WABASH NATIONAL CORP /DE
10-K, 1997-02-10
TRUCK TRAILERS
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================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                                   FORM 10-K

                 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 17684-3

                          WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


                   DELAWARE                            52-1375208
         (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION)             (IRS EMPLOYER
       OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)            IDENTIFICATION NO.)

          1000 SAGAMORE PARKWAY SOUTH                    47905
              LAFAYETTE, INDIANA                       (ZIP CODE)
      (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)


                                 (765) 448-1591
               REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE

     Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Name of each exchange
             Title of each class                    on which registered
       ----------------------------------------  -----------------------
       <S>                                       <C>
       Common Stock, $.01 Par Value              New York Stock Exchange
       Series A Preferred Share Purchase Rights  New York Stock Exchange
</TABLE>


       Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   None

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. __X__ Yes. ____No.

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

     The aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
registrant as of January 30, 1997 was $326,217,000, based upon the closing
price of the Company's common stock as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange
composite tape on such date.

     The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of
January 30, 1997 was 18,910,923.

     The Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 8,
1997 is incorporated into this Form 10-K Part III by reference.

================================================================================

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                              TABLE OF CONTENTS

                         WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION
                          FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL
                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      PAGES
PART I.
<S>        <C>                                                                          <C>
Item 1.    Business ..................................................................  1

Item 2.    Properties ................................................................  8

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings .........................................................  9

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders .........................  9

PART II.

Item 5.    Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters ..  9

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data ...................................................  9

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
              Operations .............................................................  10

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ...............................  15

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
              Disclosure .............................................................  29

PART III.

Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant ........................  30

Item 11.   Executive Compensation ....................................................  31

Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management ............  31

Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions ............................  31

PART IV.

Item 14.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K ...........  31

SIGNATURES ...........................................................................  34

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   3



PART I

ITEM 1--BUSINESS

     Wabash National Corporation ("Wabash" or the "Company") designs,
manufactures and markets standard and customized truck trailers, including dry
freight vans, refrigerated trailers and bimodal vehicles and also produces and
sells aftermarket parts through its division, Wabash National Parts.  The
Company believes that it is the largest United States manufacturer of truck
trailers and the leading manufacturer of both fiberglass reinforced plastic
("FRP") trailers and aluminum plate trailers.  In addition, the Company is the
exclusive manufacturer of RoadRailer(R) trailers, a patented bimodal technology
owned by the Company which consists of trailers and detachable rail bogies that
permit a vehicle to run both over the highway and directly on railroad lines.
The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Wabash National Finance Corporation,
(the "Finance Company") provides leasing and financing programs to its
customers for new and used trailers.

     Wabash markets its products directly and through dealers to truckload and
less-than-truckload ("LTL") common carriers, private fleet operators, household
moving and storage companies, leasing companies, package carriers and
intermodal carriers including railroads.  The Company has established
significant relationships as a supplier to many large customers in the
transportation industry, including those set forth below:

      -    Truckload Carriers:  Schneider National, Inc.; Werner
           Enterprises; Swift Transportation Co.; Dart Transit, Inc.; Heartland
           Express, Inc.; Crete Carrier Corporation; Knight Transportation;
           Frozen Food Express Industries (FFE)

      -    Leasing Companies:  Transport International Pool (TIP);
           Penske Truck Leasing; Trailer Leasing Company (TLC); National Semi
           Trailer Corp.; Leaseway Purchasing Corp.

      -    Private Fleets:   Safeway; Chrysler; The Kroger Company;
           Stone Container Corporation;  Foster Farms

      -    Less-Than-Truckload Carriers:  Roadway Express, Inc.; Old
           Dominion Freight Line, Inc.; Caliber Systems (Viking);  USF Holland;
           Central Transport International

      -    Package Carriers:  Federal Express; United Parcel Service
           (UPS)

      -    Domestic Intermodal Carriers:  Triple Crown Services, Inc.;
           National Rail Passenger Corp. (Amtrak);  Burlington Northern Santa
           Fe

      -    International Intermodal Carriers:  Bayerische Trailerzug
           Gesellschaft (BTZ); Compagnie Nouvelle De Conteneurs (CNC)

     The Company was founded in 1985 by its current President, Donald J.
Ehrlich, and sixteen other associates.  The Company's founders utilized their
years of experience in the truck trailer manufacturing business to design and
build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and to create a corporate
culture which emphasizes design and new product development capabilities and
stresses the integration of engineering, manufacturing and marketing.

