been superseded by such
Prospectus Supplement.
 
GENERAL
 
The Debt Securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series of
Senior Debt Securities and one or more series of Subordinated Debt Securities.
The Indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities
which may be issued thereunder and provide that Debt Securities of any series
may be issued thereunder up to an aggregate principal amount which may be
authorized from time to time by the Company. Reference is made to the
applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to the series of Debt Securities
offered thereby for specific terms, including (where applicable): (1) the title
or designation of such Debt Securities; (2) any limit on the aggregate
principal amount of such Debt Securities; (3) the price or prices (expressed as
a percentage of the principal amount thereof) at which such Debt Securities
will be issued; (4) the date or dates on which the principal of and premium, if
any, on such Debt Securities will be payable, or the method or methods, if any,
by which such date or dates will be determined; (5) the rate or rates (which
may be fixed or variable) at which such Debt Securities will bear interest, if
any, or the method or methods, if any, by which such rate or rates are to be
determined, the date or dates, if any, from which such interest will accrue, or
the method or methods, if any, by which such date or dates are to be
determined, and whether and under what circumstances Additional Amounts on such
Debt Securities will be payable, and the basis upon which interest will be
calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months; (6)
the dates on which such interest, if any, will be payable and the record dates,
if any, therefor; (7) the place or places where the principal of, premium, if
any, and interest, if any, on such Debt Securities will be payable and the
place or places where such Debt Securities may be surrendered for registration
of transfer and exchange, if other than The City of New York; (8) if
applicable, the date or dates on which, the period or periods within which, the
price or prices at which and the other terms and conditions upon which such
Debt Securities may be redeemed at the option of the Company or are subject to
repurchase at the option of the holders; (9) the terms of any sinking fund or
analogous provision; (10) if other than U.S. dollars, the Currency for which
the Debt Securities may be purchased and the Currency in which the payment of
principal thereof and premium, if any, and interest, if any, thereon may be
made, and the ability, if any, of the Company or the holders of Debt Securities
to have payments made in any Currency other than those in which the Debt
Securities are stated to be payable; (11) any addition to, or modification or
deletion of, any covenant or Event of Default with respect to such Debt
Securities; (12) whether any such Debt Securities are to be issuable in
registered or bearer form or both and, if in bearer form, the terms and
conditions relating thereto and any limitations on issuance of such Bearer
Securities (including in exchange for Registered Securities of the same
series); (13) whether any such Debt Securities will be issued in temporary or
permanent global form and, if so, the identity of the depositary for such
global Debt Security; (14) whether and under what circumstances the Company
will pay Additional Amounts (as contemplated by the relevant Indenture) on such
Debt Securities to any holder who is a United States Alien (as defined in the
relevant Indenture, as such definition may be modified) in respect of any tax,
assessment or other governmental charge and, if so, whether the Company will
have the option to redeem such Debt Securities rather than pay such Additional
Amounts; (15) the person to whom any interest on any Registered Securities of
the series shall be payable, if other than the person in whose name the
Registered Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at
the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, the manner
in which, or the person to whom, any interest on any Bearer Security of the
series shall be payable, if other than upon presentation and surrender of the
coupons appertaining thereto as they severally mature, and the extent to which,
or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global Debt
Security will be paid if other than in the manner provided in the relevant
Indenture; (16) the portion of the principal amount of such Debt Securities
which shall be payable upon acceleration thereof if other than
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
the full principal amount thereof; (17) the authorized denominations in which
such Debt Securities will be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000
and any integral multiple thereof (in the case of Registered Securities) or
$5,000 (in the case of Bearer Securities); (18) the terms, if any, upon which
such Debt Securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for other
Securities; (19) whether such Debt Securities will be Senior Debt Securities or
Subordinated Debt Securities; (20) whether the amount of payments of principal
of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such Debt Securities may be
determined with reference to an index, formula or other method or methods (any
such Debt Securities being hereinafter called "Indexed Securities") and the
manner in which such amounts will be determined; and (21) any other terms of
such Debt Securities.
 
As used in this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement relating to the
offering of any Debt Securities, references to the principal of and premium, if
any, and interest, if any, on such Debt Securities will be deemed to include
mention of the payment of Additional Amounts, if any, required by the terms of
such Debt Securities in such context.
 
Debt Securities may be issued as Original Issue Discount Securities (as defined
in the Indentures) to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal
amount. In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of any Original Issue
Discount Security, the amount payable to the holder thereof upon such
acceleration will be determined in the manner described in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement. Material federal income tax and other considerations
applicable to Original Issue Discount Securities will be described in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
If the purchase price of any Debt Securities is payable in a Currency other
than U.S. dollars or if principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any,
on any of the Debt Securities is payable in any Currency other than U.S.
dollars, the specific terms and other information with respect to such Debt
Securities and such foreign Currency will be specified in the Prospectus
Supplement relating thereto.
 
Under the Indenture, the terms of the Debt Securities of any series may differ
and the Company, without the consent of the holders of the Debt Securities of
any series, may reopen a previous series of Debt Securities and issue
additional Debt Securities of such series or establish additional terms of such
series.
 
REGISTRATION, TRANSFER, PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENT
 
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, each series
of Debt Securities will be issued in registered form only, without coupons. The
Indentures, however, provide that the Company may also issue Debt Securities in
bearer form only, or in both registered and bearer form. Bearer Securities
shall not be offered, sold, resold or delivered in connection with their
original issuance in the United States or to any United States person (as
defined below) other than offices located outside the United States of certain
United States financial institutions. As used herein, "United States person"
means any citizen or resident of the United States, any corporation,
partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States, any estate the income of which is subject to United States
federal income taxation regardless of its source, or any trust whose
administration is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court
and which has one or more United States fiduciaries who have the authority to
control all substantial decisions of the trust, and "United States" means,
except for purposes of the definition of "Restricted Subsidiary" set forth
below under "-- Certain Covenants of the Company -- Definition of Certain
Terms," the United States of America (including the states thereof and the
District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject
to its jurisdiction. Purchasers of Bearer Securities will be subject to
certification procedures and may be affected by certain limitations under
United States tax laws. Such procedures and limitations will be described in
the Prospectus Supplement relating to the offering of the Bearer Securities.
 
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, Registered
Securities will be issued in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple
thereof, and Bearer Securities will be issued in denominations of $5,000.
 
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, of or on the Debt Securities
will be payable, and Debt Securities may be surrendered for registration of
transfer or exchange, at an office or agency to be maintained by the Company in
the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, provided that payments of
interest with respect to any Registered Security may be made at the option of
the Company by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto or by
transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a bank located in the
United States. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer
or exchange of Debt Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge and any other expenses
that may be imposed in connection therewith.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of
principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on Bearer Securities will
be made, subject to any applicable laws and regulations, at such office or
agency outside the United States as specified in the Prospectus Supplement and
as the Company may designate from time to time. Unless otherwise indicated in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of interest due on Bearer
Securities on any Interest Payment Date will be made only against surrender of
the coupon relating to such Interest Payment Date. Unless otherwise indicated
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, no payment of principal, premium or
interest with respect to any Bearer Security will be made at any office or
agency in the United States or by check mailed to any address in the United
States or by transfer to an account maintained with a bank located in the
United States; provided, however, that if amounts owing with respect to any
Bearer Securities shall be payable in U.S. dollars, payment with respect to any
such Bearer Securities may be made at the Corporate Trust Office of the
applicable Trustee or at any office or agency designated by the Company in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, if (but only if) payment of the
full amount of such principal, premium or interest at all offices outside of
the United States maintained for such purpose by the Company is illegal or
effectively precluded by exchange controls or similar restrictions.
 
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company
will not be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of or exchange Debt
Securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business
15 days before any selection of Debt Securities of that series of like tenor to
be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of that selection;
(ii) register the transfer of or exchange any Registered Security, or portion
thereof, called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any Registered
Security being redeemed in part; (iii) exchange any Bearer Security called for
redemption, except to exchange such Bearer Security for a Registered Security
of that series and like tenor that is simultaneously surrendered for
redemption; or (iv) issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Debt
Security which has been surrendered for repayment at the option of the holder,
except the portion, if any, of such Debt Security not to be so repaid.
 
RANKING OF DEBT SECURITIES; HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE
 
The Senior Debt Securities will be unsecured unsubordinated obligations of the
Company and will rank on a parity in right of payment with all other unsecured
and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. The Subordinated Debt
Securities will be unsecured obligations of the Company and will be
subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness
(as defined below) of the Company. See "-- Subordination of Subordinated Debt
Securities."
 
The Debt Securities are obligations exclusively of the Company. The Company is
a holding company, substantially all of whose consolidated assets are held by
its subsidiaries. Accordingly, the cash flow of the Company and the consequent
ability to service its debt, including the Debt Securities, are largely
dependent upon the results of operations of such subsidiaries.
 
Because the Company is a holding company, the Debt Securities will be
effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness, trade
payables, guarantees, lease obligations and letter of credit obligations of the
Company's subsidiaries. Therefore, the Company's rights and the rights of its
creditors, including the holders of the Debt Securities, to participate in the
assets of any subsidiary upon the latter's liquidation or reorganization will
be subject to the prior claims of such subsidiary's creditors, except to the
extent that the Company may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against
the subsidiary, in which case the claims of the Company would still be
effectively subordinate to any security interest in, or mortgages or other
liens on, the assets of such subsidiary and would be subordinate to any
indebtedness of such subsidiary senior to that held by the Company. Although
certain debt instruments to which the Company and its subsidiaries are parties
impose limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, both the
Company and its subsidiaries retain the ability to incur substantial additional
indebtedness and lease and letter of credit obligations.
 
GLOBAL SECURITIES
 
The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form
of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of,
a depositary (the "Depositary") identified in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to such series. Global Debt Securities may be issued in either
registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form. Unless and
until it is exchanged in whole or in part for individual certificates
evidencing Debt Securities in definitive form represented thereby, a global
Debt Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary for
such global Debt Security to a nominee of such Depositary or by a nominee of
such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such Depositary or by
such Depositary or any such nominee to a successor of such Depositary or a
nominee of such successor.
 
The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of
global Debt Securities and certain limitations and restrictions relating to a
series of global Bearer Securities will be described in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such series.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
OUTSTANDING DEBT SECURITIES
 
In determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of
outstanding Debt Securities have given any request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent or waiver under the relevant Indenture, (i) the
portion of the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that
shall be deemed to be outstanding for such purposes shall be that portion of
the principal amount thereof that could be declared to be due and payable upon
a declaration of acceleration thereof pursuant to the terms of such Original
Issue Discount Security as of the date of such determination, (ii) the
principal amount of any Indexed Security that shall be deemed to be outstanding
for such purpose shall be the principal face amount of such Indexed Security
determined on the date of its original issuance, (iii) the principal amount of
a Debt Security denominated in a Currency other than U.S. dollars shall be the
U.S. dollar equivalent, determined on the date of original issue of such Debt
Security, of the principal amount of such Debt Security and (iv) any Debt
Security owned by the Company or any obligor on such Debt Security or any
Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor (other than the Trust) shall be
deemed not to be outstanding.
 
REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE
 
The Debt Securities of any series may be redeemable at the option of the
Company, may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund or
otherwise, or may be subject to repurchase by the Company at the option of the
holders, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the prices set forth
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE
 
The terms, if any, on which Debt Securities of any series are convertible into
or exchangeable for Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or other
Debt Securities will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Such
terms may include provisions for conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at
the option of the holders or at the option of the Company.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
 
The Indentures do not limit the amount of indebtedness, guarantees or lease
obligations that may be incurred by the Company and its subsidiaries. The
Indentures do not contain provisions which would give holders of the Debt
Securities the right to require the Company to repurchase their Debt Securities
in the event of a decline in the credit rating of the Company's debt securities
resulting from a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring. Holders
of certain of the Company's outstanding indebtedness (including its 9 1/8%
Notes due 1999, notes issued by the Company's Thrift and Stock Plan which are
guaranteed by the Company, and indebtedness under the Company's $350 million
bank credit facility, which is guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the
Company), have the right to require the Company to repurchase or repay such
indebtedness upon the occurrence of certain changes in control of the Company
or similar events and/or declines in the credit rating on such indebtedness.
 
Covenant in the Senior Indenture -- Limitation on Liens
 
The following covenant will be applicable to Senior Debt Securities but not to
Subordinated Debt Securities. In the Senior Indenture, the Company covenants
that, so long as any of the Senior Debt Securities remains outstanding, it will
not, nor will it permit any Restricted Subsidiary (as defined below) to,
create, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness (as defined below) that is secured
by a mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other encumbrance (a "Lien")
on any property or shares of capital stock or Indebtedness of the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary without in any such case effectively providing,
concurrently with the creation, assumption or guarantee of any such
Indebtedness, that the Senior Debt Securities shall, so long as such other
Indebtedness is so secured (and, if the Company shall so determine, any other
existing Indebtedness (or Indebtedness thereafter in existence) created,
assumed or guaranteed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary), be secured
by any such Lien equally and ratably with or prior to the Indebtedness thereby
secured; provided that Indebtedness secured by such Liens may be created,
assumed or guaranteed if immediately after giving effect thereto the aggregate
amount of all such Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
(not including Indebtedness described in (i) through (vii) below) does not
exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (as defined below).
 
The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to Indebtedness secured by (i) Liens
on property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary existing on the date of
the Senior Indenture; (ii) certain Liens on property existing at the time of
acquisition thereof; (iii) Liens in favor of the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary securing Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary;
(iv) Liens created in connection with tax assessments or legal proceedings and
mechanics' and materialmens' liens and other similar liens created in the
ordinary course of business; (v) Liens on property of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary (except Liens on the capital stock or Indebtedness of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary) in favor of the United States of
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
America or any state thereof, or any agency or political subdivision of either,
or in favor of any other country or agency or political subdivision thereof, in
each case to secure payments pursuant to contract or statute or to secure
Indebtedness created, incurred or guaranteed for the purpose of financing all
or any part of the purchase price or the cost of construction or improvement of
the property subject to such Liens, including Liens incurred in connection with
pollution control, industrial revenue bond or other similar financings;
(vi) certain purchase money Liens on property of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary that constitutes a fixed asset or a surface or air transportation
vehicle used in the freight business securing or providing for the payment of
all or any part of the purchase price thereof, or any Indebtedness incurred to
finance the purchase or the cost of construction or improvement thereof for
which a written commitment was executed within 180 days after acquisition or
the completion of construction or improvement, as the case may be; or (vii)
certain permitted extensions, renewals or replacements (or successive
extensions, renewals or replacements), in whole or in part, of any Lien
referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through (vi), inclusive.
 
Covenant in Both Indentures -- Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
 
The following covenant will be applicable to both Senior Debt Securities and
Subordinated Debt Securities. Each Indenture provides that the Company shall
not consolidate with or merge into any Person or convey, transfer or lease its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person unless (a)
such Person (if other than the Company) is organized and existing under the
laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of
Columbia and shall expressly assume the due and punctual payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all the Debt Securities
outstanding under such Indenture and the performance of the Company's other
obligations under such Indenture and the Debt Securities outstanding
thereunder; (b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event
of Default under such Indenture, and no event which, after notice or lapse of
time or both would become an Event of Default under such Indenture, shall have
happened and be continuing; and (c) certain other conditions are met.
 
Definition of Certain Terms
 
The term "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" as used in the Senior Indenture
means, as of any particular time, the aggregate amount of the Consolidated
Assets (less depreciation, amortization and other applicable reserves and other
properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (i) all current
liabilities, and (ii) all goodwill, tradenames, trademarks, patents, debt
discount and expense and other intangibles, in each case net of applicable
amortization, all as shown on the Company's most recent consolidated financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. The term "Consolidated Assets" as used in the Senior Indenture
means all amounts that would be shown as assets on a consolidated balance sheet
of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries (as defined) prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The term "Restricted
Subsidiary" as used in the Senior Indenture means any Subsidiary of the Company
(i) that is majority owned or controlled by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries; (ii) substantially all of the operating assets of which are
located or the principal business of which is carried on within the United
States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands or Canada; (iii) which was in
existence on the date of the Senior Indenture or thereafter becomes a
Subsidiary of the Company, unless any such Subsidiary is determined by the
Board of Directors not to be a Restricted Subsidiary because in the opinion of
the Board of Directors it is not of material importance to the total business
conducted by the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; and (iv) the
assets of which have a gross book value (without deducting any depreciation,
amortization or other applicable reserves) which exceeds 1% of Consolidated
Assets. The term "Indebtedness" as used in the Indentures means, with respect
to any Person, (a) any liability of such Person (1) for borrowed money, or
under any reimbursement obligation relating to a letter of credit, or
(2) evidenced by a bond, note, debenture or similar instrument, or (3) for
payment obligations arising under any conditional sale or other title retention
arrangement (including a purchase money obligation) given in connection with
the acquisition of any businesses, properties or assets of any kind, or (4) for
the payment of money relating to a capitalized lease obligation; (b) any
liability of others described in the preceding clause (a) that such Person has
guaranteed or that is otherwise its legal liability; and (c) any amendment,
supplement, modification, deferral, renewal, extension or refunding of any
liability of the types referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, an Event of
Default with respect to the Debt Securities of any series is defined in the
relevant Indenture as being: (i) default for 30 days in payment of any interest
with respect to any Debt Security of such series; (ii) default in payment of
principal or any premium with respect to any Debt Security of such series when
due upon maturity, redemption or otherwise; (iii) default in making any sinking
fund payment or payment under any analogous provision when due with respect to
any Debt Security of such series; (iv) default by the Company in the
performance,
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
or breach, of any other covenant or warranty in the relevant Indenture (other
than a covenant or warranty included therein solely for the benefit of series
of Debt Securities other than that series) or any Debt Security of such series
which shall not have been remedied for a period of 90 days after notice to the
Company by the relevant Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of such series then
outstanding; (v) acceleration of the maturity of any single outstanding issue
of Indebtedness of the Company with an outstanding aggregate principal amount
in excess of $35,000,000 (including an acceleration under the relevant
Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of any other series), as a result of
an event of default thereunder, which acceleration is not annulled or which
Indebtedness is not discharged within 30 days thereafter or such longer period
during which the Company is contesting in good faith such acceleration; (vi)
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company; or
(vii) any other Event of Default established for the Debt Securities of such
series. No Event of Default with respect to any particular series of Debt
Securities necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any
other series of Debt Securities. Each Indenture provides that the Trustee
thereunder may withhold notice to the holders of the Debt Securities of any
series of the occurrence of a default with respect to the Debt Securities of
such series (except a default in payment of principal, premium, if any,
interest, if any, or sinking fund payments, if any) if the Trustee considers it
in the interest of the holders to do so.
 
Each Indenture provides that if an Event of Default with respect to any series
of Debt Securities issued thereunder shall have occurred and be continuing,
either the relevant Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount
of the Debt Securities of such series then outstanding may declare the
principal amount (or if any Debt Securities of such series are Original Issue
Discount Securities, such lesser amount as may be specified in the terms
thereof) of all the Debt Securities of such series to be due and payable
immediately, but upon certain conditions such declaration and its consequences
may be rescinded and annulled by the holders of a majority in principal amount
of the Debt Securities of such series then outstanding.
 
Subject to the provisions of Trust Indenture Act requiring each Trustee, during
the continuance of an Event of Default under the relevant Indenture, to act
with the requisite standard of care, a Trustee is under no obligation to
exercise any of its rights or powers under the relevant Indenture at the
request or direction of any of the holders of Debt Securities of any series
unless such holders have offered such Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to
the foregoing, holders of a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding Debt Securities of any series issued under an Indenture shall have
the right, subject to certain limitations, to direct the time, method and place
of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee under such
Indenture with respect to such series. Each Indenture requires the annual
filing by the Company with the relevant Trustee of a certificate as to whether
or not the Company is in default under the terms of such Indenture.
 
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Indentures, the holder of any Debt
Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive
payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such
Debt Security on the respective due dates therefor (as the same may be extended
in accordance with the terms of such Debt Security) and to institute suit for
enforcement of any such payment, and such right shall not be impaired without
the consent of such holder. In addition, in the case of a Subordinated Debt
Security issued to the Trust, if an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing and such Event of Default is attributable to the failure by the
Company to pay the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on
such Subordinated Debt Security, then a holder of Trust Preferred Securities
may directly institute a proceeding against the Company for payment.
 