     The Company's business strategy is to follow an integrated approach to
engineering, manufacturing and marketing which emphasizes flexibility in
product design and operations while preserving a low cost structure.  Wabash
has sought to identify and produce proprietary products in the trucking and
bimodal industries which offer added value to customers and, therefore,
generate higher profit margins than those associated with standard trailers.
The Company has developed its leasing business and expects to continue such
development.  The Company also intends to expand its distribution of
aftermarket parts and strengthen its existing dealer network in order to more
effectively distribute its products.  The Company believes that its RoadRailer
bimodal technology provides the opportunity to maintain a reputation for design
and new product development leadership and to continue to develop an
international presence.  The important elements of the Company's strategies
are:

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      -    Assessment of Customer Needs.  The Company's marketing,
           engineering and manufacturing departments work with customers to
           assess customer needs and to develop cost-effective engineering and
           manufacturing solutions.  This process results in many highly
           customized products incorporating unique design features.  The
           Company also seeks to acquire products, services and technologies
           that address customer needs and provide the opportunity for enhanced
           profit margins.  The Company emphasizes long-term customer
           relationships at all levels in the Company, built on Wabash's
           reputation for flexibility and customization.

      -    Engineering, Manufacturing and Purchasing.  The Company's
           integrated approach emphasizes low-cost and flexible production on
           existing assembly lines without the need for extensive capital
           investment or re-tooling.  The Company uses computer-aided design
           ("CAD") and computer-aided manufacturing ("CAM") techniques
           throughout the production process.  The Company's product line is
           produced on several assembly lines in Lafayette, Indiana where
           quality control and uniformity can be maintained while line or
           facility downtime is reduced.  The Company also utilizes
           just-in-time techniques for many aspects of the production process
           including delivery of components immediately prior to the time
           needed for assembly.  These techniques have substantially reduced
           the capital investment and set-up time associated with introducing
           product innovations and have also reduced product waste and
           unnecessary product handling time.

      -    Product Differentiation.  Wabash has developed or acquired
           several proprietary products and processes which it believes are
           recognized as high in quality and distinctive in design.  While the
           Company is a competitive producer of standardized products, it
           emphasizes the development and manufacture of distinctive and more
           customized products and believes that it has the engineering and
           manufacturing capability to produce these products efficiently.  The
           Company expects to continue a program of aggressive product
           development and selective acquisitions of quality proprietary
           products which distinguish the Company from its competitors and
           provide opportunities for enhanced profit margins.

      -    Corporate Culture.  Since the Company's founding, management
           has fostered a corporate culture which emphasizes design and new
           product development capabilities as well as extensive employee
           involvement.  All employees participate in extensive classroom
           training covering all aspects of the Company's business, including
           team building and problem solving, statistical process control,
           economics and finance.  Wabash employs a compensation program which
           rewards all hourly employees through the distribution of a
           percentage of the Company's after-tax profits.  Wabash's safety
           program has been developed with employee participation and has been
           cited for each of the last eight years (1988-1995) by the Truck
           Trailer Manufacturing Association for achieving the best safety
           record among large plants in the industry.  The Company believes
           that its corporate culture has produced a highly trained and
           motivated workforce that understands the Company's business strategy
           and that is keenly interested in and rewarded by the success of the
           Company.

     Wabash was incorporated in Delaware in 1991 and is the successor by merger
to a Maryland corporation organized in 1985.


THE TRUCK TRAILER INDUSTRY

     The U.S. market for truck trailers and related products has historically
been cyclical and has been affected by overall economic conditions in the
transportation industry as well as regulatory changes.  Management believes
that customers historically have replaced trailers in cycles that run from
approximately six to eight years.  Both state and Federal regulation of the
size, safety features and configuration of truck trailers have led to increased
demand for trailers meeting new regulatory requirements from time to time.
Currently, for instance, most states permit the use of 53 foot trailers, and
this development has had a positive effect on trailer demand in the past few
years.

     A large percentage of the new trailer market has historically been served
by the ten largest truck trailer manufacturers, including the Company.  Price,
flexibility in design and engineering, product quality and durability,

                                      2

                                       

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warranty, dealer service and parts availability have influenced competitive
position in the markets served.  Historically, there has been manufacturing
over capacity in the truck trailer industry, particularly among the competitors
of the Company.

     The following table sets forth domestic trailer shipments for the Company,
its nine largest competitors and for the United States trailer industry as a
whole:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1996     1995     1994     1993     1992
                            -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
<S>                         <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
WABASH NATIONAL ..........   36,517   42,424   35,679   22,060   19,253
Great Dane ...............   25,730   36,514   29,756   23,900   21,717
Utility ..................   19,731   25,068   19,501   13,768   10,022
Monon ....................   11,164   21,172   13,478    9,500    8,300
Trailmobile ..............   11,094   21,239   16,671   14,500   11,908
Dorsey ...................    8,595   12,276   12,010   10,190    7,496
Fruehauf .................    8,509   16,653   16,092    9,445   18,916
Stoughton ................    8,300   14,770   13,000   13,500   10,011
Strick ...................    8,141   18,427   15,599   12,800   10,500
Fontaine .................    4,613    5,465    4,530    3,700    3,087
Total Industry ...........  192,362  284,268  236,016  188,319  165,268
</TABLE>

Source:  Southern Motor Cargo Magazine (C) 1997.  A complete report for the top
30 manufacturers may be obtained from Southern Motor Cargo, P.O. Box 40169,
Memphis, TN 38174.  The above figures reflect shipments not units produced.

REGULATION

     Truck trailer length, height, width, maximum weight capacity and other
specifications are regulated by individual states.  The Federal Government also
regulates certain safety features incorporated in the design of truck trailers.
Manufacturing operations are subject to environmental laws enforced by
Federal, state and local agencies, and the Company is currently in the process
of undertaking a soil remediation effort at its facility (See "Environmental
Matters").

PRODUCTS

     Since the Company's inception in 1985, the Company has expanded its
product offerings from a single product into a broad line of transportation
equipment and related products.  As a result of its long-term relationships
with its customers, the Company has been able to work closely with its
customers to create competitive advantages through development and production
of productivity--enhancing transportation equipment.  The Company's current
product offering includes:

Transportation Equipment

      -    Plate Trailers.  The aluminum plate trailer was introduced
           into the Company's product line in 1985.  Since these trailers
           utilize thicker and more durable sidewalls than standard sheet and
           post or FRP construction and avoid the use of interior liners, the
           life of the trailer is extended and maintenance costs are
           significantly reduced.  In addition, the post used in constructing
           the sidewalls of the plate trailer is much thinner and therefore
           provides greater interior volume than a standard sheet and post
           trailer.  Plate trailers are used primarily by truckload carriers.
           The Company believes that it is the largest producer of plate
           trailers in the United States.  In late 1995, the Company introduced
           its composite plate trailer.  Features of the new composite plate
           trailer include increased durability and greater strength than the
           aluminum plate trailer.  The composite material is a high density
           vinyl core with a steel skin.