MODIFICATION, WAIVERS AND MEETINGS
 
Each Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee
thereunder, with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount
of the outstanding Debt Securities of each series issued under such Indenture
and affected by a modification or amendment, to modify or amend any of the
provisions of such Indenture or of the Debt Securities of such series or the
rights of the holders of the Debt Securities of such series under such
Indenture, provided that no such modification or amendment shall, among other
things, (i) change the stated maturity of the principal of, or premium, if any,
or any installment of interest, if any, on any Debt Securities issued under
such Indenture or reduce the principal amount thereof or any redemption premium
thereon, or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce the amount of
principal of any Original Issue Discount Securities that would be due and
payable upon an acceleration of the maturity thereof, or adversely affect any
right of repayment at the option of any holder, or change any place where, or
the Currency in which, any Debt Securities issued under such Indenture are
payable, or impair the holder's right to institute suit to enforce the payment
of any such Debt Securities on or after the stated maturity thereof, or make
any change that materially adversely affects the right, if any, to convert or
exchange such Debt Securities for other securities in accordance with their
terms, or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Debt Securities of any series
issued under such Indenture, the consent of the holders of which is required
for any such modification or amendment or the consent of whose holders is
required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of such
Indenture or certain
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
defaults thereunder and their consequences) or reduce the requirements for a
quorum or voting at a meeting of holders of such Debt Securities or (iii)
solely in the case of the Subordinated Indenture, modify any of the provisions
of Article Sixteen thereof (relating to subordination of the Subordinated Debt
Securities) or the definition of Senior Indebtedness in a manner adverse to the
holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities, without in each such case
obtaining the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security issued
under such Indenture so affected.
 
If the Trust or the Property Trustee holds a series of Subordinated Debt Secu-
rities, no such amendment, modification or waiver which requires approval of
holders of a certain percentage in principal amount of the outstanding Subordi-
nated Debt Securities of such series shall be effective as to such series of
Subordinated Debt Securities, without the approval of the holders of at least
the same percentage of aggregate liquidation amount of outstanding Trust Secu-
rities.
 
Each Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Company and the relevant
Trustee, without the consent of the holders of any Debt Securities issued
thereunder, to modify or amend such Indenture in order to, among other things,
(a) add to the Events of Default or the covenants of the Company for the
benefit of the holders of all or any series of Debt Securities issued under
such Indenture; (b) to add or change any provisions of such Indenture to
facilitate the issuance of Bearer Securities; (c) to establish the form or
terms of Debt Securities of any series and any related coupons; (d) to cure any
ambiguity or correct or supplement any provision therein which may be
inconsistent with other provisions therein, or to make any other provisions
with respect to matters or questions arising under such Indenture which shall
not adversely affect the interests of the holders of any series of Debt
Securities issued thereunder in any material respect; or (e) to amend or
supplement any provision contained in such Indenture, provided that such
amendment or supplement does not apply to any outstanding Debt Securities
issued prior to the date of such amendment or supplement and entitled to the
benefits of such provision.
 
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities of any series may waive compliance by the Company with certain
restrictive provisions of the relevant Indenture, including the covenant
described above under "Certain Covenants of the Company -- Covenant in the
Senior Indenture -- Limitation on Liens" (which covenant is included only in
the Senior Indenture). The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series may, on behalf of all holders
of Debt Securities of that series, waive any past default under the applicable
Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of that series and its consequences,
except a default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or
interest, if any, on any Debt Securities of such series or in respect of a
covenant or provision which cannot be modified or amended without the consent
of the holder of each outstanding Debt Securities of such series affected.
 
Each Indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the holders of
Debt Securities of a series issued thereunder. A meeting may be called at any
time by the relevant Trustee, and also, upon request, by the Company or the
holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities
of such series, in any such case upon notice given in accordance with the
provisions of such Indenture. Except for any consent which must be given by the
holder of each outstanding Debt Security affected thereby, as described above,
any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at
which a quorum (as described below) is present may be adopted by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding Debt Securities of that series; provided, however, that any
resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction,
notice, consent, waiver or other action which may be made, given or taken by
the holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, in
principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of a series may be adopted
at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present
by the affirmative vote of the holders of such specified percentage in
principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of that series. Any
resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of holders of Debt
Securities of any series duly held in accordance with the relevant Indenture
will be binding on all holders of Debt Securities of that series and the
related coupons. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at
any reconvened meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of a series, subject to
certain exceptions.
 
DISCHARGE, DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
 
Upon the direction of the Company, either Indenture shall cease to be of
further effect with respect to any series of Debt Securities issued thereunder
specified by the Company (subject to the survival of certain provisions
thereof, including the obligation to pay Additional Amounts to the extent
described below) when (i) either (A) all outstanding Debt Securities of such
series and, in the case of Bearer Securities, all coupons appertaining thereto,
have been delivered to the relevant Trustee for cancellation (subject to
certain exceptions) or (B) all Debt Securities of such series and, if
applicable, any coupons appertaining thereto, have become due and payable or
will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or are to
be called for redemption within one year and the Company has deposited with the
Trustee, in trust, funds in U.S. dollars or in such Foreign Currency in which
such Debt Securities are payable in an amount sufficient to pay the entire
indebtedness on such Debt
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
Securities in respect of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any,
(and, to the extent that (x) the Debt Securities of such series provide for the
payment of Additional Amounts upon the occurrence of certain events of
taxation, assessment or governmental charge with respect to payments on such
Debt Securities and (y) the amount of any such Additional Amounts is at the
time of deposit reasonably determinable by the Company (in the exercise of its
sole discretion), any such Additional Amounts) to the date of such deposit (if
such Debt Securities have become due and payable) or to the Maturity thereof,
as the case may be, (ii) the Company has paid all other sums payable under the
Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of such series, and (iii) certain
other conditions are met. If the Debt Securities of any such series provide for
the payment of Additional Amounts, the Company will remain obligated, following
such deposit, to pay Additional Amounts on such Debt Securities to the extent
that the amount thereof exceeds the amount deposited in respect of such
Additional Amounts as aforesaid.
 
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company
may elect with respect to any series of Debt Securities either (a) to defease
and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to such Debt
Securities (except for, among other things, the obligation to pay Additional
Amounts, if any, upon the occurrence of certain events of taxation, assessment
or governmental charge with respect to payments on such Debt Securities to the
extent that the amount thereof exceeds the amount deposited in respect of such
Additional Amounts as provided below, and the obligations to register the
transfer or exchange of such Debt Securities, to replace temporary or
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Securities, to maintain an office or
agency in respect of such Debt Securities, to hold moneys for payment in trust,
and, if applicable, to exchange or convert such Debt Securities into other
securities in accordance with their terms) ("defeasance"), or (b) to be
released from its obligations with respect to such Debt Securities described
above under "-- Certain Covenants of the Company -- Covenants in the Senior
Indenture -- Limitation on Liens" (which covenant appears only in the Senior
Indenture) and certain other restrictive covenants, if any, in the relevant
Indenture and, if indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, its
obligations with respect to any other covenant applicable to the Debt
Securities of such series, and any omission to comply with such obligations
shall not constitute a default or an Event of Default with respect to the Debt
Securities of such series ("covenant defeasance"), in either case upon the
irrevocable deposit with the relevant Trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in
trust for such purpose, of an amount, in U.S. dollars or in such Foreign
Currency in which such Debt Securities are payable at Stated Maturity, and/or
Government Obligations (as defined in the relevant Indenture) which through the
payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide
money, in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and any premium and any
interest on (and, to the extent that (x) the Debt Securities of such series
provide for the payment of Additional Amounts and (y) the amount of any such
Additional Amounts is at the time of deposit reasonably determinable by the
Company (in the exercise of its sole discretion), any such Additional Amounts
with respect to) such Debt Securities, and any mandatory sinking fund or
analogous payments thereon, on the scheduled due dates therefor or the
applicable redemption date, as the case may be.
 
Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall only be effective if, among other
things, (i) it shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a
default under, the relevant Indenture or any other material agreement relating
to indebtedness for borrowed money to which the Company is a party or is bound,
(ii) the Company has delivered to the relevant Trustee an opinion of counsel
(as specified in the relevant Indenture) to the effect that the holders of such
Debt Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may
be, and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same
manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or
covenant defeasance had not occurred and (iii) if the cash and Government
Obligations deposited are sufficient to pay the outstanding Debt Securities of
such series provided such Debt Securities are redeemed on a particular
redemption date, the Company shall have given the applicable Trustee
irrevocable instructions to redeem such Debt Securities on such date. It shall
also be a condition to the effectiveness of such defeasance (but not covenant
defeasance) that no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of
time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities
of such series shall have occurred and been continuing on the date of, or,
solely in the case of Events of Default described in clause (vi) of the first
paragraph under "--Events of Default" above, during the period ending on the
91st day after the date of, such deposit into trust.
 
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, if after the
Company has deposited funds and/or Government Obligations to effect defeasance
or covenant defeasance with respect to Debt Securities of any series, (a) the
holder of a Debt Security of such series is entitled to, and does, elect
pursuant to the applicable Indenture or the terms of such Debt Security to
receive payment in a Currency other than that in which such deposit has been
made in respect of such Debt Security, or (b) a Conversion Event (as defined
below) occurs in respect of the Foreign Currency in which such deposit has been
made, the indebtedness represented by such Debt Security shall be deemed to
have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of
the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Debt
Security as such Debt Security becomes due out of the proceeds yielded by
converting the amount so deposited in respect of such Debt Security into the
Currency in which such Debt Security becomes payable as a result of such
election or such Conversion Event based on (x) in the
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
case of payments made pursuant to clause (a) above, the applicable market
exchange rate for such Foreign Currency in effect on the second business day
prior to such payment date, or (y) with respect to a Conversion Event, the
applicable market exchange rate for such Foreign Currency in effect (as nearly
as feasible) at the time of the Conversion Event.
 
"Conversion Event" means the cessation of use of (i) a Foreign Currency both by
the government of the country or the confederation which issued such Foreign
Currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other
public institutions of or within the international banking community, (ii) the
ECU both within the European Monetary System and for the settlement of
transactions by public institutions of or within the European Union or (iii)
any currency unit or composite currency other than the ECU for the purposes for
which it was established.
 
In the event the Company effects covenant defeasance with respect to any Debt
Securities and such Debt Securities are declared due and payable because of the
occurrence of any Event of Default other than an Event of Default with respect
to the covenant described above under "-- Certain Covenants of the Company --
Covenant in the Senior Indenture -- Limitation on Liens" (which covenant
appears only in the Senior Indenture and which would no longer be applicable to
such Debt Securities after such covenant defeasance) or with respect to any
other covenant as to which there has been covenant defeasance, the amount of
monies and/or Government Obligations deposited with the applicable Trustee to
effect such covenant defeasance may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on
such Debt Securities at the time of any acceleration resulting from such Event
of Default. However, the Company would remain liable to make payment of such
amounts due at the time of acceleration.
 
The applicable Prospectus Supplement may further describe the provisions, if
any, permitting or restricting such defeasance or covenant defeasance with
respect to the Debt Securities of a particular series.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
The Indentures and the Debt Securities will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
 
REGARDING THE TRUSTEES
 
The Trust Indenture Act of 1939 contains limitations on the rights of a
trustee, should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of
claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in
respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. Each Trustee is permitted
to engage in other transactions with the Company and its subsidiaries from time
to time, provided that if such Trustee acquires any conflicting interest it
must eliminate such conflict upon the occurrence of an Event of Default under
the relevant Indenture, or else resign.
 
SUBORDINATION OF SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
 
The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the
Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinated, to the extent and in the
manner set forth in the Subordinated Indenture, in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness which may at any time and from
time to time be outstanding. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement with respect to an issue of Subordinated Debt Securities,
in the event of any distribution of assets of the Company upon any dissolution,
winding up, liquidation or reorganization of the Company, (i) all Senior
Indebtedness shall first be paid in full, or such payment shall be provided
for, before any payment on account of the principal of, or premium, if any, or
interest, if any, on the Subordinated Debt Securities is made, (ii) any payment
or distribution of assets of the Company to which the holders of the
Subordinated Debt Securities would be entitled except for the subordination
provisions of the Subordinated Indenture shall be paid by the liquidating
trustee or other person making such distribution or directly to the holders of
Senior Indebtedness or on their behalf, to the extent necessary to make payment
in full of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, after giving effect to any
concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness,
and (iii) in the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or
distribution of assets of the Company is received by the Subordinated Trustee
or the holders of any of the Subordinated Debt Securities before all Senior
Indebtedness is paid in full, such payment or distribution will be paid over to
the holders of such Senior Indebtedness or on their behalf for application to
the payment of all such Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid until all such
Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full or such payment provided for, after
giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such
Senior Indebtedness. Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness
upon any such distribution of assets of the Company, the holders of the
Subordinated Debt Securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of
the Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of cash, property
or securities of the Company applicable to Senior Indebtedness until the
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Subordinated
Debt Securities shall be paid in full.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
By reason of such subordination, in the event of any distribution of assets of
the Company upon dissolution, winding up, liquidation, reorganization or other
similar proceedings of the Company, (i) holders of Senior Indebtedness will be
entitled to be paid in full before payments may be made on the Subordinated
Debt Securities and the holders of Subordinated Debt Securities will be
required to pay over their share of such distribution, to the extent made in
respect of such Subordinated Debt Securities, to the holders of Senior
Indebtedness until such Senior Indebtedness is paid in full and (ii) creditors
of the Company who are neither holders of Subordinated Debt Securities nor
holders of Senior Indebtedness may recover less, ratably, than holders of
Senior Indebtedness and may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the
Subordinated Debt Securities. Furthermore, such subordination may result in a
reduction or elimination of payments to the holders of Subordinated Debt
Securities. The Subordinated Indenture provides that the subordination
provisions thereof will not apply to any money and securities held in trust
pursuant to the discharge, defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions of the
Subordinated Indenture (see "--Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance"
above).
 
The Subordinated Indenture also provides that no payment on account of the
principal of, or premium, if any, sinking funds, if any, or interest, if any,
on the Subordinated Debt Securities shall be made if there shall have occurred
and be continuing (i) a default in the payment when due of principal of, or
premium, if any, sinking funds, if any, or interest, if any on any Senior
Indebtedness of the Company and any applicable grace period with respect to
such default shall have ended without such default having been cured or waived
or ceasing to exist or (ii) an event of default with respect to any Senior
Indebtedness of the Company resulting in the acceleration of the maturity
thereof without such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled.
 
The Subordinated Indenture defines "Senior Indebtedness" as (a) any liability
of the Company (1) for borrowed money or under any reimbursement obligation
relating to a letter of credit, surety bond or similar instrument, or (2)
evidenced by a bond, note, debenture or similar instrument, or (3) for
obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services, except
trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business, or (4) for
the payment of money relating to a capitalized lease obligation, or (5) for the
payment of money under any Swap Agreement; (b) any liability of others
described in the preceding clause (a) that the Company has guaranteed or that
is otherwise its legal liability; and (c) any deferral, renewal, extension or
refunding of any liability of the types referred to in clauses (a) and (b)
above, unless, in the instrument creating or evidencing any such liability
referred to in clause (a) or (b) above or any such deferral, renewal, extension
or refunding referred to in clause (c) above or pursuant to which the same is
outstanding, it is expressly provided that such liability, deferral, renewal,
extension or refunding is subordinate in right of payment to all other
Indebtedness of the Company or is not senior or prior in right of payment to
the Subordinated Debt Securities or ranks pari passu with or subordinate to the
Subordinated Debt Securities in right of payment; and provided that the
Subordinated Debt Securities shall not constitute Senior Indebtedness; and
provided, further, that Senior Indebtedness shall not include any indebtedness
or guarantees between or among the Company or its affiliates, including all
debt securities or guarantees in respect of those debt securities issued to any
trust (including CNF Trust I), trustee of a trust (including CNF Trust I),
partnership, limited liability company or other person affiliated with the
Company that is a financing vehicle of the Company (a "financing entity") in
connection with the issuance by such financing entity of preferred securities
unless otherwise expressly provided in the instrument creating or evidencing
such indebtedness, debt securities or guarantees, as the case may be, or
pursuant to which the same is outstanding. The Subordinated Indenture defines
"Swap Agreement" as any financial agreement designed to manage the Company's
exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates or
commodity prices, including without limitation swap agreements, option
agreements, cap agreements, floor agreements, collar agreements and forward
purchase agreements.
 
If this Prospectus is being delivered in connection with the offering of a
series of Subordinated Debt Securities, the accompanying Prospectus Supplement
or the information incorporated by reference herein will set forth the
approximate amount of Senior Indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date.
There are no limitations in the Subordinated Indenture on the issuance or
incurrence of Senior Indebtedness of the Company.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
The Company may issue shares of its Preferred Stock, in one or more series,
either separately, or together with, or upon the conversion of or in exchange
for, other Securities. The summary of certain provisions of the Preferred Stock
set forth below and the summary of certain terms of a particular series of
Preferred Stock set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement do not
purport to be complete and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by
reference to all of the provisions of the Company's certificate of
incorporation, as amended (the "Amended Certificate of Incorporation"), and the
Company's By-laws, which have been filed or incorporated by reference as
exhibits to the Registration Statement, and the form of certificate of
designations relating to such series of Preferred Stock which will be filed as
an exhibit to or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, all
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
The following description of Preferred Stock sets forth certain general terms
and provisions of the series of Preferred Stock to which any Prospectus
Supplement may relate. Certain other terms of any particular series of
Preferred Stock, including Preferred Stock to be represented by Depositary
Shares, will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. To the
extent that any particular terms of any Preferred Stock described in a
Prospectus Supplement differ from any of the terms described herein, then such
terms described herein shall be deemed to have been superseded by such
Prospectus Supplement.
 
GENERAL
 
Under the Amended Certificate of Incorporation, the Company is authorized to
issue up to 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, without par value, which may
be issued from time to time in one or more series. Subject to limitations
prescribed by Delaware law and the Amended Certificate of Incorporation, the
Board of Directors is authorized to fix the number of shares constituting each
series of Preferred Stock and the designations, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof, including the dividend rights, dividend
rates, conversion rights, exchange rights, voting rights, rights and terms of
redemption (including sinking fund and purchase fund provisions), redemption
prices and dissolution preferences.
 
The Company has issued and outstanding shares of its Series B Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock, no par value (the "Series B Preferred Stock").
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any Offered
Preferred Stock will rank, as to the payment of dividends and the distribution
of assets on liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, junior to
the Series B Preferred Stock. See "-- Ranking" and "-- Dividend, Repurchase and
Redemption Restrictions" below and "Description of Capital Stock."
 
Reference is made to the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to the
series of Preferred Stock offered thereby (the "Offered Preferred Stock") for
specific terms, including (where applicable): (1) the title of such Offered
Preferred Stock; (2) the number of shares of such Offered Preferred Stock
offered, the liquidation preference per share and the initial public offering
price of such Offered Preferred Stock; (3) the dividend rate or method of
calculation thereof and the dividend payment dates or periods; (4) the date
from which dividends on such Offered Preferred Stock shall accrue and whether
dividends on such Offered Preferred Stock will be cumulative; (5) the
procedures for any auction or remarketing, if any, of such Offered Preferred
Stock; (6) the provisions for a sinking fund, if any, for such Offered
Preferred Stock; (7) the provisions for redemption or repurchase, if
applicable, of such Offered Preferred Stock; (8) any listing of such Offered
Preferred Stock on any securities exchange; (9) the terms and conditions, if
any, upon which such Offered Preferred Stock will be convertible into or
exchangeable for other Securities; (10) whether interests in such Offered
Preferred Stock will be represented by Depositary Shares; (11) the preferences
of such Offered Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company; and (12) any other specific terms of
such Offered Preferred Stock.
 
RANKING
 
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any series
of Offered Preferred Stock offered thereby will rank, with respect to both the
payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, (i) junior to the Series B Preferred
Stock, (ii) senior to the Common Stock, and (iii) on a parity with shares of
any other outstanding series of Offered Preferred Stock.
 
DIVIDEND, REPURCHASE AND REDEMPTION RESTRICTIONS
 
As described under "Description of Capital Stock -- Authorized and Outstanding
Preferred Stock--Series B Preferred Stock," and unless otherwise described in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will be prohibited (subject
to certain limited exceptions) from paying dividends on, and from redeeming or
otherwise purchasing, any shares of Offered Preferred Stock if the Company has
not paid full cumulative dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock. In
addition, certain agreements to which the Company is a party contain covenants
which have the effect of restricting the payment of dividends and the
redemption or repurchase of capital stock by the Company. In the event of a
deterioration in the financial condition or results of operations of the
Company, such covenants could limit or prohibit the payment of dividends on, or
the repurchase or redemption of, Offered Preferred Stock. In addition, the
Company is a holding company substantially all of whose consolidated assets are
held by its subsidiaries, and the cash flow of the Company and the consequent
ability to pay dividends on and to redeem or repurchase its securities,
including, Offered Preferred Stock, are largely dependent upon the results of
operations of such subsidiaries. See "Description of Debt Securities -- Ranking
of Debt Securities; Holding Company Structure."
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
DIVIDENDS
 
Subject to the preferential rights of holders of the Series B Preferred Stock
and any other capital stock of the Company ranking prior to any series of the
Offered Preferred Stock as to dividends, holders of shares of such Offered
Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the
Board of Directors of the Company, out of assets of the Company legally
available therefor, dividends at such rates and on such dates as will be set
forth in, or as are determined by the method described in, the applicable
Prospectus Supplement. Such rates may be fixed or variable or both. If
variable, the formula used for determining the dividend rate for each dividend
period will be specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Each such
dividend shall be payable to holders of record as they appear on the stock
transfer books of the Company on such record dates as shall be fixed by the
Board of Directors of the Company. Dividends may be paid in the form of cash,
Preferred Stock (of the same or a different series), or other securities or
property, in each case as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
Dividends on any series of the Offered Preferred Stock may be cumulative or
non-cumulative, as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Dividends,
if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. If the Board of Directors of the Company
fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of
the Offered Preferred Stock for which dividends are non-cumulative, then the
holders of such series of the Offered Preferred Stock will have no right to
receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period ending on such dividend
payment date, and the Company will have no obligation to pay the dividend
accrued for such period, whether or not dividends on such series are declared
payable on any future dividend payment date.
 
No full dividends will be declared or paid or set aside for payment on any
Preferred Stock of the Company ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or
junior to any outstanding series of Offered Preferred Stock for any period
unless full dividends on such series of Offered Preferred Stock (including
accumulated dividends on any such series of Offered Preferred Stock on which
dividends are cumulative) have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid
or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment.
When dividends are not paid in full on any series of Offered Preferred Stock
and any other Preferred Stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with such
series of Offered Preferred Stock, all dividends declared or paid upon shares
of Offered Preferred Stock of such series and any other Preferred Stock ranking
on a parity as to dividends with the Offered Preferred Stock of such series
shall be declared and paid pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared
and paid per share on the Offered Preferred Stock of such series and such other
Preferred Stock shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that
accrued dividends per share (which in the case of non-cumulative Preferred
Stock shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for
prior dividend periods) on shares of such series of Offered Preferred stock and
such other Preferred Stock bear to each other. Except as provided in the
preceding sentence, unless full dividends on all outstanding shares of any
series of Offered Preferred Stock (including accumulated dividends on any such
series on which dividends are cumulative) have been or contemporaneously are
declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set
aside for payment, no dividends (other than dividends or distributions paid in
shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares
of, Common Stock or any other stock of the Company ranking junior to the
Offered Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends and as to distribution
of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company) shall be
declared or paid or set aside for payment or any other distribution declared or
made upon the Common Stock or any other stock of the Company ranking junior to
or on a parity with the Offered Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends
or distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company, nor may any Common Stock or any other stock of the Company ranking
junior to or on a parity with the Preferred Stock of such series as to
dividends or distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any
consideration (and no moneys shall be paid to or made available for a sinking
fund for the redemption of any shares of any such junior of parity stock) by
the Company (except by conversion into or exchange for stock of the Company
ranking junior to the Offered Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends
and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company).
 
Holders of shares of any series of Offered Preferred Stock shall not be
entitled to any dividends, whether payable in cash, securities or other
property, in excess of full cumulative (if applicable) dividends on such
series. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in
respect of any dividend or payments which may be in arrears.
 
The Company will be prohibited from paying dividends on Offered Preferred Stock
of any series in the event of a dividend arrearage on the Series B Preferred
Stock and may be prohibited from paying dividends on Offered Preferred Stock of
any series as a result of certain other dividend restrictions. See "--
Dividend, Repurchase and Redemption Restrictions" above and "Description of
Capital Stock -- Authorized and Outstanding Preferred Stock -- Series B
Preferred Stock" below.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE
 
The shares of Offered Preferred Stock of any series may be redeemable at the
option of the Company, may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a
sinking fund or otherwise, or may be subject to repurchase by the Company at
the option of the holders, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the
prices set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Offered Preferred
Stock redeemed by the Company will be restored to the status of authorized but
unissued shares of Preferred Stock.
 
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Offered Preferred Stock which
is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of such
series which shall be redeemed by the Company in each year commencing after a
date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together
with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (including
accumulated dividends on any such series on which dividends are cumulative) to
the date fixed for redemption. The redemption price may be payable in cash,
securities or other property, as specified in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to such series of Offered Preferred Stock.
 
If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of any series of Offered Preferred
Stock are to be redeemed, the shares to be redeemed will be determined pro
rata, by lot or by any other method deemed equitable by the Company.
 
In the event that full cumulative dividends on any series of Offered Preferred
Stock (including accumulated dividends on any such series on which dividends
are cumulative) have not been declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment, the Company shall not
redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any shares of such series of Offered
Preferred Stock except by conversion into or exchange for capital stock of the
Company ranking junior to the Offered Preferred Stock of such series as to
dividends and as to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company, or except pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the
same terms to all holders of such series of Offered Preferred Stock.
 
Notice of redemption shall be given by mailing the same to each record holder
of the shares to be redeemed, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to
the date fixed for redemption thereof, to the respective addresses of such
holders as the same shall appear in the stock registry of the Company. Each
such notice shall state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the number of shares and
series of Offered Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (iii) the redemption price;
(iv) the place or places where certificates for such Offered Preferred Stock
are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price; (v) that dividends
on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date; and
(vi) the date upon which the holder's conversion rights as to such shares, if
any, shall terminate. If fewer than all shares of any series of the Preferred
Stock held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder
shall also specify the number of shares to be redeemed from such holder.
 
If a notice of redemption has been given, from and after the redemption date
for the shares of Offered Preferred Stock called for redemption (unless the
Company shall default in providing money for the payment of the redemption
price of the shares so called for redemption plus, if applicable, accrued and
unpaid dividends), dividends on the shares of Offered Preferred Stock so called
for redemption shall cease to accrue and such shares shall no longer be deemed
to be outstanding, and all rights of the holders thereof as shareholders of the
Company shall cease, except the right to receive the redemption price plus, if
applicable, accrued and unpaid dividends upon surrender of the certificates
representing the shares to be so redeemed (properly endorsed or assigned for
transfer, if the Company shall so require) in accordance with such notice. If
fewer than all of the shares represented by any such certificates are redeemed,
a new certificate shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares.
 
The Company will be prohibited from redeeming or repurchasing Offered Preferred
Stock of any series in the event of a dividend arrearage on the Series B
Preferred Stock and may be prohibited from redeeming or repurchasing Offered
Preferred Stock of any series as the result of certain other dividend
restrictions. See "-- Dividend, Repurchase and Redemption Restrictions" above
and "Description of Capital Stock" below.
 
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE
 
Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company, and after payment of all amounts due upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up to holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and any other capital
stock of the Company ranking prior to the Offered Preferred Stock of any series
as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
and subject to the rights of holders of any capital stock of the Company
ranking on a parity with the shares of Offered Preferred Stock of such series
as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company, the holders
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
of shares of Offered Preferred Stock of such series shall be entitled to
receive, out of assets of the Company legally available therefor and before any
distribution or payment shall be made to the holders of any Common Stock or any
other class or series of capital stock of the Company ranking junior to the
Offered Preferred Stock of such series as to distribution of assets upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, liquidating
distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share set forth
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, plus accrued and unpaid dividends
(including accumulated dividends if dividends on such series of Offered
Preferred Stock are cumulative). After payment of the full amount of the
liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of Offered
Preferred Stock of such series will have no right or claim to any of the
remaining assets of the Company. In the event that, upon any such voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the legally available
assets of the Company are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating
distributions on all outstanding shares of Offered Preferred Stock of any
series and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other capital
stock of the Company ranking on a parity with the Offered Preferred Stock of
such series in the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, the holders of the Offered Preferred Stock of such series and of
such other capital stock shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets
in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would
otherwise be respectively entitled.
 
For such purposes, the consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any
other person, or the sale, lease, transfer or conveyance of all or
substantially all or any portion of the property or business of the Company,
shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
Holders of Offered Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights, except as
set forth below or as otherwise from time to time required by law or as
indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. In the event that the
Company issues a series of Offered Preferred Stock with voting rights or the
Offered Preferred Stock of any series is entitled pursuant to applicable law to
vote on any matter, then, unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such series, each share of such series will be entitled
to one vote on matters on which holders of such shares are entitled to vote.
However, as more fully described under "Description of Depositary Shares," if
the Company elects to provide for the issuance of Depositary Shares
representing fractional interests in shares of any such series of Offered
Preferred Stock, the holder of any such Depositary Share will, in effect and
subject to certain limitations and conditions, be entitled to such fraction of
a vote, rather than a full vote. In the case of any series of Offered Preferred
Stock having one vote per share on matters on which holders of such series are
entitled to vote, the voting power of such series on matters on which holders
of such series and holders of any other series of Preferred Stock or other
capital stock of the Company are entitled to vote as a single class will depend
on the number of shares in such series, not the aggregate stated value,
liquidation preference or initial offering price of the shares of such series.
 
So long as any shares of Offered Preferred Stock remain outstanding, and except
as otherwise set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or except as
otherwise required by applicable law, the Company will not, without the
affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of the shares
of any affected series of Offered Preferred Stock outstanding at the time
(voting separately as a single class with all other affected series of
Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Offered Preferred Stock of such
series either as to dividends or as to distribution of assets upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company and upon which like voting rights have
been conferred and are then exercisable), given in person or by proxy, either
in writing or at a meeting, (i) authorize, create or issue, or increase the
authorized or issued amount of, any class or series of capital stock ranking
prior to such affected series of Offered Preferred Stock with respect to
payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up or reclassify any authorized capital stock of the
Company into any such shares, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or
security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such shares;
or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Amended Certificate of
Incorporation (including the certificate of designations for such affected
series of Offered Preferred Stock), whether by merger, consolidation or
otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference or
privilege of such affected series of Offered Preferred Stock; provided,
however, that any increase in the amount of the authorized Preferred Stock or
the creation or issuance of any other class or series of capital stock or any
other series of Preferred Stock, or any increase in the number of authorized
shares of any series of Preferred Stock, in each case, ranking on a parity with
or junior to the Preferred Stock of such affected series with respect to
payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely
affect such rights, preferences or privileges.
 
None of the foregoing voting provisions will apply if, at or prior to the time
when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall
be effected or occur, all outstanding shares of the relevant series of Offered
Preferred Stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper
notice and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such
redemption.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
Under Delaware law, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above,
holders of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote
as a class upon a proposed amendment to the Amended Certificate of
Incorporation if the amendment would increase or decrease the aggregate number
of authorized shares of such class, increase or decrease the par value of the
shares of such class, or alter or change the powers, preferences or rights of
the shares of such class so as to affect them adversely. However, if any such
proposed amendment would change the powers, preferences or rights of one or
more series of Preferred Stock so as to affect them adversely, but shall not
affect all series of Preferred Stock, then only the shares of the series so
affected shall be considered a separate class for such purposes. Any such
amendment requires the vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote
thereon, voting as a class.
 
CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE RIGHTS
 
The terms, if any, upon which shares of any series of Preferred Stock are
convertible into or exchangeable for the Common Stock, another series of
Preferred Stock or other Securities will be set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Such terms may include provisions for
conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the option of the holders or at
the option of the Company.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
The transfer agent and registrar for the shares of Preferred Stock will be
named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
                        DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
The Company may offer Depositary Shares (either separately or together with
other Securities) representing fractional interests in shares of Preferred
Stock of any series. In connection with the issuance of any Depositary Shares,
the Company will enter into a deposit agreement (a "Deposit Agreement") with a
bank or trust company, as depositary (the "Preferred Stock Depositary"), which
will be named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Depositary Shares will
be evidenced by depositary receipts (the "Depositary Receipts") issued pursuant
to the related Deposit Agreement. The summary of certain provisions of the
Depositary Shares and the Deposit Agreement set forth below and the summary of
certain terms of a particular issue of Depositary Shares and the related
Deposit Agreement set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement do not
purport to be complete and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by
reference to all the provisions of the form of Deposit Agreement, together with
the form of related Depositary Receipt which will be filed as an exhibit to or
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
 
The following description of Depositary Shares sets forth certain general terms
and provisions of the Depositary Shares and the related Deposit Agreement to
which any Prospectus Supplement may relate. Certain other terms of any such
Depositary Shares and the related Deposit Agreement will be described in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. To the extent that any particular terms of
the Depositary Shares or the related Deposit Agreement described in a
Prospectus Supplement differ from any of the terms described herein, then such
terms described herein shall be deemed to have been superseded by such
Prospectus Supplement.
 
GENERAL
 
The Company may provide for the issuance by the Preferred Stock Depositary of
Depositary Receipts evidencing the related Depositary Shares, each of which
Depositary Shares in turn will represent a fractional interest (which will be
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement) in one share of a series of
Preferred Stock. Shares of Preferred Stock of any series represented by
Depositary Shares will be deposited under a separate Deposit Agreement. Subject
to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, each owner of a Depositary Receipt will
be entitled, in proportion to the fraction of a share of Preferred Stock
represented by the related Depositary Share, to all the rights, preferences and
privileges of, and will be subject to all of the limitations and restrictions
on, the Preferred Stock represented thereby (including, if applicable and
subject to certain matters discussed below, dividend, voting, conversion,
exchange, redemption and liquidation rights).
 
Depositary Shares may be issued in respect of shares of the Preferred Stock of
any series. Immediately following the issuance of any such shares of Preferred
Stock by the Company, the Company will deposit such shares of Preferred Stock
with the relevant Preferred Stock Depositary and will cause the Preferred Stock
Depositary to issue, on behalf of the Company, the related Depositary Receipts.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
Reference is made to the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to the
Depositary Shares offered thereby for specific terms, including (where
applicable): (1) the terms of the series of Preferred Stock deposited by the
Company under the related Deposit Agreement; (2) the number of such Depositary
Shares and the fraction of one share of such Preferred Stock represented by one
such Depositary Share; (3) whether such Depositary Shares will be listed on any
securities exchange; (4) whether such Depositary Shares will be sold with any
other Securities and, if so, the amount and terms thereof; and (5) any other
specific terms of such Depositary Shares and the related Deposit Agreement.
 
Depositary Receipts may be surrendered for transfer or exchange for new
Depositary Receipts of different authorized denominations at any office or
agency of the relevant Preferred Stock Depositary maintained for such purpose,
subject to the terms of the related Deposit Agreement. Unless otherwise
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, Depositary Receipts will be
issued in denominations evidencing any whole number of Depositary Shares. No
service charge will be made for any permitted transfer or exchange of
Depositary Receipts, but the Company or the Preferred Stock Depositary may
require payment of any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection
therewith.
 
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
 
The Preferred Stock Depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash
distributions received in respect of the related Preferred Stock to the record
holders of Depositary Receipts in proportion, insofar as possible, to the
number of Depositary Receipts owned by such holders on the relevant record
date. The Preferred Stock Depositary will distribute only such amount, however,
as can be distributed without attributing to any holder of Depositary Receipts
a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed will be added to and
treated as part of the next sum, if any, received by the Preferred Stock
Depositary for distribution to the record holders of Depositary Receipts.
 
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the Preferred Stock
Depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of
Depositary Receipts entitled thereto in proportion, insofar as possible, to the
number of Depositary Receipts owned by such holders on the relevant record
date, unless the Preferred Stock Depositary determines that it is not feasible
to make such distribution, in which case the Preferred Stock Depositary may,
with the approval of the Company, adopt such method as it deems equitable and
practicable for the purpose of effecting such distribution, including sale
(public or private) of such property and distribution of the net proceeds from
such sale to such holders.
 
The Deposit Agreement will also contain provisions relating to the manner in
which any subscription or similar rights offered by the Company to holders of
the related series of Preferred Stock will be made available to holders of
Depositary Receipts.
 
The amount distributed in any of the foregoing cases will be reduced by any
amount required to be withheld by the Company or the Preferred Stock Depositary
on the account of taxes.
 
WITHDRAWAL OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
Upon surrender of the Depositary Receipts at an office or agency of the
Preferred Stock Depositary maintained for such purpose (unless the related
shares of Preferred Stock have previously been called for redemption), the
holder thereof will be entitled to delivery, at such office or agency, to or
upon such holder's order, of the number of whole shares of the related series
of Preferred Stock and any money or other property represented by such
Depositary Receipts. Shares of Preferred Stock so withdrawn, however, may not
be redeposited. If the Depositary Receipts delivered by the holder evidence a
number of Depositary Shares in excess of the number of whole shares of
Preferred Stock to be withdrawn, the Preferred Stock Depositary will deliver to
such holder at the same time a new Depositary Receipt evidencing such excess
number of Depositary Shares.
 
REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
If a series of Preferred Stock represented by Depositary Shares is subject to
redemption at the option of the Company, then, whenever the Company redeems
shares of Preferred Stock of such series held by the Preferred Stock
Depositary, the Preferred Stock Depositary will redeem as of the same
redemption date the number of Depositary Shares representing the shares of the
Preferred Stock so redeemed, provided the Company shall have paid in full to
the Preferred Stock Depositary the redemption price of the Preferred Stock to
be redeemed plus any other amounts or property payable with respect to the
Preferred Stock to be redeemed. The redemption price per Depositary Share will
be equal to the redemption price and any other amounts or property per share
payable with respect to the Preferred Stock multiplied by the fraction of a
share of Preferred Stock represented by one such Depositary Share. If less than
all of the Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be
redeemed will be selected by the
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
Preferred Stock Depositary by lot or pro rata or other equitable method, in
each case as may be determined by the Company. If the Depositary Shares
evidenced by a Depositary Receipt are to be redeemed in part only, one or more
new Depositary Receipts will be issued for any Depositary Shares not so
redeemed.
 
After the date fixed for redemption, the Depositary Shares so called for
redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the
holders of the Depositary Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares so called
for redemption will cease, except the right to receive any monies payable upon
such redemption and any money or other property to which the holders of such
Depositary Receipts were entitled upon such redemption upon surrender of such
Depositary Receipts to the Preferred Stock Depositary.
 
Depositary Shares, as such, are not subject to repurchase by the Company at the
option of the holders. Nevertheless, if the Preferred Stock represented by
Depositary Shares is subject to repurchase of the option of the holders, the
related Depositary Receipts may be surrendered by the holders thereof to the
Preferred Stock Depositary with written instructions to the Preferred Stock
Depositary to instruct the Company to repurchase the Preferred Stock
represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Depositary Receipts at
the applicable repurchase price specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
The Company, upon receipt of such instructions and subject to the Company
having funds legally available therefor, will repurchase the requisite whole
number of shares of such Preferred Stock from the Preferred Stock Depositary,
who in turn will repurchase such Depositary Receipts. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, holders shall only be entitled to request the repurchase of
Depositary Shares representing one or more whole shares of the related
Preferred Stock. The repurchase price per Depositary Share will be equal to the
repurchase price and any other amounts per share payable with respect to the
Preferred Stock multiplied by the fraction of a share of Preferred Stock
represented by one Depositary Share. If the Depositary Shares evidenced by a
Depositary Receipt are to be repurchased in part only, one or more new
Depositary Receipts will be issued for any Depositary Shares not to be
repurchased.
 
VOTING THE PREFERRED STOCK
 
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the Preferred
Stock of any series represented by Depositary Shares are entitled to vote, the
relevant Preferred Stock Depositary will mail the information contained in such
notice of meeting to the record holders of the related Depositary Receipts.
Each record holder of Depositary Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares on the
record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the Preferred
Stock) will be entitled to instruct the Preferred Stock Depositary as to the
exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of Preferred Stock
represented by such holder's Depositary Shares. The Preferred Stock Depositary
will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the number of shares of
Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Shares in accordance with such
instructions, and the Company will agree to take all reasonable action which
may be deemed necessary by the Preferred Stock Depositary in order to enable
the Preferred Stock Depositary to do so. The Preferred Stock Depositary will
abstain from voting shares of Preferred Stock to the extent it does not receive
specific instructions from the holders of Depositary Receipts evidencing the
Depositary Shares representing such Preferred Stock.
 
CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
If the Preferred Stock represented by Depositary Shares is exchangeable at the
option of the Company for other Securities, then, whenever the Company
exercises its option to exchange all or a portion of such shares of Preferred
Stock held by the Preferred Stock Depositary, the Preferred Stock Depositary
will exchange as of the same exchange date a number of such Depositary Shares
representing the shares of the Preferred Stock so exchanged, provided the
Company shall have issued and deposited with the Preferred Stock Depositary the
Securities for which such shares of Preferred Stock are to be exchanged. The
exchange rate per Depositary Share shall be equal to the exchange rate per
share of Preferred Stock multiplied by the fraction of a share of Preferred
Stock represented by one Depositary Share. If less than all of the Depositary
Shares are to be exchanged, the Depositary Shares to be exchanged will be
selected by the Preferred Stock Depositary by lot or pro rata or other
equitable method, in each case as may be determined by the Company. If the
Depositary Shares evidenced by a Depositary Receipt are to be exchanged in part
only, a new Depositary Receipt or Receipts will be issued for any Depositary
Shares not to be exchanged.
 