      -    RoadRailer trailers.  In 1987, the Company began manufacturing
           RoadRailer trailers.  RoadRailer trailers represent a patented
           bimodal technology consisting of a truck trailer and detachable rail 

                                      3



<PAGE>   6



           "bogie" permitting a trailer to run both over the highway and
           directly on railroad lines.  The Company believes that the RoadRailer
           system can be operated more efficiently than alternative intermodal
           systems such as "piggyback" or "stack" railcars which require
           terminal operators to transfer vehicles or containers to
           railcars.  In 1991, the Company acquired the exclusive rights to
           market and exploit RoadRailer technology.  By offering the bimodal
           technology in a number of variations, the Company believes it can
           increase its penetration of the intermodal market and enlarge its
           pool of potential customers. The current variants are the
           ReeferRailer(R) trailer, the ChassisRailer(R) trailer, the
           PupRailer(R) trailer, the AutoRailer(R) trailer  and the 19.5
           RoadRailer trailer.  Management believes that RoadRailer trailers and
           its variants will provide the opportunity for the Company to maintain
           a reputation for technological leadership in the transportation
           industry.

      -    Lightweight Railcars.  In 1995, the Company introduced its
           first prototype lightweight, totally enclosed, high-speed railcar
           (the "AllRailer(R) railcar").  The AllRailer railcar design allows
           shippers to transport vehicles by rail in a fully-enclosed
           environment, protected from both airborne contamination and
           vandalism.  The AllRailer unit has the flexibility to be converted
           for use in either a bi-level or tri-level configuration by
           positioning the upper floors to handle automobiles or vehicles such
           as pick-up trucks, vans or sport/utility vehicles.  This feature
           should result in greater railcar utilization and a reduction in
           repositioning empty railcars.  AllRailer railcars feature a heavy
           duty version of the RoadRailer slack-free coupler, which reduces up
           to 99.8 percent of the forces transmitted to vehicles as a result of
           train slack action.  Additional AllRailer railcar features include a
           wide interior, door edge protection and flat floors with built-in
           bridge plates between cars, all designed to provide damage-free
           vehicle loading and unloading.

      -    Refrigerated trailers.  Refrigerated trailers were introduced
           into the product line in 1990.  The Company's proprietary process
           for building these trailers involves injecting insulating foam in
           the sidewalls and roof in a single process prior to assembly, which
           improves both the insulation capabilities and the durability of the
           trailers.  These trailers are used primarily by private fleets in
           the transportation of perishable food products.  During 1995, the
           Company opened its new refrigerated trailer manufacturing facility
           in Lafayette, Indiana.

      -    FRP vans and doubles.  The Company's initial product was
           fiberglass reinforced plastic trailers which have been purchased
           primarily by LTL carriers utilizing doubles or triples.  Motor
           carriers utilizing standard double or triple trailers frequently
           reach the maximum legal weight limits before they fill the capacity
           of the trailers.  Since FRP trailers are lighter in weight than some
           other types of double trailers, they enable LTL carriers to attain
           higher productivity than could be achieved using other types of
           double trailers.  The Company believes that it is the largest
           producer of FRP trailers in the United States.

      -    Aluminum vans and doubles.  Aluminum vans and doubles, also
           known as sheet and post trailers, were introduced into the product
           line in 1986 and are the standard trailer product purchased by most
           segments of the trucking industry.

      -    Other.  The Company's other transportation equipment include
           container chassis, flatbed trailers, rollerbed trailers, soft-sided
           trailers and converter dollies.

Leasing and Finance

     Through 1991, the Company leased trailers to customers on a very limited
basis, primarily involving used trailers taken in trade from other customers.
In late 1991, the Company began to build its in-house capability to provide
leasing programs to its customers through its newly formed subsidiary, Wabash
National Finance Corporation ("the Finance Company").  At December 31, 1996,
the Finance Company had approximately $63.8

                                      4



<PAGE>   7



million in equipment leased to others, net and $43.9 million invested in
finance contracts.  These leasing assets have been financed through term debt.
Leasing revenues of the Finance Company represented 9.2%, 3.6% and 2.9% of
total net sales during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

Aftermarket Parts

     The Company also produces replacement parts and accessories both for its
own and competitors' trailers and related equipment.  Aftermarket parts
represent a stable business which can produce high gross profit margins and are
marketed through its division, Wabash National Parts.  Management expects that
the manufacture and sale of aftermarket parts will be a growing part of its
product mix as the number and age of its units in service increases.  Sales of
these products represented 4.5%, 3.0%, and 3.5% of total net sales during 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively.