Depositary Shares, as such, are not convertible or exchangeable at the option
of the holders into other Securities or property. Nevertheless, if the
Preferred Stock represented by Depositary Shares is convertible into or
exchangeable for other Securities at the option of the holders, the related
Depositary Receipts may be surrendered by holders thereof to the Preferred
Stock Depositary with written instructions to the Preferred Stock Depositary to
instruct the Company to cause conversion or exchange, as the case may be, of
the Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such
Depositary Receipts into a
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 
whole number of shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, a whole number of
Common Stock Warrants, or Debt Securities in authorized denominations, as
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. The Company, upon receipt of
such instructions and any amounts payable in respect thereof, will cause the
conversion or exchange, as the case may be, and will deliver to the holders
such number of whole shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, a whole number
of Common Stock Warrants, or a principal amount of Debt Securities in
authorized denominations (and cash in lieu of any fractional Security). The
exchange or conversion rate per Depositary Share shall be equal to the exchange
or conversion rate per share of Preferred Stock multiplied by the fraction of a
share of Preferred Stock represented by one Depositary Share. If the Depositary
Shares evidenced by a Depositary Receipt are to be converted or exchanged in
part only, a new Depositary Receipt or Receipts will be issued for any
Depositary Shares not to be converted or exchanged.
 
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
 
The Depositary Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares and any provision of the
related Deposit Agreement may at any time be amended by agreement between the
Company and the Preferred Stock Depositary. However, any amendment that
materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of Depositary
Receipts issued under any Deposit Agreement will not be effective unless such
amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of such
Depositary Receipts then outstanding (or such greater proportion as may be
required by the rules of any securities exchange on which the related
Depositary Shares may be listed). In no event may any such amendment impair the
right of any holder of Depositary Receipts, subject to the conditions specified
in the Deposit Agreement, to receive the related Preferred Stock upon surrender
of such Depositary Receipts as described above under "--Withdrawal of Preferred
Stock."
 
The Deposit Agreement may be terminated by the Company upon not less than 60
days' notice to the Preferred Stock Depositary. In any such case, the Preferred
Stock Depositary shall deliver or make available to each holder of the related
Depositary Receipts, upon surrender of such Depositary Receipts, such number of
whole shares of the related series of Preferred Stock represented by the
Depositary Shares evidenced by such Depositary Receipts, together with cash in
lieu of any fractional shares (to the extent the Company has deposited such
cash with the Preferred Stock Depositary). The Deposit Agreement will
automatically terminate if all of the shares of Preferred Stock deposited
thereunder shall have been withdrawn, redeemed, converted or exchanged or if
there shall have been a final distribution in respect of such Preferred Stock
in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.
 
CHARGES OF PREFERRED STOCK DEPOSITARY
 
The Company will pay the fees and expenses of the Preferred Stock Depositary in
connection with the performance of its duties under the Deposit Agreement, and
will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely
from the existence of the Deposit Agreement. Holders of Depositary Receipts
will be required to pay all other transfer and other taxes and governmental
charges (including taxes and other governmental charges in connection with the
transfer, exchange, surrender or conversion of Depositary Receipts) and such
other charges as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement.
 
RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF DEPOSITARY
 
The Preferred Stock Depositary may resign at any time by delivering to the
Company notice of its election to do so, and the Company may at any time remove
the Preferred Stock Depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect
upon the appointment of a successor Preferred Stock Depositary.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
The Preferred Stock Depositary will forward to holders of Depositary Receipts
any reports and communications from the Company which are received by the
Preferred Stock Depositary with respect to the related Preferred Stock.
 
Neither the Preferred Stock Depositary nor the Company will be liable if either
is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstances beyond its control in
performing its obligations under the Deposit Agreement. The obligations of the
Company and the Preferred Stock Depositary under the Deposit Agreement will be
limited to performing their duties thereunder without gross negligence or
willful misconduct, and the Company and the Preferred Stock Depositary will not
be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any
Depositary Shares or any related shares of Preferred Stock or Depositary
Receipts unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. The Company and the
Preferred Stock Depositary may rely on advice of counsel, accountants or other
advisors, and information provided by persons presenting shares of Preferred
Stock for deposit, holders of Depositary Receipts or other persons believed to
be authorized or competent and on documents believed to be genuine.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
 
In the event that the Preferred Stock Depositary shall receive conflicting
claims, requests or instructions from any holders of Depositary Receipts, on
the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, the Preferred Stock
Depositary shall be entitled to act on such claims, requests or instructions
received from the Company.
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
 
The Company may issue (either separately or together with other Securities)
shares of its Common Stock. Under its Amended Certificate of Incorporation,
the Company is authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock.
Reference is made to the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to Common
Stock offered thereby for the terms relevant thereto, including the number of
shares offered and the initial public offering price. For a summary of certain
terms of the Common Stock, see "Description of Capital Stock" below.
 
                     DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
 
The Company may issue (either separately or together with other Securities)
warrants for the purchase of Common Stock ("Common Stock Warrants"). The
Common Stock Warrants are to be issued under warrant agreements (each a
"Common Stock Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between the Company and a
bank or trust company, as warrant agent ("Common Stock Warrant Agent"), all as
set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular issue of
Common Stock Warrants. The form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement, including
the form of certificates representing the Common Stock Warrants ("Common Stock
Warrant Certificates"), that will be entered into with respect to a particular
offering of Common Stock Warrants will be filed as an exhibit to or
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement. The following summary
of certain provisions of the Common Stock Warrant Agreement and the Common
Stock Warrants and the summary of certain terms of the particular Common Stock
Warrant Agreement and Common Stock Warrants set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and
are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the
particular Common Stock Warrant Agreement and the related Common Stock Warrant
Certificates, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
 
The following description of the Common Stock Warrants sets forth certain
general terms and provisions of the Common Stock Warrants and the related
Common Stock Warrant Agreement to which any Prospectus Supplement may relate.
Certain other terms of any Common Stock Warrants and the related Common Stock
Warrant Agreement will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
To the extent that any particular terms of the Common Stock Warrants or the
related Common Stock Warrant Agreement described in a Prospectus Supplement
differ from any of the terms described herein, then such terms described
herein shall be deemed to have been superseded by such Prospectus Supplement.
 
GENERAL
 
Reference is made to the applicable Prospectus Supplement for the terms of the
Common Stock Warrants offered thereby, including (where applicable): (1) the
title and aggregate number of such Common Stock Warrants; (2) the number of
shares of Common Stock that may be purchased upon exercise of each such Common
Stock Warrant; the price, or the manner of determining the price, at which
such shares may be purchased upon such exercise; if other than cash, the
property and manner in which the exercise price may be paid; and any minimum
number of such Common Stock Warrants that are exercisable at any one time; (3)
the time or times at which, or period or periods during which, such Common
Stock Warrants may be exercised and the expiration date of such Common Stock
Warrants; (4) the terms of any right of the Company to redeem such Common
Stock Warrants; (5) the terms of any right of the Company to accelerate the
exercise of such Common Stock Warrants upon the occurrence of certain events;
(6) whether such Common Stock Warrants will be sold with any other Securities,
and the date, if any, on and after which such Common Stock Warrants and any
such other Securities will be separately transferable; and (7) any other terms
of such Common Stock Warrants.
 
Common Stock Warrant Certificates may be surrendered for transfer or exchange
for new Common Stock Warrant Certificates of authorized denominations at any
office or agency of the relevant Common Stock Warrant Agent maintained for
such purpose, subject to the terms of the related Common Stock Warrant
Agreement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
Common Stock Warrant Certificates will be issued in denominations evidencing
any whole number of Warrants. No service charge will be made for any permitted
transfer or exchange of Common Stock Warrant Certificates, but the Company or
the Common Stock Warrant Agent may require payment of any tax or other
governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
EXERCISE OF WARRANTS
 
Each Common Stock Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase such number of
shares of Common Stock at such exercise price as shall in each case be set
forth in, or be determinable from, the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
Common Stock Warrants, by payment of such exercise price in the Currency and in
the manner specified in the Prospectus Supplement. Common Stock Warrants may be
exercised at any time up to the date and time specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement for the expiration thereof. After the specified
expiration time on the specified date of expiration, unexercised Common Stock
Warrants will become void.
 
Upon receipt at an office or agency indicated in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement of (i) payment of the exercise price and (ii) the Common Stock
Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly executed, the Company will, as
soon as practicable, forward a certificate or certificates representing the
whole number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon such exercise. Unless
otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, fractional shares
of Common Stock will not be issued upon the exercise of Warrants and, in lieu
thereof, the Company will make a cash payment in an amount determined as
provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. If less than all of the
Common Stock Warrants represented by such Common Stock Warrant Certificate are
exercised, a new Common Stock Warrant Certificate will be issued for the
remaining number of Common Stock Warrants. The holder of a Common Stock Warrant
will be required to pay any tax or other governmental charge that may be
imposed in connection with any transfer involved in the issuance of the Common
Stock purchased upon such exercise.
 
MODIFICATIONS
 
Any Common Stock Warrant Agreement and the terms of the related Common Stock
Warrants may be modified or amended by the Company and the applicable Common
Stock Warrant Agent, without the consent of any holder of the related Common
Stock Warrants, for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or of curing,
correcting or supplementing any defective or inconsistent provision contained
therein, or in any other manner that the Company deems necessary or desirable
and that will not materially and adversely affect the interests of the holders
of the related Common Stock Warrants.
 
The Company and the applicable Common Stock Warrant Agent may also modify or
amend the applicable Common Stock Warrant Agreement and the terms of the
related Common Stock Warrants with the consent of the holders of not less than
a majority in number of the then outstanding unexercised Common Stock Warrants
affected thereby; provided that no such modification or amendment that
accelerates the expiration date, increases the exercise price, or reduces the
number of outstanding Common Stock Warrants the consent of whose holders is
required for any such amendment or modification, may be made without the
consent of each holder affected thereby.
 
NO RIGHTS AS STOCKHOLDERS
 
Holders of Common Stock Warrants are not entitled, by virtue of being such
holders, to vote, consent or receive notice as stockholders of the Company in
respect of any meeting of stockholders for the election of directors of the
Company or any other matter, or to exercise any other rights whatsoever as
stockholders of the Company, or to receive any dividends or distributions, if
any, on the Common Stock.
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 100,000,000 shares
of Common Stock, par value $.625 per share, and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, no par value.
 
As of December 31, 1996, (i) 51,595,827 shares of Common Stock were issued and
outstanding and an additional 7,029,917 shares of Common Stock were issued and
held in the Company's treasury and (ii) 1,100,000 shares of the Company's
Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series B Preferred
Stock") had been authorized and 875,191 such shares were outstanding.
 
The following summary of certain provisions of the Common Stock, Preferred
Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, and the Company's Amended Certificate of
Incorporation and By-laws does not purport to be complete and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the Amended Certificate of Incorporation
(including the certificate of designations establishing the terms of the Series
B Preferred Stock) and By-laws, copies of which have been incorporated by
reference or filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement.
 
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
 
COMMON STOCK
 
The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters
voted on by stockholders, including elections of directors, and, except as
otherwise required by law or provided by the express provisions of any series
of Preferred Stock of the Company, the holders of such shares will exclusively
possess all voting power of the Company. In that regard, the holders of Series
B Preferred Stock are entitled to vote with the Common Stock as a single class
on all matters upon which the Common Stock is entitled to vote. See "--
Preferred Stock" below. There is no cumulative voting in the election of
directors, and no holder of Common Stock is entitled as such, as a matter of
right, to subscribe for or purchase any shares of Common Stock or Preferred
Stock. Subject to the preferential rights of any outstanding series of
Preferred Stock, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably
such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors
from funds legally available therefor. In the event of a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of Common Stock are entitled
to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment or provision for
liabilities and amounts owing in respect of any outstanding Preferred Stock.
 
Certain agreements to which the Company is a party contain covenants which have
the effect of restricting the payment of dividends on capital stock by the
Company. In the event of a deterioration in the financial condition or results
of operations of the Company, such covenants could limit or prohibit the
payment of dividends on Common Stock. In addition, the Company is a holding
company substantially all of whose consolidated assets are held by its
subsidiaries, and the cash flow of the Company and the consequent ability to
pay dividends on Common Stock are largely dependent upon the results of
operations of such subsidiaries. See "Description of Debt Securities--Ranking
of Debt Securities; Holding Company Structure."
 
The transfer agent for the Common Stock is First Chicago Trust Company of New
York.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Subject
to limitations prescribed by Delaware law and the Amended Certificate of
Incorporation, the Board of Directors is authorized to fix the number of shares
constituting each series of Preferred Stock and the designations, preferences
and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including, without
limitation, the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, exchange
rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking and
purchase fund provisions), the redemption prices and the dissolution
preferences. The issuance of Preferred Stock, while providing flexibility in
connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could,
among other things, adversely, affect the voting power of the holders of Common
Stock and, under certain circumstances, make it more difficult for a third
party to gain control of the Company and could have the effect of delaying or
preventing a merger, tender offer or other attempted takeover of the Company.
No Holder of Preferred Stock shall be entitled, as a matter of right, to
subscribe for or purchase any shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock.
 
Series B Preferred Stock
 
In 1989, the Board of Directors amended the Company's TASP. As part of this
amendment, the Board designated a series of 1,100,000 preferred shares as
Series B Preferred Stock. As of December 31, 1996, 875,191 shares of Series B
Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. The Series B Preferred Stock is
convertible into Common Stock at the option of the holder. At December 31,
1996, the Series B Preferred Stock was convertible into Common Stock at the
rate of 4.71 shares of Common Stock for each share of Series B Preferred Stock,
subject to antidilution adjustments in certain circumstances (which include,
but are not limited to, issuances of Common Stock at less than fair market
value), subject to the matters described in the following paragraph.
 
As of December 31, 1996, all of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred
Stock were held for the benefit of the TASP participants by a trustee (the
"TASP Trustee"). In the event of any transfer of Series B Preferred Stock to a
person other than a trustee for an employee stock ownership or other employee
benefit plan of the Company, the shares of Series B Preferred Stock so
transferred shall be automatically converted into shares of Common Stock on the
terms then in effect for such conversion. However, in the event that shares of
Series B Preferred Stock are automatically converted upon transfer to a
participant in an employee stock ownership plan of the Company in connection
with the termination of the transferee's participation in the plan, each such
share shall be converted into a number of shares of Common Stock which is the
greater of (i) 4.71 shares of Common Stock (the conversion rate at December 31,
1996), subject to antidilution adjustments in certain circumstances, and (ii)
the number of shares of Common Stock obtained by dividing $152.10 by the then
fair market value (as defined) of a share of Common Stock.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
 
Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to vote with the Common
Stock as a single class on all matters upon which the Common Stock is entitled
to vote and each share of Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to a number of
votes in such circumstances equal to the product of 1.3 times the number of
shares of Common Stock into which each share of the Series B Preferred Stock is
then convertible on the record date for such vote. The approval of the holders
of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock,
voting separately as a class, is required for certain actions, including,
without limitation, the authorization of any additional class of capital stock,
or any increase in the authorized amount of any class of capital stock, ranking
prior to or on parity with the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends or the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company, except an increase in the authorized amount of any class of stock
ranking on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock to be used for the
purpose of transferring such stock to an employee stock ownership plan or other
employee benefit plan of the Company or any subsidiary; any amendment to the
Amended Certificate of Incorporation or any other certificate filed pursuant to
law which would adversely affect any of the rights, powers or preferences of
the Series B Preferred Stock; or any consolidation, merger, sale or other
transfer of more than 50% of the "assets" or "earning power" (as defined) of
the Company which, in the determination of a majority of the Company's
independent directors (as defined), can reasonably be expected to jeopardize
the Company's financial ability to meet its dividend, redemption or liquidation
payment obligations to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock. The TASP
Trustee is required to vote the allocated shares of Series B Preferred Stock
based upon instructions from the TASP participants; unallocated shares are
voted in proportion to the voting instructions received from the participants
with allocated shares.
 
Each share of Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to receive, when, as and if
declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor,
cumulative cash dividends in the amount of $12.93 per annum, payable semi-
annually. In the event that full cumulative dividends on the Series B Preferred
Stock have not been declared and paid or set apart for payment when due, the
Company shall not declare or pay or set apart for payment any dividends, or
make any other distributions on, or make any payment on account of the
purchase, redemption or other retirement of, any other class or series of stock
of the Company ranking, as to dividends or as to distributions in the event of
a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, junior to the Series B
Preferred Stock (including, without limitation, the Common Stock and the
Preferred Stock offered hereby), until full cumulative dividends on the Series
B Preferred Stock shall have been paid or declared and set apart for payment;
provided that the foregoing shall not apply to (i) any dividend payable solely
in shares of stock ranking, as to dividends and as to distributions in the
event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, junior to the
Series B Preferred Stock, or (ii) the acquisition of shares of any stock
ranking, as to dividends or as to distributions in the event of a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, junior to the Series B Preferred
Stock either (A) pursuant to any existing or future employee or director
benefit plan of the Company or any subsidiary, or (B) in exchange solely for
shares of any other stock ranking as to dividends and as to distributions in
the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, junior to
the Series B Preferred Stock. No dividend may be declared or paid on any shares
of capital stock ranking on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock as to
dividends unless there are also declared and paid or set apart for payment on
the Series B Preferred Stock dividends for all dividend payment periods ending
on or before the dividend payment date for such parity stock, ratably in
proportion to the respective amounts of dividends accrued and unpaid on the
Series B Preferred Stock and such parity stock.
 
Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of the
Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive out of assets legally
available therefor and subject to the rights of any stock ranking senior to or
on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock in respect of distributions upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, an amount equal to $152.10 per share
plus accrued and unpaid dividends, before any amount shall be paid or
distributed to the holders of shares of capital stock ranking junior to the
Series B Preferred Stock with respect to distributions upon liquidation,
dissolution and winding up, including the Preferred Stock offered hereby and
the Common Stock. If, upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
amounts payable in respect of the Series B Preferred Stock and any other
capital stock ranking as to such distribution on a parity with the Series B
Preferred Stock are not paid in full, the holders of Series B Preferred Stock
and such parity stock shall share ratably in any distribution of assets in
proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to which they are
entitled. Neither the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any
other corporation, nor the sale, transfer, exchange or lease of all or any
portion of the assets of the Company, shall be deemed to be a dissolution,
liquidation or winding up for the foregoing purposes.
 
The Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, at the
Company's option at a redemption price of $155.98 per share if redeemed during
the twelve months ending July 1, 1997, declining annually to $152.10 per share
if redeemed after July 1, 1999, and the Company may also redeem the Series B
Preferred Stock at any time at $152.10 under certain limited circumstances
relating to federal income tax matters, plus in each case accrued and unpaid
dividends to the date fixed for redemption. The Company, at its option, may
make payment of the redemption price in cash or shares of Common Stock or a
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
 
combination thereof. The Series B Preferred Stock is also subject to mandatory
redemption for cash or, at the Company's option, for shares of Common Stock or
a combination thereof, at a price of $152.10 per share, plus accrued and unpaid
dividends to the date fixed for redemption, upon notice from the holder of the
Series B Preferred Stock to the Company, if and to the extent necessary (i) for
the holder of Series B Preferred Stock to make required distributions to, or to
satisfy an investment election provided to, participants in an employee stock
ownership plan of the Company for which it is holding the Series B Preferred
Stock, or (ii) for such employee stock ownership plan to pay principal,
interest or premium on its indebtedness.
 
Upon consummation of any consolidation, merger, reclassification or similar
transaction involving the Company in which the outstanding Common Stock is by
operation of law exchanged solely for or changed solely into stock of any
successor or resulting company (including the Company) which stock constitutes
"qualifying employer securities" (within the meaning of certain provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974) with respect to a holder of Series B Preferred Stock, the Series B
Preferred Stock shall become preferred stock of such successor or resulting
company having, insofar as possible, the same terms as the Series B Preferred
Stock and shall be convertible into the number and kind of "qualifying employer
securities" receivable by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into
which such shares of Series B Preferred Stock could have been converted
immediately prior to such transaction. Upon consummation or any consolidation,
merger, reclassification or similar transaction involving the Company pursuant
to which the outstanding Common Stock is by operation of law exchanged for or
changed into other securities, cash or other property other than "qualifying
employer securities," holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock are
entitled to receive the same securities, cash or other property receivable by a
holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such shares of
Series B Preferred Stock could have been converted immediately prior to such
transaction or, at the election of each holder of the Series B Preferred Stock,
cash in an amount equal to the amount that would then be payable to such holder
in respect of such Series B Preferred Stock upon liquidation of the Company.
 
The certificate of designations establishing the Series B Preferred Stock
provides that it shall rank senior to the Common Stock as to the payment of
dividends and the distribution of assets on liquidation, dissolution and
winding up of the Company and, unless otherwise approved by holders of at least
two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, senior to all
other series of Preferred Stock (including the Preferred Stock offered hereby)
as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets on liquidation,
dissolution or winding up.
 
SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE LAW
 
The Company is subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
(the "DGCL"). Generally, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware
corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested
stockholder" for a period of three years following the time that such
stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless (i) prior to such time
either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder is approved by the board of
directors of the corporation, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction which
resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested
stockholder owns at least 85 percent of the voting stock of the corporation
outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of
determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned by (A) persons
who are both directors and officers and (B) employee stock plans in which
employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether
shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer,
or (iii) on or after such time the business combination is approved by the
board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of
stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least
66 2/3 percent of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the
interested stockholder. A "business combination" includes certain mergers or
consolidations with an interested stockholder, certain asset sales and
transfers to an interested stockholder, certain issuances of capital stock to
an interested stockholder and certain other transactions resulting in financial
benefit to an interested stockholder. An "interested stockholder" is, in
general, a person who, together with "affiliates" and "associates" (as
defined), owns 15% or more of the corporation's outstanding voting stock or is
an affiliate or associate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more
of the corporation's outstanding voting stock at any time during the prior
three years, subject to certain exceptions. Although a corporation's
certificate of incorporation may exclude such corporation from the restrictions
imposed by Section 203, the Amended Certificate of Incorporation does not
exclude the Company from those restrictions. Accordingly, Section 203 could
make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of the Company and
could have the effect of delaying or preventing a merger, tender offer, or
other attempted takeover of the Company, and therefore may discourage attempts
to acquire the Company.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
 
Several provisions of the Company's Amended Certificate of Incorporation and
By-laws may have the effect of deterring a takeover of the Company. These
provisions include: (i) certain advance notice and content requirements for
business to be brought before the annual stockholders' meeting by a stockholder
or for nomination by any stockholder of persons for election to the Board of
Directors; (ii) a requirement that stockholder action taken without a meeting
be by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the voting power of the
stockholders entitled to vote thereon; (iii) a requirement for the written
request of stockholders holding at least a majority of the voting power of all
stockholders to call a special meeting of the stockholders; and (iv) the
classification of Company's Board of Directors into three classes serving
staggered three-year terms and the prohibition of any amendment, change or
repeal of this structure without the favorable vote, at a stockholders meeting,
of at least 80% of the then outstanding shares of the Company's capital stock
entitled to vote. In addition, the approval of the holders of at least two-
thirds of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock is required, under
certain circumstances, for a consolidation or merger of the Company or the sale
or other transfer of certain assets by the Company. See "-- Preferred Stock --
Series B Preferred Stock" above.
 
The foregoing provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to gain
control of the Company, and could have the effect of delaying or preventing a
merger, tender offer or other attempted takeover of the Company.
 
                   DESCRIPTION OF TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
The Trust may issue only one series of Trust Preferred Securities which shall
have terms described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. The
Declaration of the Trust will authorize the Regular Trustees to issue on behalf
of the Trust one series of Trust Preferred Securities. The Declaration will be
qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The form of
Declaration has been or will be filed or incorporated by reference as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement. The terms of the Declaration will be
those set forth in the Declaration and those made part of the Declaration by
the Trust Indenture Act. The summary of certain provisions of the Trust
Preferred Securities and the Declaration set forth below and in any Prospectus
Supplement do not purport to be complete and are subject to and are qualified
in their entirety by reference to all of the provisions of the Declaration and
the Trust Securities, which provisions (including defined terms) are
incorporated herein by reference.
 
The following description of the Trust Preferred Securities and the Declaration
sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Trust Preferred
Securities and the Declaration to which any Prospectus Supplement may relate.
Certain other specific terms of the Trust Preferred Securities and the
Declaration will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. To the
extent that any particular terms of any Trust Preferred Securities or the
Declaration described in a Prospectus Supplement differ from any of the terms
described herein, then such terms described herein shall be deemed to have been
superseded by such Prospectus Supplement.
 
The Trust Preferred Securities will have such terms, including distributions,
redemption, voting, liquidation, conversion rights and such other preferred,
deferred or other special rights or such restrictions as shall be set forth in
the Declaration or made part of the Declaration by the Trust Indenture Act, and
which will generally mirror the terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities held
by the Trust and described in the Prospectus Supplement related thereto.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Trust Preferred
Securities for specific terms, including (i) the designation of such Trust
Preferred Securities; (ii) the number of Trust Preferred Securities; (iii) the
annual distribution rate (or method of determining such rate) for the Trust
Preferred Securities and the date or dates upon which such distributions shall
be payable; (iv) whether distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities shall
be cumulative, and, in the case of Trust Preferred Securities having such
cumulative distribution rights, the date or dates or method of determining the
date or dates from which distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities shall
be cumulative; (v) the amount or amounts which shall be paid out of the assets
of the Trust to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities upon voluntary or
involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust; (vi) the right
or obligation, if any, of the Trust to purchase or redeem the Trust Preferred
Securities and the price or prices at which, the period or periods within
which, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Trust Preferred Securities
shall or may be purchased or redeemed, in whole or in part, pursuant to such
right or obligation; (vii) the voting rights, if any, of the Trust Preferred
Securities in addition to those (if any) required by law, including the number
of votes per Trust Preferred Security and any requirement for the approval by
the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities, as a condition to specified
action or amendments to the Declaration; (viii) the terms and conditions, if
any, upon which the Trust Preferred Securities may be converted into or
exchanged for shares of Common Stock or other Securities, including the
conversion price per share or conversion rate and the circumstances, if any,
under which any such conversion right shall expire; (ix) the terms and
conditions, if any, upon which the Subordinated Debt
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
Securities may be distributed to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities; (x)
if applicable, any securities exchange upon which the Trust Preferred
Securities shall be listed; and (xi) any other relevant rights, preferences,
privileges, limitations or restrictions of the Trust Preferred Securities. All
Trust Preferred Securities offered hereby will be guaranteed by the Company to
the extent set forth below under "Description of Trust Preferred Securities
Guarantee." Certain United States federal income tax considerations applicable
to any offering of Trust Preferred Securities will be described in the
Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
In connection with the issuance of Trust Preferred Securities, the Trust will
issue one series of Trust Common Securities. The Declaration will authorize the
Regular Trustees to issue on behalf of the Trust one series of Trust Common
Securities having such terms including distributions, redemption, voting and
liquidation rights or such restrictions as shall be set forth therein. The
terms of the Trust Common Securities will be substantially identical to the
terms of the Trust Preferred Securities, and the Trust Common Securities will
rank pari passu, and payments will be made thereon pro rata, with the Trust
Preferred Securities except that, upon an event of default under the
Declaration, the rights of the holders of the Trust Common Securities to
payment in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption
and otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the holders of the Trust
Preferred Securities. Except in certain limited circumstances, the Trust Common
Securities will also carry the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace any
of the Trustees. All of the Trust Common Securities will be directly or
indirectly owned by the Company.
 
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
If an event of default under the Declaration occurs and is continuing, then the
holders of the Trust Preferred Securities would rely on the enforcement by the
Property Trustee of its rights as a holder of the Subordinated Debt Securities
against the Company. In addition, the holders of a majority in liquidation
amount of the Trust Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Property Trustee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred
upon the Property Trustee under the Declaration, including the right to direct
the Property Trustee to exercise the remedies available to it as a holder of
the Subordinated Debt Securities. If the Property Trustee fails to enforce its
rights under such Subordinated Debt Securities, a holder of the Trust Preferred
Securities, to the fullest extent permitted by law, may institute a legal
proceeding directly against the Company to enforce the Property Trustee's
rights under such Subordinated Debt Securities without first instituting any
legal proceeding against the Property Trustee or any other person or entity.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an event of default under the Declaration has
occurred and is continuing and such event is attributable to the failure of the
Company to pay the principal of or premium or interest, if any, on such
Subordinated Debt Securities on the date such principal, premium or interest,
as the case may be, is otherwise payable (or in the case of redemption, on the
redemption date), then a holder of the Trust Preferred Securities may directly
institute a proceeding for enforcement of payment to such holder of the
principal, premium or interest, as the case may be, on such Subordinated Debt
Securities having a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount
of the Trust Preferred Securities of such holder (a "Direct Action") on or
after the respective due date specified in the Subordinated Debt Securities. In
connection with such Direct Action, the Company will be subrogated to the
rights of such holder of the Trust Preferred Securities under the Declaration
to the extent of any payment made by the Company to such holder of Trust
Preferred Securities in such Direct Action.
 
              DESCRIPTION OF TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
 
Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the Trust Preferred
Securities Guarantee which will be executed and delivered by the Company for
the benefit of the holders from time to time of Trust Preferred Securities. The
Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee will be qualified as an indenture under
the Trust Indenture Act. A trustee whose name will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement will act as the trustee under the Trust
Preferred Securities Guarantee (the "Preferred Guarantee Trustee") for purposes
of the Trust Indenture Act. The form of Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee
has been or will be filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. The terms of the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee
will be those set forth in the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee and those
made part of the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee by the Trust Indenture
Act. The summary of certain provisions of the Trust Preferred Securities
Guarantee set forth below and in any Prospectus Supplement does not purport to
be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all
of the provisions of the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee, which provisions
of the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee (including defined terms) are
incorporated herein by reference. The Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee will
be held by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the holders of
the Trust Preferred Securities.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
 
The following description of the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee sets
forth certain general terms and provisions of the Trust Preferred Securities
Guarantee to which any Prospectus Supplement may relate. Certain other specific
terms of the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee will be described in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. To the extent that any particular terms of
the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee described in a Prospectus Supplement
differ from any of the terms described herein, then such terms described herein
shall be deemed to have been superseded by such Prospectus Supplement.
 
GENERAL
 
Pursuant to the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee, the Company will agree,
to the extent set forth therein, to pay in full, to the holders of the Trust
Preferred Securities, the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) (except to the
extent paid by the Trust), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of
setoff or counterclaim which the Trust may have or assert. The following
payments with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities to the extent not paid
by the Trust (the "Guarantee Payments"), will be subject to the Trust Preferred
Securities Guarantee thereof (without duplication): (i) any accumulated and
unpaid distributions which are required to be paid on such Trust Preferred
Securities, to the extent the Trust shall have funds available therefor; (ii)
the redemption price (if any) set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement
(the "Redemption Price"), which will not be lower than the liquidation amount,
and all accumulated and unpaid distributions, to the extent the Trust has funds
available therefor, with respect to any Trust Preferred Securities called for
redemption by the Trust and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
winding-up or termination of the Trust (other than in connection with the
distribution of Subordinated Debt Securities to the holders of Trust Preferred
Securities or the conversion or redemption of all of the Trust Preferred
Securities), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation amount and all
accumulated and unpaid distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities to the
date of payment, to the extent the Trust has funds available therefor, and (b)
the amount of assets of the Trust remaining available for distribution to
holders of the Trust Preferred Securities in liquidation of the Trust. The
Company's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct
payment of the required amounts by the Company to the holders of Trust
Preferred Securities or by causing the Trust to pay such amounts to such
holders.
 
The Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee will not apply to any payment of
distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities except to the extent the Trust
shall have funds available therefor. If the Company does not make interest
payments on the Subordinated Debt Securities purchased by the Trust, the Trust
will not pay distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities issued by the
Trust and will not have funds available therefor. The Trust Preferred
Securities Guarantee, when taken together with the Company's obligations under
the Subordinated Debt Securities, the Subordinated Indenture and the
Declaration, including its obligations to pay certain costs, expenses, debts
and liabilities of the Trust (other than with respect to the Trust Securities),
will provide a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated basis by the
Company of payments due on the Trust Preferred Securities.
 
The Company will also agree separately to guarantee the obligations of the
Trust with respect to the Trust Common Securities (the "Trust Common Securities
Guarantee") to the same extent as the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee,
except that upon an event of default under the Subordinated Indenture, holders
of Trust Preferred Securities shall have priority over holders of Trust Common
Securities with respect to distributions and payments on liquidation,
redemption or otherwise.
 
Certain covenants of the Company to be set forth in the Trust Preferred
Securities Guarantee will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
MODIFICATION OF THE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE; ASSIGNMENT
 
Except with respect to any changes which do not materially adversely affect the
rights of holders of Trust Preferred Securities (in which case no vote will be
required), the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee may be amended only with
the prior approval of the holders of not less than a majority in liquidation
amount of the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities. The manner of obtaining
any such approval of holders of such Trust Preferred Securities will be as set
forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement. All guarantees and agreements
contained in the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee shall bind the
successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Company and
shall inure to the benefit of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities
then outstanding.
 
TERMINATION
 
The Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee will terminate (a) upon full payment
of the redemption price of, plus accumulated and unpaid distributions on, all
Trust Preferred Securities, (b) upon distribution of the Subordinated Debt
Securities held by the Trust to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities
or the conversion, if applicable, of all of the Trust Preferred Securities into
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
Common Stock or other securities, or (c) upon full payment of the amounts
payable in accordance with the Declaration upon liquidation of the Trust. The
Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee will continue to be effective or will be
reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of Trust Preferred
Securities must restore payment of any sums paid under the Trust Preferred
Securities or the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
An event of default under the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee will occur
upon (a) the failure of the Company to perform any of its payment or other
obligations thereunder or (b) if applicable, the failure by the Company to
deliver Common Stock or other applicable securities upon an appropriate
election by the holder or holders of Trust Preferred Securities to convert the
Trust Preferred Securities into shares of Common Stock or other applicable
securities, as the case may be.
 
The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred
Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee in
respect of the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee or to direct the exercise
of any trust or power conferred upon the Preferred Guarantee Trustee under such
Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee. If the Preferred Guarantee Trustee fails
to enforce such Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee, any holder of Trust
Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against the
Company to enforce the Preferred Guarantee Trustee's rights under such Trust
Preferred Securities Guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding
against the Trust, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee or any other person or
entity. The Company will waive any right or remedy to require that any action
be brought first against the Trust or any other person or entity before
proceeding directly against the Company.
 
STATUS OF THE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
 
The Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee will constitute an unsecured
obligation of the Company and will rank (i) subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all other liabilities of the Company except any liabilities that may
be pari passu expressly by their terms, (ii) pari passu in right of payment
with the most senior preferred or preference stock now or hereafter issued by
the Company, if any (except that the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee will
be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the Series B Preferred Stock),
and with any guarantee now or hereafter entered into by the Company in respect
of any preferred or preference stock of any affiliate of the Company and (iii)
senior to Common Stock. The terms of the Trust Preferred Securities provide
that each holder of Trust Preferred Securities by acceptance thereof agrees to
the subordination provisions and other terms of the Trust Preferred Securities
Guarantee relating thereto.
 
The Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment
and not of collection (that is, the guaranteed party may institute a legal
proceeding directly against the guarantor to enforce its rights under the
guarantee without instituting a legal proceeding against any other person or
entity).
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
 
The Preferred Guarantee Trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with
respect to the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee, undertakes to perform only
such duties as are specifically set forth in such Trust Preferred Securities
Guarantee and, after default, shall exercise the same degree of care as a
prudent individual would exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
Subject to such provisions, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by a Trust Preferred
Securities Guarantee at the request of any holder of the Trust Preferred
Securities, unless offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and
liabilities which might be incurred thereby.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
The Company, or the Trust, as the case may be, may sell Securities to one or
more underwriters for public offering and sale by them or may sell Securities
through agents which solicit or receive offers on behalf of the Company or the
Trust, as the case may be, or through dealers or through a combination of any
such methods of sale, and the Company may also sell Securities directly to
investors. Any such underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of
Securities will be named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
Underwriters may offer and sell the Securities at a fixed price or prices,
which may be changed, or from time to time at market prices prevailing at the
time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at
negotiated prices. The Company or
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
the Trust, as the case may be, may, from time to time, authorize agents acting
on a best or reasonable efforts basis to solicit or receive offers to purchase
the Securities upon the terms and conditions as are set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement. In connection with the sale of Securities, underwriters
or agents may be deemed to have received compensation from the Company or the
Trust, as the case may be, in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions
or other underwriting compensation and may also receive commissions from
purchasers of Securities for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters may sell
Securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in
the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or
commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.
 
Any compensation paid by the Company or the Trust to underwriters or agents in
connection with the offering of Securities, and any discounts, concessions or
commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers, will be set forth
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Underwriters, dealers and agents
participating in a distribution of the Securities (including agents only
soliciting or receiving offers to purchase Securities on behalf of the Company
or the Trust) may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts, commissions
or other underwriting compensation received by them and any profit realized by
them on resale of Securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions.
 
Under agreements which may be entered into by the Company or the Trust, as the
case may be, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the
distribution of Securities may be entitled to indemnification against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company may
authorize underwriters or other persons acting as the Company's agents to
solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase Securities from the Company
pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date.
Institutions with which such contracts may be made include commercial and
savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies,
educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such
institutions must be approved by the Company. The obligations of any
institutional purchaser under any such contract will not be subject to any
conditions except (i) the purchase by such institution of the Securities
covered by such contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under
the laws of the jurisdiction to which such institution is subject, and (ii) if
such Securities are being sold to underwriters, the Company shall have sold to
such underwriters the total principal amount of such Securities less the
principal amount thereof covered by delayed delivery contracts.
 
Certain of the underwriters, dealers or agents and their affiliates may engage
in transactions with and perform services for the Company in the ordinary
course of business.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
Certain legal matters in connection with the offering made hereby will be
passed upon for the Company by Eberhard G.H. Schmoller, Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, and by Brown & Wood llp, San
Francisco, California. As of March 31, 1997, Mr. Schmoller owned approximately
4,391 shares of Common Stock, held options to acquire approximately 185,033
additional shares of Common Stock, and beneficially owned approximately 99.84
shares of Series B Preferred Stock, which, on such date, were convertible into
approximately 470 shares of Common Stock. The validity of the Trust Preferred
Securities will be passed upon for the Company and the Trust by Richards,
Layton & Finger, Wilmington, Delaware.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
The audited consolidated financial statements and schedule incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration Statement have
been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are incorporated herein
and therein by reference in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts
in giving said reports.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
The following table sets forth the expenses (all of which will be paid by the
Company) to be incurred in connection with the registration and sale of the
Securities:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                              <C>
      Securities and Exchange Commission filing fee................... $ 45,207
      Blue Sky fees and expenses......................................    5,000
      Rating agency fees..............................................   90,000
      Legal fees and expenses.........................................  250,000
      Accounting fees and expenses....................................   50,000
      Trustees' fees and expenses.....................................   10,000
      Printing and engraving..........................................   40,000
      Miscellaneous...................................................    9,793
                                                                       --------
        Total......................................................... $500,000
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
All of the above amounts, other than the Securities and Exchange Commission
filing fee, are estimates. Such filing fee was previously paid in connection
with certain prior registration statements to which this Registration Statement
constitutes a post-effective amendment.
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
As authorized by Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the
"DGCL"), the Company's Certificate of Incorporation eliminates to the fullest
extent permitted by Delaware law the personal liability of its directors to the
Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary
duty as a director.
 
The Company's Bylaws provide that each person who was or is made a party or is
threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or
was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or of another
enterprise, serving as such at the request of the Company, shall be indemnified
and held harmless by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL;
provided, however, that except as to actions to enforce indemnification rights,
the Company shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in
connection with an action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by
such person only if the action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) was
authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company. When indemnification is
authorized by the Company's Bylaws, the director, officer, employee or agent
shall be indemnified for expenses, liabilities and losses (including attorneys'
fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to
be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred by him or her in connection
therewith. The Company's Bylaws also provide that expenses incurred by an
officer or director (acting in his or her capacity as such) in defending a
proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance of final disposition of the
proceeding; provided, however, that if required by the DGCL, the officer or
director shall deliver to the Company an undertaking by the officer or director
to repay such expenses if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not
entitled to be indemnified by the Company. The Company's Bylaws also provide
that in other circumstances, expenses may be advanced upon such terms and
conditions as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
 
The Company's Bylaws further provide that the right to indemnification granted
thereunder shall be a contract right for the benefit of the Company's
directors, officers, employees and agents. The Company's Bylaws also authorize
actions against the Company to enforce the indemnification rights provided by
the Bylaws, subject to the Company's right to assert a defense in any such
action that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct that make it
permissible under the DGCL for the Company to indemnify the claimant for the
amount claimed, and the Company shall bear the burden of proving any such
defense.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
Under Section 145 of the DGCL, a corporation may provide indemnification to
directors, officers, employees and agents against judgments, penalties, fines,
settlements and reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in the
defense or settlement of a third party action, or against reasonable expenses
(including attorneys' fees) in the defense or settlement of a derivative
action, provided there is a determination by a majority vote of a quorum of
disinterested directors, a committee of directors, independent legal counsel,
or a majority vote of stockholders that a person seeking indemnification acted
in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation, and, in the case of a criminal
proceeding, with no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was
unlawful. However, Section 145 also states that no indemnification may be made
in derivative actions where such person is adjudged liable to the corporation,
unless, and only to the extent, that a court determines upon application that
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses
which the court deems proper. Section 145 of the DGCL also permits
indemnification of expenses which the court deems proper and provides that
indemnification of expenses actually and reasonably incurred shall be provided
when the individual being indemnified has successfully defended the action on
the merits or otherwise in any action, suit or proceeding. The indemnification
rights provided by statute in Delaware are not deemed to be exclusive of any
other rights which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any
bylaw, agreement or otherwise.
 