Used Trailers

     The Company is also involved in the sale of used trailers, which are
primarily trade-ins from its customers for new trailers.  The Company generally
sells its used trailers both directly and through the Finance Company.
Depending upon the customer's desire, the Company may recondition a used
trailer or "stretch" the trailer to convert a 48-foot unit into a 53-foot unit.
Used trailer sales promote new sales by permitting trade-in allowances and
have represented a stable source of revenue for the Company.  The sale of used
trailers represented 4.6%, 2.5% and 1.1% of total net sales during 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively.

CUSTOMERS

     The Company's customer base includes many of the nation's largest
truckload common carriers, domestic and international intermodal carriers
including railroads, leasing companies, LTL common carriers, private fleet
carriers, and package carriers.  The Company is currently the sole supplier for
several of its customers.

     Schneider National, Inc. accounted for approximately 13% of the Company's
net sales during both 1996 and 1995 and 16% during 1994.  Swift Transportation
Company accounted for approximately 15% of the Company's net sales in 1996.  No
other customer represented more than 10% of net sales in 1996, 1995 or 1994.
The Company's net sales in the aggregate to its five largest customers were
39%, 33% and 37% of its net sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     Truckload common carriers include large national lines as well as regional
carriers.  The large national truckload carriers, who continue to gain market
share at the expense both of regional carriers and private fleets, typically
purchase trailers in large orders with highly individualized specifications.
Trailers purchased by truckload common carriers including Schneider National,
Inc., Werner Enterprises, Swift Transportation Co., Heartland Express, Inc.,
Dart Transit, Inc., Crete Carrier Corporation, Knight Transportation and FFE
represented 58.3%, 63.9% and 57.3% of the Company's total new trailer sales in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     Leasing companies include large national companies as well as regional and
local companies.  Among leasing companies, the Company's customers include
Transport International Pool (TIP), Trailer Leasing Company, National Semi
Trailer Corp. and Penske Truck Leasing.  New trailer sales to leasing companies
represented 8.0%, 10.4% and 14.8% of total new trailer sales in 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.

     Private fleet carriers represent the largest segment of the truck trailer
industry in terms of total units, but are dominated by small fleets of 1 to 100
trailers.  Among the larger private fleets, such as those of the large retail
chain stores, automotive manufacturers and paper products, truck trailers are
often ordered with customized features designed to transport specialized
commodities or goods.  Among private fleets, the Company's customers include
Chrysler, Safeway, Foster Farms, The Kroger Company and Stone Container
Corporation.  New trailer sales to private fleets represented 9.4%, 10.0% and
4.2% of total new trailer sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     LTL carriers have experienced consolidation in recent years, and the
industry is increasingly dominated by a few large national and several regional
carriers.  Since the Highway Reauthorization Act of 1983 mandated that all

                                      5



<PAGE>   8



states permit the use of 28 foot double trailers, there has been a conversion
of nearly all LTL carriers to doubles operations.  Order sizes for LTL carriers
tend to be in high volume and with standard specifications.  LTL carriers who
have purchased Company products include Roadway Express, Inc., Old Dominion
Freight Line, Inc., Viking, USF Holland, Central Transport and TNT Freightway,
Inc.  New trailer sales to LTL carriers accounted for 14.9%, 6.8% and 10.3% of
total new trailer sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     In the U.S., the package carrier industry is dominated by Federal Express,
United Parcel Service and Roadway Package System, Inc.  Federal Express and UPS
have developed rigid specifications for their highly specialized trailers and
have historically purchased trailers from a small number of suppliers,
including Wabash.  New trailer sales to package carriers represented 2.7%, 6.3%
and 3.5% of total new trailer sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     Customers for the Company's proprietary RoadRailer products included
United States and foreign intermodal carriers such as Triple Crown Services,
Amtrak, Allied Systems, Bayerische Trailerzug Gesellschaft and Compagnie
Nouvelle De Conteneurs.  The Company believes that the RoadRailer technology
has enabled it to develop an international presence.  Anticipated sources of
future revenue in the RoadRailer business also includes license fees from the
license of RoadRailer technology to overseas manufacturers.  New trailer sales
of RoadRailer products represented 6.6%, 2.6% and 9.9% of total new trailer
sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     The balance of new trailer sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994 were made to
dealers and household moving carriers.


MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

     Trailer Sales.  The Company and other truck trailer manufacturers market
and distribute their products in two principal ways.  Certain types of
customers purchase directly from the factory, while others purchase primarily
from dealers.  The factory direct accounts include the larger truckload, LTL,
package and household moving carriers and certain private fleets and leasing
companies, and are high volume purchasers. The Company has focused its
resources on the factory direct market, where customers are generally aware of
the Company's management and its reputation in the trailer manufacturing
industry, rather than on its dealer network.  The current strategy is to
increase its share of the factory direct market while expanding its dealer
sales by attracting additional high quality regional dealers.  The dealers
primarily serve intermediate and smaller sized carriers and private fleets in
the geographic region where the dealer is located and on occasion may sell to
large fleets.  The dealers also perform service work for many of their
customers.  The Company believes that the expansion of its dealer network will
enable it to increase sales to regional carriers including private fleets and
will assist in the distribution of aftermarket parts.

     The larger LTL and private fleets, as well as the national fleets which
increasingly dominate the truckload segment, buy factory direct with a great
deal of customization.  These larger carriers generally will purchase the
largest trailer allowable by law in the areas they intend to operate, with
maximum interior space.  These carriers are the largest users of the plate
trailers manufactured by the Company.  The Company's factory direct sales are
based on specific customer orders.  The Company has seven full time marketing
and sales employees responsible for factory direct sales.  These individuals
work closely with senior management and with representatives of the engineering
and manufacturing departments in order to effectively market products designed
to meet the needs of a specific customer.  Factory direct sales represented
73.2%, 66.4% and 65.6% of total new trailer sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.

     After the Company successfully obtained a significant share of the factory
direct business and developed a reputation as a high quality manufacturer whose
product was purchased by large carriers, the Company began to attract regional
dealers.  The Company expanded its product line in 1990 to include refrigerated
vans to establish the full product line necessary to attract quality dealers.
Changes in the management, product line, product quality and financial
condition of many competitive manufacturers during the past five years also
influenced many dealers to reconsider the product lines carried.  At December
31, 1996, the Company's products were being offered by 40

                                      6



<PAGE>   9



independent dealers in 61 locations including Canada and Mexico.  New trailer
sales through dealers represented 26.8%, 33.6% and 34.4% of total new trailer
sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     On January 11, 1996, the Company announced a strategic alliance with
Fruehauf Trailer Corporation ("Fruehauf").  As a part of this alliance, the
Company announced that a private label manufacturing agreement had been reached
whereby Wabash will build refrigerated van trailers for Fruehauf to market
through Fruehauf's distribution network.  These trailers will be built to
Fruehauf's specifications, utilizing proprietary components such as axles,
suspension and landing gear.  In addition, the Company announced its intention
to develop programs to enhance its aftermarket parts and used trailer business
through Fruehauf's distribution network.  On October 7, 1996, Fruehauf filed
bankruptcy.  It is expected this development will have little impact as there
had been limited activity between the Companies since the alliance was
announced.

     Leasing and Finance.  In late 1991 the Company began to build an in-house
capability to provide a leasing program to its customers for new and used
trailers.  Wabash National Finance Corporation was formed as a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company and a senior executive was hired to manage the
leasing operations.

     Aftermarket Parts.  The Company also produces replacement parts and
accessories both for its own and competitors' trailers and related equipment.
Aftermarket parts represent a stable business which can produce high gross
profit margins.  These products are offered through the Company's network of
over 135 independent dealers and through its aftermarket parts division, Wabash
National Parts.