The Company's Bylaws also authorize the Company to purchase and maintain
insurance to protect itself and any person who is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of the Company against any liability, expense or loss
incurred by or asserted against such persons, whether or not the Company would
have the power to indemnify any such person against such liability, expense or
loss under applicable law or the Company's Bylaws. The Company presently
maintains a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy which insures
directors and officers of the Company and those of certain of its subsidiaries.
 
Reference is made to the form of Underwriting Agreement included or
incorporated by reference or to be included or incorporated by reference herein
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement for provisions regarding
indemnification of the Company's officers, directors and controlling persons
against certain liabilities.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>   
 <C>    <S>
   1(a) Form of Underwriting Agreement Basic Provisions for Debt Securities(d)
   1(b) Form of Underwriting Agreement for the other Securities registered
        hereby(a)
   4(a) Certificate of Incorporation of the Company(b)
   4(b) By-Laws of the Company, as amended(f)
   4(c) Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation(f)
   4(d) Form of Senior Indenture(d)
   4(e) Form of Subordinated Indenture(d)
   4(f) Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement(a)
   4(g) Form of Certificate of Designations for Preferred Stock(a)
   4(h) Form of Senior Debt Security(d)
   4(i) Form of Subordinated Debt Security(d)
   4(j) Form of Deposit Agreement including form of Depositary Receipt(a)
   4(k) Declaration of Trust of the Trust(f)
   4(l) Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust,
        including form of Trust Preferred Security(f)
   4(m) Form of Guarantee Agreement with respect to Trust Preferred
        Securities(e)
   5(a) Opinion of Brown & Wood LLP as to the validity of the Securities other
        than the Trust Preferred Securities(f)
   5(b) Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger as to the validity of the Trust
        Preferred Securities(f)
</TABLE>    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
 <C>    <S>
  12(a) Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the five years
        ended December 31, 1996(f)
  12(b) Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred
        Stock Dividends for the
        five years ended December 31, 1996(f)
  12(c) Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the quarters ended
        March 31, 1996 and 1997(e)
  12(d) Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred
        Stock Dividends for the
        quarters ended March 31, 1996 and 1997(e)
  23(a) Consent of Independent Public Accountants(e)
  23(b) Consent of Brown & Wood LLP (included in Exhibit 5(a))
  23(c) Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger (included in Exhibit 5(b))
  24    Power of Attorney of certain officers and directors (included as part of
        the signature pages hereof)(f)
  25(a) Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Senior Trustee (to be filed or
        incorporated by reference in
        connection with a particular offering of securities)
  25(b) Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Subordinated Trustee(e)
  25(c) Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of trustee with respect to the Amended
        and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust(e)
  25(d) Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of trustee with respect to the
        Preferred Securities Guarantee(e)
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated
    or deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
(b) Incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on
    Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1987.
(c) Incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Report on Form 8-A
    dated October 27, 1986.
(d) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form
    S-3 (no. 33-60619).
(e) Filed herewith.
(f) Filed previously.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-
effective amendment to this registration statement: (i) to include any
prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) to
reflect in the prospectus any acts or events arising after the effective date
of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
change in the information set forth in this registration statement; (iii) to
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to
such information in this registration statement; provided, however, that
subparagraphs (i) and (ii) do not apply if the information required to be
included in a post-effective amendment by those subparagraphs is contained in
periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference
in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may
be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to
Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 if, in the aggregate, the changes
in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee"
table in the effective registration statement.
 
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of
the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
 
The undersigned registrant hereby further undertakes that for the purpose of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant, pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In
the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of
any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
  (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
  1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
  this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
  form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
  (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
  registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
  (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
  of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
  shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
  securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
  time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the
purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee under subsection (a) of
Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and
regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust
Indenture Act.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
   
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this amendment to the
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Palo Alto, State of California, on May 29,
1997.     
 
                                          CNF Transportation Inc.
 
                                              /s/ Eberhard G.H. Schmoller
                                          By: _________________________________
                                              Eberhard G.H. Schmoller
                                              Senior Vice President,
                                              General Counsel and Secretary
   
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment to
the registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on May 29, 1997.     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SIGNATURE                                TITLE
              ---------                                -----
 <C>                                  <S>
        /s/ Donald E. Moffitt*        Chairman of the Board, President and
 ____________________________________ Chief Executive Officer (Principal
          Donald E. Moffitt           Executive Officer)
       /s/ Gregory L. Quesnel*        Executive Vice President and Chief
 ____________________________________ Financial Officer (Principal Financial
          Gregory L. Quesnel          and Principal Accounting Officer)
          /s/ Robert Alpert*          Director
 ____________________________________
            Robert Alpert
          /s/ Earl F. Cheit*          Director
 ____________________________________
            Earl F. Cheit
        /s/ Richard A. Clarke*        Director
 ____________________________________
          Richard A. Clarke
        /s/ Margaret G. Gill*         Director
 ____________________________________
           Margaret G. Gill
       /s/ Robert Jaunich II*         Director
 ____________________________________
          Robert Jaunich II
     /s/ W. Keith Kennedy, Jr.*       Director
 ____________________________________
        W. Keith Kennedy, Jr.
                                      Director
 ____________________________________
          Richard B. Madden
</TABLE>

 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SIGNATURE               TITLE
              ---------               -----
 <C>                                  <S>
       /s/ Michael J. Murray*         Director
 ____________________________________
          Michael J. Murray
        /s/ Robert D. Rogers*         Director
 ____________________________________
           Robert D. Rogers
      /s/ William J. Schroeder*       Director
 ____________________________________
         William J. Schroeder
        /s/ Robert P. Wayman*         Director
 ____________________________________
           Robert P. Wayman
</TABLE>
 
      /s/ Eberhard G.H. Schmoller
*By__________________________________
   Eberhard G.H. Schmoller Attorney-
                in-Fact

 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
 
   
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, CNF Trust I
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this amendment to the
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Palo Alto, State of California on May 29, 1997.
    
                                          CNF Trust I
 
                                          By:CNF Transportation Inc.,
                                             as Sponsor
 
                                              /s/ Eberhard G.H. Schmoller
                                          By: _________________________________
                                              Eberhard G.H. Schmoller
                                              Senior Vice President,
                                              General Counsel and Secretary
 
 
                                      II-7

<PAGE>
 
                                  CNF TRUST I



                                ________________


                    PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

                                ________________



                           Dated as of June __, 1997
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                                                                                             <C>
ARTICLE 1.  DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION....................................................   3
  Section 1.01.  Definitions and Interpretation...............................................   3
ARTICLE 2.  TRUST INDENTURE ACT...............................................................   6
  Section 2.01.  Trust Indenture Act; Application.............................................   6
  Section 2.02.  Lists of Holders of Securities...............................................   6
  Section 2.03.  Reports by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee...................................   6
  Section 2.04.  Periodic Reports to Preferred Guarantee Trustee..............................   6
  Section 2.05.  Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent.............................   7
  Section 2.06.  Events of Default; Waiver....................................................   7
  Section 2.07.  Event of Default; Notice.....................................................   7
  Section 2.08.  Conflicting Interests........................................................   7
ARTICLE 3.  POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE..........................   8
  Section 3.01.  Powers and Duties of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee.........................   8
  Section 3.02.  Certain Rights of Preferred Guarantee Trustee................................   9
  Section 3.03.  Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Preferred Securities Guarantee...  11
ARTICLE 4.  PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.......................................................  11
  Section 4.01.  Preferred Guarantee Trustee; Eligibility.....................................  11
  Section 4.02.  Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Preferred Guarantee Trustee..........  12
ARTICLE 5.  GUARANTEE.........................................................................  12
  Section 5.01.  Guarantee....................................................................  12
  Section 5.02.  Waiver of Notice and Demand..................................................  13
  Section 5.03.  Obligations Not Affected.....................................................  13
  Section 5.04.  Rights of Holders............................................................  14
  Section 5.05.  Guarantee of Payment.........................................................  14
  Section 5.06.  Subrogation..................................................................  14
  Section 5.07.  Independent Obligations......................................................  14
ARTICLE 6.  LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION.........................................  15
  Section 6.01.  Limitation of Transactions...................................................  15
  Section 6.02.  Ranking......................................................................  15
ARTICLE 7.  TERMINATION.......................................................................  15
  Section 7.01.  Termination..................................................................  15
ARTICLE 8.  INDEMNIFICATION...................................................................  16
  Section 8.01.  Exculpation..................................................................  16
  Section 8.02.  Indemnification..............................................................  16
ARTICLE 9 MISCELLANEOUS.......................................................................  16
  Section 9.01.  Successors and Assigns.......................................................  16
  Section 9.02.  Amendments...................................................................  17
  Section 9.03.  Notices......................................................................  17
 
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                             <C>
Section 9.04.  Benefit........................................................................  17
Section 9.05.  Governing Law..................................................................  18
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                    PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

          This GUARANTEE AGREEMENT (the "Preferred Securities Guarantee"), dated
as of June __, 1997, is executed and delivered by CNF Transportation, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Guarantor"), and The First National Bank of Chicago,
as trustee (the "Preferred Guarantee Trustee"), for the benefit of the Holders
(as defined herein) from time to time of the TECONS (as defined herein) of CNF
Trust I, a Delaware statutory business trust (the "Issuer").

          WHEREAS, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the
"Declaration"), dated as of June __, 1997, among the trustees of the Issuer
named therein, the Guarantor, as sponsor, and the holders from time to time of
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Issuer, the Issuer is
issuing on the date hereof  preferred securities, having an aggregate
liquidation amount of $100,000,000 ($115,000,000 if the Underwriters' over-
allotment option is exercised in full) designated the $_____ Term Convertible
Securities, Series A (the "TECONS").

          WHEREAS, as incentive for the Holders to purchase the TECONS, the
Guarantor desires irrevocably and unconditionally to agree, to the extent set
forth in this Preferred Securities Guarantee, to pay to the Holders of the
TECONS the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) and to make certain other
payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

          WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Guarantor is also executing and
delivering a guarantee agreement (the "Common Securities Guarantee") in
substantially identical terms to this Preferred Securities Guarantee for the
benefit of the holders of the Common Securities (as defined herein), except that
if an Event of Default (as defined in the Indenture), has occurred and is
continuing, the rights of holders of the Common Securities to receive Guarantee
Payments under the Common Securities Guarantee are subordinated to the rights of
Holders of TECONS to receive Guarantee Payments under this Preferred Securities
Guarantee.

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each Holder of
TECONS, which purchase the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit the Guarantor,
the Guarantor executes and delivers this Preferred Securities Guarantee for the
benefit of the Holders.

                   ARTICLE 1.  DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

          SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION.

          In this Preferred Securities Guarantee, unless the context otherwise
requires:


          (a) Capitalized terms used in this Preferred Securities Guarantee but
not 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
defined in the preamble above have the respective meanings as signed to them
in this Section 1.01;

          (b) terms defined in the Declaration as at the date of execution of
this Preferred Securities Guarantee have the same meaning when used in this
Preferred Securities Guarantee unless otherwise defined in this Preferred
Securities Guarantee;

          (c) a term defined anywhere in this Preferred Securities Guarantee has
the same meaning throughout;

          (d) all references to "the Preferred Securities Guarantee" or "this
Preferred Securities Guarantee" are to this Preferred Securities Guarantee as
modified, supplemented or amended from time to time;

          (e) all references in this Preferred Securities Guarantee to Articles
and Sections are to Articles and Sections of this Preferred Securities
Guarantee, unless otherwise specified;

          (f) a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning
when used in this Preferred Securities Guarantee, unless otherwise defined in
this Preferred Securities Guarantee or unless the context otherwise requires;
and

          (g) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa.

          "Authorized Officer" of a Person means any Person that is authorized
to bind such Person; provided, however, that the Authorized Officer signing an
Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 314(a)(4) of the Trust Indenture
Act shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of such
Person.

          "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee at which the corporate trust business of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee
shall, at any particular time, be principally administered, which office at the
date of execution of this Agreement is located at One First National Plaza,
Chicago, Illinois 60670.

          "Covered Person" means any Holder or beneficial owner of TECONS.

          "Event of Default" means (i) the failure of the Guarantor to perform
any of its payment or other obligations under this Preferred Securities
Guarantee or (ii) the failure of the Guarantor to deliver Common Stock upon an
appropriate election by any Holder of TECONS to convert such TECONS into shares
of Common Stock.

          "Guarantee Payments" means the following payments or distributions,
without duplication, with respect to the TECONS, to the extent not paid or made
by the Issuer: (i) any accrued and unpaid Distributions (as defined in the
Declaration) that

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
are required to be paid on such TECONS to the extent the Issuer shall have
funds available therefor, (ii) the redemption price (the "Redemption Price"),
and all accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date of redemption to the extent
the Issuer has funds available therefor, with respect to any TECONS called for
redemption by the Issuer, and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
winding-up or termination of the Issuer (other than in connection with the
conversion of all of the Trust Securities into the Guarantor's common stock or
the distribution of Debentures to the Holders in exchange for TECONS as provided
in the Declaration), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation amount
and all accrued and unpaid Distributions on the TECONS to the date of payment,
to the extent the Issuer shall have funds available therefor, and (b) the amount
of assets of the Issuer remaining available for distribution to Holders in
liquidation of the Issuer (in either case, the "Liquidation Distribution"). If
an event of default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing, the
rights of holders of the Common Securities to receive payments under the Common
Securities Guarantee Agreement are subordinated to the rights of Holders of
TECONS to receive Guarantee Payments.

          "Holder" shall mean any holder, as registered on the books and records
of the Issuer of any TECONS; provided, however, that, in determining whether the
holders of the requisite percentage of TECONS have given any request, notice,
consent or waiver hereunder, "Holder" shall not include the Guarantor or any
Affiliate of the Guarantor.

          "Indemnified Person" means the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, any
Affiliate of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, or any officers, directors,
shareholders, members, partners, employees, representatives, nominees,
custodians or agents of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee.

          "Indenture" means the Subordinated Indenture dated as of June __,
1997, between the Guarantor (the "Debenture Issuer") and The First National Bank
of Chicago, as trustee, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture
dated as of June __, 1997, between the Debenture Issuer and The First National
Bank of Chicago, as trustee.

          "Majority in liquidation amount of the Securities" means, except as
provided in the terms of the TECONS or, except as provided by the Trust
Indenture Act, a vote by Holder(s) of TECONS, voting separately as a class, of
more than 50% of the liquidation amount (including the stated amount that would
be paid on redemption, liquidation or otherwise, plus accrued and unpaid
Distributions to the date upon which the voting percentages are determined) of
all TECONS.

          "Preferred Guarantee Trustee" means The First National Bank of
Chicago, until a Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and
has accepted such appointment pursuant to the terms of this Preferred Securities
Guarantee and

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
thereafter means each such Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee.

          "Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee, any officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee, including any vice president, any assistant vice president,
any assistant secretary, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer or other officer
of the Corporate Trust Office of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee customarily
performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated
officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter,
any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of that officer's
knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

          "Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee" means a successor Preferred
Guarantee Trustee possessing the qualifications to act as Preferred Guarantee
Trustee under Section 4.01.

          "Trust Securities" means the Common Securities and the TECONS.

                        ARTICLE 2.  TRUST INDENTURE ACT

          SECTION 2.01.  TRUST INDENTURE ACT; APPLICATION.

          (a) This Preferred Securities Guarantee is subject to the provisions
of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such
provisions; and

          (b) if and to the extent that any provision of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by
Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties
shall control.


          SECTION 2.02.  LISTS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.

          (a) The Guarantor shall provide the Preferred Guarantee Trustee with a
list, in such form as the Preferred Guarantee Trustee may reasonably require, of
the names and addresses of the Holders of the TECONS ("List of Holders") as of
such date, (i) within 1 Business Day after January 1 and June 30 of each year,
and (ii) at any other time within 30 days of receipt by the Guarantor of a
written request for a List of Holders as of a date no more than 14 days before
such List of Holders is given to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee provided, that
the Guarantor shall not be obligated to provide such List of Holders at any time
the List of Holders does not differ from the most recent List of Holders given
to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee by the Guarantor. The Preferred Guarantee
Trustee may destroy any List of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a
new List of Holders.

          (b) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall comply with its obligations
under 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Sections 311(a), 311(b) and Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

          SECTION 2.03.  REPORTS BY THE PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.

          Within 60 days after May 15 of each year, the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee shall provide to the Holders of the TECONS such reports as are required
by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act if any, in the form and in the manner
provided by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Preferred Guarantee
Trustee shall also comply with the requirements of Section 313(d) of the Trust
Indenture Act.

          SECTION 2.04.  PERIODIC REPORTS TO PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.

          The Guarantor shall provide to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee such
documents, reports and information as required by Section 314 of the Trust
Indenture Act (if any) and the compliance certificate required by Section 314 of
the Trust Indenture Act in the form, in the manner and at the times required by
Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act.

          Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee's receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any
information contained therein, including the Guarantor's compliance with any of
its covenants hereunder (as to which the Preferred Guarantee Trustee is entitled
to rely exclusively on Officers' Certificates).


          SECTION 2.05.  EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

          The Guarantor shall provide to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee such
evidence of compliance with any conditions precedent, if any, provided for in
this Preferred Securities Guarantee that relate to any of the matters set forth
in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion
required to be given by an officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) may be given in
the form of an Officers' Certificate.

          SECTION 2.06.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT; WAIVER.

          The Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of TECONS may, by
vote, on behalf of the Holders of all of the TECONS, waive any past Event of
Default and its consequences. Upon such waiver, any such Event of Default shall
cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to
have been cured, for every purpose of this Preferred Securities Guarantee, but
no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of
Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 2.07.  EVENT OF DEFAULT; NOTICE.

          (a) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall, within 90 days after the
occurrence of an Event of Default, transmit by mail, first class postage
prepaid, to the Holders of the TECONS, notices of all Events of Default actually
known to a Responsible Officer of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, unless such
defaults have been cured before the giving of such notice, provided, that, the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and
so long as a Responsible Officer of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee in good
faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the
Holders of the TECONS.

          (b) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be deemed to have
knowledge of any Event of Default unless the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall
have received written notice, or of which a Responsible Officer of the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee charged with the administration of the Declaration shall have
obtained actual knowledge.
 
          SECTION 2.08.  CONFLICTING INTERESTS.

          The Declaration shall be deemed to be specifically described in this
Preferred Securities Guarantee for the purposes of clause (i) of the first
proviso contained in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.


                   ARTICLE 3.  POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF
                          PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

          SECTION 3.01.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.

          (a) This Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be held by the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the TECONS, and the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not transfer this Preferred Securities
Guarantee to any Person except a Holder of TECONS exercising his or her rights
pursuant to Section 5.04(b) or to a Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee on
acceptance by such Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee of its appointment to
act as Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee. The right, title and interest of
the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall automatically vest in any Successor
Preferred Guarantee Trustee, and such vesting and cessation of title shall be
effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered
pursuant to the appointment of such Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee.

          (b) If an Event of Default actually known to a Responsible Officer of
the Preferred Guarantee Trustee has occurred and is continuing, the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee shall enforce this Preferred Securities Guarantee for the
benefit of the Holders of the TECONS.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
          (c) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee, before the occurrence of any
Event of Default and after the curing of all Events of Default that may have
occurred, shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set
forth in this Preferred Securities Guarantee, and no implied covenants shall be
read into this Preferred Securities Guarantee against the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee. In case an Event of Default has occurred (that has not been cured or
waived pursuant to Section 2.06) and is actually known to a Responsible Officer
of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall
exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Preferred Securities
Guarantee, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof, as
a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of
his or her own affairs.