RAW MATERIALS

     The Company utilizes a variety of raw materials and components including
aluminum, lumber, tires and suspensions which it purchases from a large number
of suppliers.  Significant price fluctuations or shortages in raw materials or
finished components may adversely affect the Company's results of operations.
The raw material used in greatest quantity is aluminum, which is readily
available from numerous sources.  The Company is increasing its use of
composite materials which includes high strength steel and a vinyl core.  There
is currently a very limited supply of this composite material.  As a result,
the Company is currently constructing its own composite material facility in
Lafayette, Indiana.  The central Midwest location of the Company's plant gives
Wabash a competitive advantage in the transportation cost of inbound raw
materials as well as the cost of delivery of finished product.  Customers often
use trailers coming off the assembly line to deliver freight outbound from the
Midwest.

BACKLOG

     The Company's backlog of orders was approximately $462.0 million, $858.0
million and $1,028.7 million at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The Company expects to fill a majority of its existing backlog of orders by
the end of 1997.  The Company has historically built trailers to customer order
and does not maintain an inventory of new trailers built in anticipation of
future orders.

PATENTS, LICENSES AND TRADEMARKS

     The Company currently holds or has applied for approximately 63 patents in
the United States on various components and techniques utilized in its
manufacture of truck trailers, of which 23 patents and 12 applications in the
United States cover the Company's RoadRailer technology.  RoadRailer technology
is also covered by the Company's patents registered in 16 foreign countries.
The Company utilizes confidential proprietary information in the design and
manufacturing of its products and takes appropriate measures, including legal
action where necessary, to protect its trademarks, patents and proprietary
rights.  The Company does not license the use of its trademarks, patents or
proprietary rights to other persons, except that the Company has entered into
six licensing agreements with foreign firms in over 19 countries for those
firms to utilize the Company's proprietary RoadRailer technology and trademarks
in return for royalty payments based on sales.  In addition, as a part of the
Fruehauf alliance, the Company reached an exclusive cross license agreement
relative to composite plate trailer design and patents.  Under this agreement,
Wabash and Fruehauf will have the exclusive right to build and distribute
composite plate trailers covered by patents owned by the Company and Fruehauf.

                                      7



<PAGE>   10





RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

     The Company emphasizes design and product innovation and has increased its
expenditures for research and development in recent years since its founding.
The Company has a reputation in the industry for its innovation in product
design and low cost manufacturing.  The Company's policy is to expense all
research and development costs as incurred.  Research and development costs
were $1.2 million in 1996, $1.6 million in 1995 and $1.4 million in 1994.
Research and development efforts include the development of proprietary highly
automated manufacturing equipment and tooling, much of which was developed by
the employees who operate the equipment.  The Company attempts to foster a
culture that encourages innovation by all employees, particularly those working
on the factory floor.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

     Wabash operates in several sites in Lafayette pursuant to permits issued
by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management ("IDEM") Office of Air
Management which restrict the emission of volatile organic compounds ("VOC")
from the Company's painting, insulating and undercoating operations.  The
Company regularly reports its VOC emissions to IDEM and the United States
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), and believes its emissions comply with
applicable laws and regulations.  The Company also disposes of waste associated
with painting operations in landfills pursuant to permits issued by IDEM and
disposes of other solid wastes off-site through independent solid waste
haulers.

     Wood preservatives and solvents associated with manufacturing activities
conducted by the previous owner of the site, National Enterprises, Inc., which
filed for bankruptcy protection, are contained in soils at a  portion of that
site and are being remediated voluntarily pursuant to a Work Plan approved by
IDEM.  Enhanced long-term bioremediation of the affected soils began in June
1991.  Sufficient data have not yet been generated to predict when the
remediation will be complete, whether the enhanced bioremediation will achieve
cleanup objectives imposed by regulatory agencies, and what the ultimate costs
of cleanup will be.  To date, costs associated  with the on-site soil
remediation have not been material.  The Company does not expect the condition
of the Site or the cost of cleanup to have a materially adverse effect upon the
financial condition or operations of the Company.