          (d) No provision of this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be
construed to relieve the Preferred Guarantee Trustee from liability for its own
negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful
misconduct, except that:

               (i) prior to the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the
          curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have
          occurred:

               (A) the duties and obligations of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee
          shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Preferred
          Securities Guarantee, and the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be
          liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as
          are specifically set forth in this Preferred Securities Guarantee, and
          no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Preferred
          Securities Guarantee against the Preferred Guarantee Trustee; and

               (B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Preferred
          Guarantee Trustee, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee may conclusively
          rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the
          opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions
          furnished to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee and conforming to the
          requirements of this Preferred Securities Guarantee; but in the case
          of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are
          specifically required to be furnished to the Preferred Guarantee
          Trustee, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall be under a duty to
          examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the
          requirements of this Preferred Securities Guarantee;

     (ii) the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any error of
judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Preferred Guarantee Trustee was
negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts upon which such judgment was made;

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
     (iii) the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable with respect to
any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with
the direction of the Holders of not less than a Majority in liquidation amount
of the TECONS relating to the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Preferred Guarantee Trustee
under this Preferred Securities Guarantee; and

     (iv) no provision of this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall require the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur
personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the
exercise of any of its rights or powers, if the Preferred Guarantee Trustee
shall have reasonable grounds for believing that the repayment of such funds or
liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee or indemnity, reasonably satisfactory to the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee, against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to
it.

     SECTION 3.02.  CERTAIN RIGHTS OF PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.

     (a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3.01:

     (i) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely, and shall be
fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon, any resolution,
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other
paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or
presented by the proper party or parties.

     (ii) Any direction or act of the Guarantor contemplated by this Preferred
Securities Guarantee shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers'
Certificate.

     (iii) Whenever, in the administration of this Preferred Securities
Guarantee, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter
be proved or established before taking, suffering or omitting any action
hereunder, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee (unless other evidence is herein
specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, request
and conclusively rely upon an Officers' Certificate which, upon receipt of such
request, shall be promptly delivered by the Guarantor.

     (iv) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall have no duty to see to any
recording, filing or registration of any instrument (or any rerecording,
refiling or registration thereof).

     (v) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee may consult with counsel of its
selection, 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
and the advice or opinion of such counsel with respect to legal matters shall be
full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken,
suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such
advice or opinion. Such counsel may be counsel to the Guarantor or any of its
Affiliates and may include any of its employees. The Preferred Guarantee Trustee
shall have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the
administration of this Preferred Securities Guarantee from any court of
competent jurisdiction.

     (vi) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall be under no obligation to
exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Preferred Securities
Guarantee at the request or direction of any Holder, unless such Holder shall
have provided to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee such security and indemnity,
reasonably satisfactory to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, against the costs,
expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses and the expenses of the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee's agents, nominees or custodians) and liabilities
that might be incurred by it in complying with such request or direction,
including such reasonable advances as may be requested by the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee.

     (vii) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be bound to make any
investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate,
statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent,
order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or
document, but the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, in its discretion, may make such
further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit.

     (viii) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the trusts or
powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or
through agents, nominees, custodians or attorneys, and the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of
any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.

     (ix) Any action taken by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee or its agents
hereunder shall bind the Holders of the TECONS, and the signature of the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee or its agents alone shall be sufficient and
effective to perform any such action. No third party shall be required to
inquire as to the authority of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee to so act or as
to its compliance with any of the terms and provisions of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee, both of which shall be conclusively evidenced by the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee's or its agent's taking such action.

     (x) Whenever in the administration of this Preferred Securities Guarantee
the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions
with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action
hereunder, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee (i) may request instructions from the
Holders of a 

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Majority in liquidation amount of the TECONS, (ii) may refrain from enforcing
such remedy or right or taking such other action until such instructions are
received, and (iii) shall be protected in conclusively relying on or acting in
accordance with such instructions.

     (xi) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the trusts or
powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or
through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any
misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due
care by it hereunder.

     (xii) The Preferred Securities Trustee shall not be liable for any action
taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably
believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers
conferred upon it by this Preferred Securities Guarantee.

     (b) No provision of this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be deemed to
impose any duty or obligation on the Preferred Guarantee Trustee to perform any
act or acts or exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or
imposed on it in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the
Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance
with applicable law, to perform any such act or acts or to exercise any such
right, power, duty or obligation. No permissive power or authority available to
the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall be construed to be a duty.

     SECTION 3.03.  NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS OR ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED
SECURITIES GUARANTEE.

     The recitals contained in this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be
taken as the statements of the Guarantor, and the Preferred Guarantee Trustee
does not assume any responsibility for their correctness. The Preferred
Guarantee Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of
this Preferred Securities Guarantee.

                    ARTICLE 4.  PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

     SECTION 4.01.  PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE; ELIGIBILITY.

     (a) There shall at all times be a Preferred Guarantee Trustee which shall:

     (i) not be an Affiliate of the Guarantor; and

     (ii) be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the
United States of America or any State or Territory thereof or of the District of
Columbia, or a corporation or other Person permitted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission to act as an institutional trustee under the Trust Indenture
Act, 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined
capital and surplus of at least 50 million U.S. dollars ($50,000,000), and
subject to supervision or examination by federal, state, territorial or District
of Columbia authority. If such Person publishes reports of condition at least
annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the supervising or examining
authority referred to above, then, for the purposes of this Section 4.01(a)(ii),
the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its
combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition
so published.

     (b) If at any time the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall cease to be
eligible to so act under Section 4.01(a), the Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall
immediately resign in the manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.02(c).

     (c) If the Preferred Guarantee Trustee has or shall acquire any
"conflicting interest" within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust
Indenture Act, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee and Guarantor shall in all
respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture
Act.

     SECTION 4.02.  APPOINTMENT, REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF PREFERRED GUARANTEE
TRUSTEE.

     (a) Subject to Section 4.02(b), the Preferred Guarantee Trustee may be
appointed or removed without cause at any time by the Guarantor.

     (b) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall not be removed in accordance with
Section 4.02(a) until a Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee has been appointed
and has accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such
Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor.

     (c) The Preferred Guarantee Trustee appointed to office shall hold office
until a Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed or until
its removal or resignation. The Preferred Guarantee Trustee may resign from
office (without need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in
writing executed by the Preferred Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the
Guarantor, which resignation shall not take effect until a Successor Preferred
Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by
instrument in writing executed by such Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee and
delivered to the Guarantor and the resigning Preferred Guarantee Trustee.

     (d) If no Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed
and accepted appointment as provided in this Section 4.02 within 60 days after
delivery of an instrument of resignation or removal, the Preferred Guarantee
Trustee resigning or being removed may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for appointment of a Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee. Such
court may thereupon, after prescribing 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a Successor Preferred
Guarantee Trustee.

     (e) No Preferred Guarantee Trustee shall be liable for the acts or
omissions to act of any Successor Preferred Guarantee Trustee.

     (f) Upon termination of this Preferred Securities Guarantee or removal or
resignation of the Preferred Guarantee Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.02,
the Guarantor shall pay to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee all amounts accrued
to the date of such termination, removal or resignation.

                             ARTICLE 5.  GUARANTEE

          SECTION 5.01.  GUARANTEE.

          The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to pay in full to
the Holders the Guarantee Payments (without duplication of amounts theretofore
paid by the Issuer), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-
off or counterclaim that the Issuer may have or assert. The Guarantor's
obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the
required amounts by the Guarantor to the Holders or by causing the Issuer to pay
such amounts to the Holders.

          SECTION 5.02.  WAIVER OF NOTICE AND DEMAND.

          The Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee and of any liability to which it applies or may apply,
presentment, demand for payment, any right to require a proceeding first against
the Issuer or any other Person before proceeding against the Guarantor, protest,
notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other
notices and demands.

          SECTION 5.03.  OBLIGATIONS NOT AFFECTED.

          The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Guarantor
under this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall in no way be affected or
impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of any of the following:

          (a) the release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the
performance or observance by the Issuer of any express or implied agreement,
covenant, term or condition relating to the TECONS to be performed or observed
by the Issuer;

          (b) the extension of time for the payment by the Issuer of all or any
portion of the Distributions, Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or any
other sums payable under the terms of the TECONS or the extension of time for
the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in connection
with, the TECONS 

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
(other than an extension of time for payment of Distributions, Redemption Price,
Liquidation Distribution or other sum payable that results from the extension of
any interest payment period on the Debentures or any extension of the maturity
date of the Debentures permitted by the Indenture);

          (c) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of
the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy
conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of the TECONS, or any action on
the part of the Issuer granting indulgence or extension of any kind;

          (d) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any
collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of
creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt of,
or other similar proceedings affecting, the Issuer or any of the assets of the
Issuer;

          (e) any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the TECONS;

          (f) the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby
or hereby incurred; or

          (g) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute
a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being the intent of
this Section 5.03 that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be
absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.

          There shall be no obligation of the Holders to give notice to, or
obtain consent of, the Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the
foregoing.

          SECTION 5.04.  RIGHTS OF HOLDERS.

          (a) The Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of the TECONS have
the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for
any remedy available to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee in respect of this
Preferred Securities Guarantee or exercising any trust or power conferred upon
the Preferred Guarantee Trustee under this Preferred Securities Guarantee.

          (b) If the Preferred Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce such Preferred
Securities Guarantee, any Holder of TECONS may institute a legal proceeding
directly against the Guarantor to enforce the Preferred Guarantee Trustee's
rights under this Preferred Securities Guarantee, without first instituting a
legal proceeding against the Issuer, the Preferred Guarantee Trustee or any
other person or entity. The Guarantor waives any right or remedy to require that
any action be brought first against the Issuer or any other person or entity
before proceeding directly against the Guarantor.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 5.05.  GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT.

          This Preferred Securities Guarantee creates a guarantee of payment and
not of collection.

          SECTION 5.06.  SUBROGATION.

          The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all (if any) rights of the
Holders of TECONS against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to such
Holders by the Guarantor under this Preferred Securities Guarantee; provided,
however, that the Guarantor shall not (except to the extent required by
mandatory provisions of law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any right that
it may acquire by way of subrogation or any indemnity, reimbursement or other
agreement, in all cases as a result of payment under this Preferred Securities
Guarantee, if, at the time of any such payment, any amounts are due and unpaid
under this Preferred Securities Guarantee. If any amount shall be paid to the
Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, the Guarantor agrees to hold
such amount in trust for the Holders and to pay over such amount to the Holders.

          SECTION 5.07.  INDEPENDENT OBLIGATIONS.

          The Guarantor acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are
independent of the obligations of the Issuer with respect to the TECONS, and
that the Guarantor shall be liable as principal and as debtor hereunder to make
Guarantee Payments pursuant to the terms of this Preferred Securities Guarantee
notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in subsections (a)
through (g), inclusive, of Section 5.03 hereof.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
             ARTICLE 6.  LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION

          SECTION 6.01.  LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS.

          So long as any TECONS remain outstanding, if there shall have occurred
an Event of Default or an event of default under the Declaration, then (a) the
Guarantor shall not declare or pay any dividend on, make any distributions with
respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with
respect to, any of its capital stock (other than (A) (i) purchases or
acquisitions of shares of the Guarantor's capital stock (or capital stock
equivalents) in connection with the satisfaction by the Guarantor of its
obligations under any officer's, directors or employee benefit plans (or any
options or other instruments issued thereunder) or the satisfaction by the
Guarantor of its obligations pursuant to any contract or security requiring the
Guarantor to purchase shares of the Guarantor's capital stock (or capital stock
equivalents), (ii) purchases of shares of the Guarantor's capital stock (or
capital stock equivalents) from officers, directors or employees of the company
or its subsidiaries pursuant to employment agreements or upon termination of
employment or retirement, (iii) as a result of a reclassification, combination
or subdivision of the Guarantor's capital stock or the exchange or conversion of
one class or series of the Guarantor's capital stock for another class or series
of the Guarantor's capital stock, (iv) dividends or distributions of shares of
common stock on common stock, (v) the purchase of fractional interests in shares
of the Guarantor's capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of such capital stock or any security being converted or exchanged
into such capital stock, (vi) dividends or distributions on, or redemptions,
purchases or acquisitions of, or liquidation payments with respect to, the
Series B Preferred Stock, (vii) purchases or other acquisitions of common stock
in connection with a dividend reinvestment or other similar plan, or (viii) any
dividend or distribution of capital stock (or capital stock equivalents) in
connection with the implementation of stockholders rights plan, or the issuance
of stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or repurchase of
any such rights pursuant thereto, or (B) guarantee payments made with respect to
any of the foregoing), (b) the Guarantor shall not make any payment of interest,
principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt
securities issued by the Guarantor which rank pari passu with or junior to the
Convertible Debentures and (c) the Guarantor shall not make any guarantee
payments with respect to the foregoing (other than pursuant to the Guarantee or
the Guarantor's guarantee of the Trust Common Securities).

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 6.02.  RANKING.

          This Preferred Securities Guarantee will constitute an unsecured
obligation of the Guarantor and will rank (i) subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all other liabilities of the Guarantor, (ii) pari passu with the most
senior Preferred or preference stock now or hereafter issued by the Guarantor
and with any guarantee now or hereafter entered into by the Guarantor in respect
of any Preferred or preference stock of any Affiliate of the Guarantor, and
(iii) senior to the Guarantor's common stock.

                            ARTICLE 7.  TERMINATION

          SECTION 7.01.  TERMINATION.

          This Preferred Securities Guarantee shall terminate (i) upon full
payment of the Redemption Price of all TECONS, (ii) upon the distribution of the
Guarantor's common stock to all of the Holders in respect of the conversion of
the TECONS into the Guarantor's common stock or upon the distribution of the
Debentures to the Holders of all of the TECONS or (iii) upon full payment of the
amounts payable in accordance with the Declaration upon liquidation of the
Issuer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Preferred Securities Guarantee will
continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any
time any Holder of TECONS must restore payment of any sums paid under the TECONS
or under this Preferred Securities Guarantee.

                          ARTICLE 8.  INDEMNIFICATION

          SECTION 8.01.  EXCULPATION.

          (a) No Indemnified Person shall be liable, responsible or accountable
in damages or otherwise to the Guarantor or any Covered Person for any loss,
damage, liability, expense or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission
performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith in accordance with
this Preferred Securities Guarantee and in a manner that such Indemnified Person
reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such
Indemnified Person by this Preferred Securities Guarantee or by law, except that
an Indemnified Person shall be liable for any such loss, damage or claim
incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's negligence or willful misconduct
with respect to such acts or omissions.

          (b) An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Guarantor and upon such information, opinions,
reports or statements presented to the Guarantor by any Person as to matters the
Indemnified Person reasonably believes are within such other Person's
professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care
by or on behalf of the

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
Guarantor, including information, opinions, reports or statements as to the
value and amount of the assets, liabilities, profits, losses, or any other facts
pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which Distributions to
Holders of TECONS might properly be paid.

          SECTION 8.02.  INDEMNIFICATION.
 
          The Guarantor agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person for, and to
hold each Indemnified Person harmless against, any loss, liability or expense
incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in
connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts
hereunder, including the costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and
expenses) of defending itself against, or investigating, any claim or liability
in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties
hereunder. The obligation to indemnify as set forth in this Section 8.02 shall
survive the termination of this Preferred Securities Guarantee.

          When the Preferred Guarantee Trustee incurs expenses or renders
services in connection with an Event of Default specified in Section 5.01(6) or
Section 5.01(7) of the Indenture, the expenses (including the reasonable charges
and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for services are intended to
constitute expenses of administration under any applicable federal or state
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law.

                           ARTICLE 9.  MISCELLANEOUS

          SECTION 9.01.  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

          All guarantees and agreements contained in this Preferred Securities
Guarantee shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and
representatives of the Guarantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Holders
of the TECONS then outstanding.

          SECTION 9.02.  AMENDMENTS.

          Except with respect to any changes that do not materially adversely
affect the rights of Holders (in which case no consent of Holders will be
required), this Preferred Securities Guarantee may be amended only with the
prior approval of the Holders of at least a Majority in liquidation amount
(including the stated amount that would be paid on redemption, liquidation or
otherwise, plus accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date upon which the
voting percentages are determined) of all the outstanding TECONS. The provisions
of Section 12.02 of the Declaration with respect to meetings of Holders of the
Securities apply to the giving of such approval.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 9.03.  NOTICES.

          All notices provided for in this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall
be in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice, and shall be
delivered, telecopied or mailed by first class mail, as follows:

          (a) If given to the Preferred Guarantee Trustee, at the Preferred
Guarantee Trustee's mailing address set forth below (or such other address as
the Preferred Guarantee Trustee may give notice of to the Holders of the
TECONS):

          The First National Bank of Chicago
          One First National Plaza
          Chicago, Illinois  60670
          Attn:  Corporate Trust Administration

          (b) If given to the Guarantor, at the Guarantor's mailing address set
forth below (or such other address as the Guarantor may give notice of to the
Holders of the TECONS):

          CNF Transportation, Inc.
          3240 Hillview Avenue
          Palo Alto, California  94304
          Attn: Chief Financial Officer

          (c) If given to any Holder of TECONS, at the address set forth on the
books and records of the Issuer.

          All such notices shall be deemed to have been given when received in
person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail,
postage prepaid except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or
cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given,
such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date
of such refusal or inability to deliver.

          SECTION 9.04.  BENEFIT.

          This Preferred Securities Guarantee is solely for the benefit of the
Holders of the TECONS and, subject to Section 3.01(a), is not separately
transferable from the TECONS.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
          SECTION 9.05.  GOVERNING LAW.

          THIS PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND
CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,
WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
 

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
          THIS PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE is executed as of the day and year
first above written.

                         CNF TRANSPORTATION, INC.,
                          as Guarantor


                         By:_________________________________
                         Name:_______________________________
                         Title:  ____________________________

                         THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
                         as Preferred Guarantee Trustee

                         By:_________________________________
                         Name:_______________________________
                         Title:  ____________________________

                                       23

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 
                                                              EXHIBIT 12(C)     
 
                            CNF TRANSPORTATION INC.
 
               COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                  -----------------------
                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                         MARCH 31,
                                                  -----------------------
                                                         1997        1996
                                                  ----------- -----------
<S>                                               <C>         <C>
                                                  (dollars in thousands)
Fixed Charges:
  Interest Expense                                $    10,805 $     9,664
  Capitalized Interest                                    702         471
  Preferred Dividends                                   3,087       3,160
                                                  ----------- -----------
Total Interest                                         14,594      13,295
Interest Component of Rental Expense                   13,218      10,915
                                                  ----------- -----------
Fixed Charges                                          27,812      24,210
  Less:
  Capitalized Interest                                    702         471
  Preferred Dividends                                   3,087       3,160
                                                  ----------- -----------
    Net Fixed Charges                             $    24,023 $    20,579
                                                  =========== ===========
Earnings:
  Income from Continuing Operations Before Income
   Taxes                                          $    40,172 $    25,683
  Add: Net Fixed Charges                               24,023      20,579
                                                  ----------- -----------
    Total Earnings Before Fixed Charges           $    64,195 $    46,262
                                                  =========== ===========
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges:
  Total Earnings                                  $    64,195 $    46,262
  Fixed Charges(1)                                     27,812      24,210
  Ratio                                                  2.3x        1.9x
</TABLE>    
- -------
       
(1) Fixed charges represent interest on capital leases and short-term and long-
    term debt, capitalized interest, dividends on shares of the Series B
    Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock used to pay debt service on notes
    issued by the Company's Thrift and Stock Plan (the "TASP"), and the
    applicable portion of the consolidated rent expense which approximates the
    interest portion of lease payments.
       

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 
                                                              EXHIBIT 12(D)     
                             
                          CNF TRANSPORTATION INC.     
   
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK
                                 DIVIDENDS     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                           ------------------
                                                             THREE MONTHS
                                                            ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                           ------------------
                                                               1997      1996
                                                           --------  --------
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>
                                                              (dollars in
                                                              thousands)
Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends:
  Interest Expense                                         $ 10,805  $  9,664
  Capitalized Interest                                          702       471
  Preferred Dividends                                         3,087     3,160
                                                           --------  --------
Total Interest                                               14,594    13,295
Interest Component of Rental Expense                         13,218    10,915
                                                           --------  --------
Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends:        27,812    24,210
  Less:
  Capitalized Interest                                          702       471
  Preferred Dividends                                         3,087     3,160
                                                           --------  --------
    Net Fixed Charges                                      $ 24,023  $ 20,579
                                                           ========  ========
Earnings:
  Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes    $ 40,172  $ 25,683
  Add: Net Fixed Charges                                     24,023    20,579
                                                           --------  --------
    Total Earnings Before Combined Fixed Charges and
     Preferred Stock Dividends:                            $ 64,195  $ 46,262
                                                           ========  ========
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred
 Stock Dividends:
  Total Earnings                                           $ 64,195  $ 46,262
  Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends(1)    27,812    24,210
  Ratio                                                         2.3x      1.9x
</TABLE>    
- -------
   
(1) Fixed charges represent interest on capital leases and short-term and long-
    term debt, capitalized interest, dividends on shares of the Series B
    Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock used to pay debt service on notes
    issued by the Company's Thrift and Stock Plan (the "TASP"), and the
    applicable portion of the consolidated rent expense which approximates the
    interest portion of lease payments.     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(A)
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement, in Registration Statement No. 33-
29793 and in Registration Statement No. 33-60619 of our reports dated January
24, 1997 included and incorporated by reference in CNF Transportation Inc.'s
(formerly Consolidated Freightways, Inc.) Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in such Registration
Statements.
 
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
 
San Francisco, California,
    
 May 29, 1997     


<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 25(B)

 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2) _____

                        ---------------------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

  A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                       36-0899825
                                                  (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS              60670-0126
     (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)            (ZIP CODE)

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                       -----------------------------------

                             CNF TRANSPORTATION INC.
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


     DELAWARE                                       94-1444798
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                   (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                    IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


 
     3240 HILLVIEW AVENUE
     PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA                                    94304
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                    (ZIP CODE)


               % CONVERTIBLE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES DUE
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)
<PAGE>
  
ITEM 1.   GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
          --------------------                       
          INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

          (A) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR
          SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.

          Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.,
          Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
          Washington, D.C., The Board of Governors of
          the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

          (B) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE
          CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

          The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate
          trust powers.

ITEM 2.   AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.  IF THE OBLIGOR
          ------------------------------                
          IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH
          SUCH AFFILIATION.

          No such affiliation exists with the trustee.

 
ITEM 16.  LIST OF EXHIBITS.   LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS A
          -----------------                                     
          PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.

          1.  A copy of the articles of association of the
              trustee now in effect.*
 
          2.  A copy of the certificates of authority of the
              trustee to commence business.*

          3.  A copy of the authorization of the trustee to
              exercise corporate trust powers.*

          4.  A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee.*

          5.  Not Applicable.

          6.  The consent of the trustee required by
              Section 321(b) of the Act.

                                       2
<PAGE>
  
          7.  A copy of the latest report of condition of the
              trustee published pursuant to law or the
              requirements of its supervising or examining
              authority.

          8.  Not Applicable.

          9.  Not Applicable.


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
    the trustee, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national banking
    association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
    America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its
    behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of
    Chicago and State of Illinois, on the 27th day of May, 1997.


               THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
               TRUSTEE

               BY  /s/ Steven M. Wagner
                   --------------------
                   STEVEN M. WAGNER
                   VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL
                   CORPORATE TRUST SERVICES DIVISION



* EXHIBITS 1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBITS
BEARING IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO, FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).

                                       3
<PAGE>
  
                                   EXHIBIT 6



                      THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT


               May  27, 1997


Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the qualification of an indenture between CNF Transportation
Inc. and The First National Bank of Chicago, the undersigned, in accordance with
Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, hereby consents
that the reports of examinations of the undersigned, made by Federal or State
authorities authorized to make such examinations, may be furnished by such
authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.


               Very truly yours,

               THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
 
               BY: /s/ Steven M. Wagner
                   --------------------
                   STEVEN M. WAGNER
                   VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL
                   CORPORATE TRUST SERVICES DIVISION




                                       4
<PAGE>
  
                                   EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                     <C>                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:    The First National Bank of Chicago  Call Date: 03/31/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                       Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:       Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:   0/3/6/1/8
                        ---------
</TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR MARCH 31, 1997

All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
indicated, report the amount outstanding of the last business day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                                   C400
                                                                            DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                  ------------
                                                                               THOUSANDS           RCFD        BIL MIL THOU
                                                                            -----------------      ----        ------------


ASSETS
<S>  <C>                                                                                             <C>          <C>           <C>
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule
    RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)..............                           0081         3,871,170     1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).......................................                           0071         6,498,314     1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)..........                           1754                 0     2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B,column D)........                           1773         3,901,208     2.b.
3.  Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell.                          1350         4,612,975     3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
       RC-C)............................................................... RCFD 2122 23,345,201                                4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses........................... RCFD 3123    420,963                                4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve............................... RCFD 3128          0                                4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance,
       and reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c)............................                          2125        22,924,238     4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D)....................................                          3545         8,792,158     5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)...............                          2145           706,928     6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)...........................                          2150             6,563     7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M).........................................                          2130            61,551     8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding...........                          2155           488,866     9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M).................................                          2143           291,569    10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)......................................                          2160         1,775,283    11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)...............................                          2170        53,930,823    12.

- ------------------
</TABLE>

(1)  Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
 
 
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
<S>                      <C>                                  <C> 
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago   Call Date:  03/31/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                            Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
                         ---------

 SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                          DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                              THOUSANDS                      BIL MIL THOU
                                                                              ---------                      ------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                     <C>          <C>            <C>  
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1).................................                             RCON 2200    21,550,056     13.a.
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)..................................     RCON 6631  8,895,137                                13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing........................................     RCON 6636 12,654,919                                13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)..........................                             RCFN 2200    12,364,650     13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.....................................     RCFN 6631    287,496                                13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing........................................     RCFN 6636 12,077,154                                13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:                                                                              RCFD 2800     3.817,421     14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        63,621     15.a.
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Sechedule RC-D)....................                             RCFD 3548     5,872,831     15b.
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less..................                             RCFD 2332     2,607,549     16.a.
    b. With original maturity of more than one year................                             RCFD 2333       322,414     16b.
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding........                             RCFD 2920       488,866     18.
19. Subordinated notes and debentures..............................                             RCFD 3200     1,550,000     19.
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G).........................                             RCFD 2930     1,196,229     20.
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20).................                             RCFD 2948   49 ,833,637     21.
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus..................                             RCFD 3838        0          23.
24. Common stock...................................................                             RCFD 3230      200,858      24.
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).......                             RCFD 3839    2,944,244      25.
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves......................                             RCFD 3632      954,885      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities..................................................                             RCFD 8434       (1,089)     26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments............                             RCFD 3284       (1,712)     27.
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)                                           RCFD 3210    4,097,186      28.
29. Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity
    capital (sum of items 21, 22, and 28)..........................                             RCFD 3300   53,930,823      29.
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below that best describes the most
    comprehensive level of auditing work performed for the bank by independent external
                                                                                                               Number

    auditors as of any date during 1996..................................................... RCFD 6724 ......[ 2    ]          M.1.
<S>   <C>                                                           <C> 
1 =   Independent audit of the bank conducted                       4 =    Directors' examination of the bank   
      in accordance with generally accepted                                performed by other external auditors 
      auditing standards by a certified public                             (may be required by state chartering 
      accounting firm which submits a report                               authority                            
      on the bank                                                                                               
2 =   Independent audit of the bank's                               5  =   Review of the bank's financial       
      parent holding company conducted in                                  statements by external               
      accordance with generally accepted                                   auditors                             
      auditing standards by a certified public                      6  =   Compilation of the bank's financial  
      accounting firm which submits a report on                            statements by external auditors      
      the consolidated holding company (but not                     7  =   Other audit procedures (excluding     
      on the bank separately)                                              tax preparation work)                 
3 =   Directors' examination of the bank                            8  =   No external audit work                 
      conducted in accordance with
      generally accepted auditing standards
      by a certified public accounting firm 
      (may be required by state chartering
      authority)
</TABLE>
- -------------------
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings
deposits.

                                       6

<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 25(C)

 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2) _____

                        ---------------------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

  A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                       36-0899825
                                                  (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS              60670-0126
     (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)            (ZIP CODE)

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                       -----------------------------------

                                  CNF TRUST I
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


     DELAWARE                                       94-1444798
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                   (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                    IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


 
     3240 HILLVIEW AVENUE
     PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA                                    94304
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                    (ZIP CODE)


                   % TERM CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES 
                        (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)
<PAGE>
  
ITEM 1.   GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
          --------------------                       
          INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

          (A) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR
          SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.

          Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.,
          Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
          Washington, D.C., The Board of Governors of
          the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

          (B) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE
          CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

          The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate
          trust powers.

ITEM 2.   AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.  IF THE OBLIGOR
          ------------------------------                
          IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH
          SUCH AFFILIATION.

          No such affiliation exists with the trustee.

 
ITEM 16.  LIST OF EXHIBITS.   LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS A
          -----------------                                     
          PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.

          1.  A copy of the articles of association of the
              trustee now in effect.*
 
          2.  A copy of the certificates of authority of the
              trustee to commence business.*

          3.  A copy of the authorization of the trustee to
              exercise corporate trust powers.*

          4.  A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee.*

          5.  Not Applicable.

          6.  The consent of the trustee required by
              Section 321(b) of the Act.

                                       2
<PAGE>
  
          7.  A copy of the latest report of condition of the
              trustee published pursuant to law or the
              requirements of its supervising or examining
              authority.

          8.  Not Applicable.

          9.  Not Applicable.


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
    the trustee, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national banking
    association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
    America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its
    behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of
    Chicago and State of Illinois, on the 27th day of May, 1997.


               THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
               TRUSTEE

               BY  /s/ Steven M. Wagner
                   --------------------
                   STEVEN M. WAGNER
                   VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL
                   CORPORATE TRUST SERVICES DIVISION



* EXHIBITS 1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBITS
BEARING IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO, FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).

                                       3
<PAGE>
  
                                   EXHIBIT 6



                      THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT


               May  27, 1997


Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the qualification of the Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust of CNF Trust I, the undersigned, in accordance with Section 321(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, hereby consents that the reports of
examinations of the undersigned, made by Federal or State authorities authorized
to make such examinations, may be furnished by such authorities to the
Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.


               Very truly yours,

               THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
 
               BY: /s/ Steven M. Wagner
                   --------------------
                   STEVEN M. WAGNER
                   VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL
                   CORPORATE TRUST SERVICES DIVISION




                                       4
<PAGE>
  
                                   EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                     <C>                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:    The First National Bank of Chicago  Call Date: 03/31/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                       Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:       Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:   0/3/6/1/8
                        ---------
</TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR MARCH 31, 1997

All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
indicated, report the amount outstanding of the last business day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                                   C400
                                                                            DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                  ------------
                                                                               THOUSANDS           RCFD        BIL MIL THOU
                                                                            -----------------      ----        ------------


ASSETS
<S>  <C>                                                                                             <C>          <C>           <C>
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule
    RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)..............                           0081         3,871,170     1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).......................................                           0071         6,498,314     1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)..........                           1754                 0     2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B,column D)........                           1773         3,901,208     2.b.
3.  Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell.                          1350         4,612,975     3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
       RC-C)............................................................... RCFD 2122 23,345,201                                4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses........................... RCFD 3123    420,963                                4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve............................... RCFD 3128          0                                4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance,
       and reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c)............................                          2125        22,924,238     4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D)....................................                          3545         8,792,158     5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)...............                          2145           706,928     6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)...........................                          2150             6,563     7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M).........................................                          2130            61,551     8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding...........                          2155           488,866     9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M).................................                          2143           291,569    10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)......................................                          2160         1,775,283    11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)...............................                          2170        53,930,823    12.

- ------------------
</TABLE>

(1)  Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
 
 
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
<S>                      <C>                                  <C> 
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago   Call Date:  03/31/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                            Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
                         ---------

 SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                          DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                              THOUSANDS                      BIL MIL THOU
                                                                              ---------                      ------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                     <C>          <C>            <C>  
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1).................................                             RCON 2200    21,550,056     13.a.
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)..................................     RCON 6631  8,895,137                                13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing........................................     RCON 6636 12,654,919                                13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)..........................                             RCFN 2200    12,364,650     13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.....................................     RCFN 6631    287,496                                13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing........................................     RCFN 6636 12,077,154                                13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:                                                                              RCFD 2800     3.817,421     14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        63,621     15.a.
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Sechedule RC-D)....................                             RCFD 3548     5,872,831     15b.
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less..................                             RCFD 2332     2,607,549     16.a.
    b. With original maturity of more than one year................                             RCFD 2333       322,414     16b.
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding........                             RCFD 2920       488,866     18.
19. Subordinated notes and debentures..............................                             RCFD 3200     1,550,000     19.
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G).........................                             RCFD 2930     1,196,229     20.
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20).................                             RCFD 2948   49 ,833,637     21.
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus..................                             RCFD 3838        0          23.
24. Common stock...................................................                             RCFD 3230      200,858      24.
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).......                             RCFD 3839    2,944,244      25.
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves......................                             RCFD 3632      954,885      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities..................................................                             RCFD 8434       (1,089)     26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments............                             RCFD 3284       (1,712)     27.
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)                                           RCFD 3210    4,097,186      28.
29. Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity
    capital (sum of items 21, 22, and 28)..........................                             RCFD 3300   53,930,823      29.
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below that best describes the most
    comprehensive level of auditing work performed for the bank by independent external
                                                                                                               Number

    auditors as of any date during 1996..................................................... RCFD 6724 ......[ 2    ]          M.1.
<S>   <C>                                                           <C> 
1 =   Independent audit of the bank conducted                       4 =    Directors' examination of the bank   
      in accordance with generally accepted                                performed by other external auditors 
      auditing standards by a certified public                             (may be required by state chartering 
      accounting firm which submits a report                               authority                            
      on the bank                                                                                               
2 =   Independent audit of the bank's                               5  =   Review of the bank's financial       
      parent holding company conducted in                                  statements by external               
      accordance with generally accepted                                   auditors                             
      auditing standards by a certified public                      6  =   Compilation of the bank's financial  
      accounting firm which submits a report on                            statements by external auditors      
      the consolidated holding company (but not                     7  =   Other audit procedures (excluding     
      on the bank separately)                                              tax preparation work)                 
3 =   Directors' examination of the bank                            8  =   No external audit work                 
      conducted in accordance with
      generally accepted auditing standards
      by a certified public accounting firm 
      (may be required by state chartering
      authority)
</TABLE>
- -------------------
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings
deposits.

                                       6

<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 25(D)

 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                    --------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
                OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2) _____

                        ---------------------------------

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
               (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

  A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION                       36-0899825
                                                  (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                                                IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS              60670-0126
     (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)            (ZIP CODE)

                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                      ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
                          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
             ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
            (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                       -----------------------------------

                             CNF TRANSPORTATION INC.
               (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


     DELAWARE                                       94-1444798
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                   (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                    IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)


 
     3240 HILLVIEW AVENUE
     PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA                                    94304
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                    (ZIP CODE)


             GUARANTEE OF % TERM CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF
                                   CNF TRUST I
                         (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 1.   GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
          --------------------                       
          INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

          (A) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR
          SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.

          Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.,
          Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
          Washington, D.C., The Board of Governors of
          the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.

          (B) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE
          CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

          The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate
          trust powers.

ITEM 2.   AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.  IF THE OBLIGOR
          ------------------------------                
          IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH
          SUCH AFFILIATION.

          No such affiliation exists with the trustee.

 
ITEM 16.  LIST OF EXHIBITS.   LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS A
          -----------------                                     
          PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.

          1.  A copy of the articles of association of the
              trustee now in effect.*
 
          2.  A copy of the certificates of authority of the
              trustee to commence business.*

          3.  A copy of the authorization of the trustee to
              exercise corporate trust powers.*

          4.  A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee.*

          5.  Not Applicable.

          6.  The consent of the trustee required by
              Section 321(b) of the Act.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          7.  A copy of the latest report of condition of the
              trustee published pursuant to law or the
              requirements of its supervising or examining
              authority.

          8.  Not Applicable.

          9.  Not Applicable.


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
    the trustee, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national banking
    association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
    America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its
    behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of
    Chicago and State of Illinois, on the 27th day of May, 1997.


               THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
               TRUSTEE

               BY  /s/ Steven M. Wagner
                   --------------------
                   STEVEN M. WAGNER
                   VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL
                   CORPORATE TRUST SERVICES DIVISION



* EXHIBITS 1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBITS
BEARING IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO, FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 OF
SUNAMERICA INC. FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25,
1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 6



                      THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
                          BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT


               May  27, 1997


Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In connection with the qualification of a Guarantee of CNF Transportation Inc.
relating to the__% Term Convertible Preferred Securities of CNF Trust I, the
undersigned, in accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended, hereby consents that the reports of examinations of the
undersigned, made by Federal or State authorities authorized to make such
examinations, may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and
Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.


               Very truly yours,

               THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
 
               BY: /s/ Steven M. Wagner
                   --------------------
                   STEVEN M. WAGNER
                   VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR COUNSEL
                   CORPORATE TRUST SERVICES DIVISION




                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                     <C>                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:    The First National Bank of Chicago  Call Date: 03/31/97  ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                       Page RC-1
City, State  Zip:       Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:   0/3/6/1/8
                        ---------
</TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR MARCH 31, 1997

All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
indicated, report the amount outstanding of the last business day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                                   C400
                                                                            DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN                  ------------
                                                                               THOUSANDS           RCFD        BIL MIL THOU
                                                                            -----------------      ----        ------------


ASSETS
<S>  <C>                                                                                             <C>          <C>           <C>
1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule
    RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1)..............                           0081         3,871,170     1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2).......................................                           0071         6,498,314     1.b.
2.  Securities
    a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A)..........                           1754                 0     2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B,column D)........                           1773         3,901,208     2.b.
3.  Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell.                          1350         4,612,975     3.
4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
       RC-C)............................................................... RCFD 2122 23,345,201                                4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses........................... RCFD 3123    420,963                                4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve............................... RCFD 3128          0                                4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance,
       and reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c)............................                          2125        22,924,238     4.d.
5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D)....................................                          3545         8,792,158     5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)...............                          2145           706,928     6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)...........................                          2150             6,563     7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
    companies (from Schedule RC-M).........................................                          2130            61,551     8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding...........                          2155           488,866     9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M).................................                          2143           291,569    10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)......................................                          2160         1,775,283    11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)...............................                          2170        53,930,823    12.

- ------------------
</TABLE>

(1)  Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2)  Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
 
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
<S>                      <C>                                  <C> 
Legal Title of Bank:     The First National Bank of Chicago   Call Date:  03/31/97 ST-BK:  17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address:                 One First National Plaza, Ste 0303                                            Page RC-2
City, State  Zip:        Chicago, IL  60670
FDIC Certificate No.:    0/3/6/1/8
                         ---------

 SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                          DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
                                                                              THOUSANDS                      BIL MIL THOU
                                                                              ---------                      ------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                     <C>          <C>            <C>  
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
       from Schedule RC-E, part 1).................................                             RCON 2200    21,550,056     13.a.
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)..................................     RCON 6631  8,895,137                                13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing........................................     RCON 6636 12,654,919                                13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
       IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)..........................                             RCFN 2200    12,364,650     13.b.
       (1) Noninterest bearing.....................................     RCFN 6631    287,496                                13.b.1
       (2) Interest-bearing........................................     RCFN 6636 12,077,154                                13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase:                                                                              RCFD 2800     3.817,421     14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                                 RCON 2840        63,621     15.a.
    b. Trading Liabilities(from Sechedule RC-D)....................                             RCFD 3548     5,872,831     15b.
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less..................                             RCFD 2332     2,607,549     16.a.
    b. With original maturity of more than one year................                             RCFD 2333       322,414     16b.
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding........                             RCFD 2920       488,866     18.
19. Subordinated notes and debentures..............................                             RCFD 3200     1,550,000     19.
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G).........................                             RCFD 2930     1,196,229     20.
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20).................                             RCFD 2948   49 ,833,637     21.
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus..................                             RCFD 3838        0          23.
24. Common stock...................................................                             RCFD 3230      200,858      24.
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).......                             RCFD 3839    2,944,244      25.
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves......................                             RCFD 3632      954,885      26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
       securities..................................................                             RCFD 8434       (1,089)     26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments............                             RCFD 3284       (1,712)     27.
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)                                           RCFD 3210    4,097,186      28.
29. Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity
    capital (sum of items 21, 22, and 28)..........................                             RCFD 3300   53,930,823      29.
</TABLE> 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below that best describes the most
    comprehensive level of auditing work performed for the bank by independent external
                                                                                                               Number

    auditors as of any date during 1996..................................................... RCFD 6724 ......[ 2    ]          M.1.
<S>   <C>                                                           <C> 
1 =   Independent audit of the bank conducted                       4 =    Directors' examination of the bank   
      in accordance with generally accepted                                performed by other external auditors 
      auditing standards by a certified public                             (may be required by state chartering 
      accounting firm which submits a report                               authority                            
      on the bank                                                                                               
2 =   Independent audit of the bank's                               5  =   Review of the bank's financial       
      parent holding company conducted in                                  statements by external               
      accordance with generally accepted                                   auditors                             
      auditing standards by a certified public                      6  =   Compilation of the bank's financial  
      accounting firm which submits a report on                            statements by external auditors      
      the consolidated holding company (but not                     7  =   Other audit procedures (excluding     
      on the bank separately)                                              tax preparation work)                 
3 =   Directors' examination of the bank                            8  =   No external audit work                 
      conducted in accordance with
      generally accepted auditing standards
      by a certified public accounting firm 
      (may be required by state chartering
      authority)
</TABLE>
- -------------------
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings
deposits.

                                       6


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