     In 1989, the Company received and responded to a "Request For Information"
pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability
Act ("CERCLA"), and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, regarding the
Tippecanoe Sanitary Landfill in Lafayette, Indiana.  With one immaterial
exception, the Company has not disposed of waste at this landfill.  A generator
claim against the Company pursuant to CERCLA for response costs associated with
a cleanup of the landfill may be asserted, but none is known to be
contemplated.  The Company's apportioned share of liability for such cleanup,
if any, is expected to be immaterial.

EMPLOYEES

     As of December 31, 1996, the Company employed 2,921 persons, of whom 36
are employed in research and engineering, 2,620 in manufacturing, 48 in sales
and marketing, 102 in materials and 115 in administration, finance and
management.  None of the Company's employees are represented by a labor union.
The Company places a heavy emphasis on employee relations through educational
programs and quality control teams.  The Company believes that its employee
relations are excellent.

ITEM 2-- PROPERTIES

     The Company owns an approximately 1 million square foot facility in
Lafayette, Indiana which houses its truck trailer manufacturing, tool and die
operations, research laboratories and management offices.  This facility,
comprising 12 buildings on 79 acres, is subject to deeds of trust in favor of
the owner of certain industrial revenue bonds sold to finance plant expansions
in 1986.  As a result of the Company's emphasis on efficient manufacturing
processes, the Company believes it utilizes a large percentage of the Company's
productive capacity during normal operations.  In 1994, the Company purchased
an additional facility in Lafayette, Indiana.  The additional facility

                                      8



<PAGE>   11



contains approximately 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space and is
located on 300 acres.  This facility was opened during 1995 and is used for
expanded production capacity of truck trailers (primarily refrigerated
trailers) and RoadRailer bimodal products.  The Company also broke ground on
its new composite material facility in early 1997 which is expected to be
approximately 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space upon completion.  The
Company believes that these facilities are adequate for its operations.

ITEM 3-- LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     There are certain lawsuits and claims pending against the Company which
arose in the normal course of business.  None of these claims are expected to
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results
of operations.


ITEM 4-- SUBMISSIONS OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     None to report.

                                    PART II

ITEM 5-- MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
         MATTERS

     Following the Company's initial public offering of Common Stock on
November 8, 1991, the Company's Common Stock has been traded on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol "WNC."  The following table sets forth, for the
period indicated, the high and low last sale prices per share of the Common
Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape and the
dividends declared per common share.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  DIVIDENDS
                                                                               DECLARED PER
                                                 HIGH            LOW           COMMON SHARE
                                                 ----           -----       ---------------
<S>                                             <C>              <C>             <C>
1995
   First Quarter .............................  $38.875         $27.875           $0.025
   Second Quarter ............................  $33.625         $27.75            $0.025
   Third Quarter .............................  $39.75          $30.35            $0.025
   Fourth Quarter ............................  $34.00          $19.875           $0.03
1996
   First Quarter .............................  $24.125         $18.25            $0.03
   Second Quarter ............................  $22.75          $17.375           $0.03
   Third Quarter .............................  $18.875         $15.125           $0.03
   Fourth Quarter ............................  $20.50          $15.75            $0.03
1997
   First Quarter (through January 30, 1997) ..  $18.50          $17.125             ---
</TABLE>

     As of  January 30, 1997, the Common Stock was held by 1,191 holders of
record.


ITEM 6--SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     The following selected consolidated financial data, with respect to the
Company for the five years in the period ended December 31, 1996 have been
derived from the Company's consolidated financial statements, which statements
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their reports.  The information set forth below should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes
thereto included elsewhere herein.



                                      9



<PAGE>   12

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                             -------------------------------------
                                                      1996         1995         1994         1993         1992
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Net sales ..................................    $631,492     $734,299     $561,797     $360,030     $289,097
  Cost of sales ..............................     602,629      677,503      511,821      325,123      267,743
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------

      Gross profit ...........................      28,863       56,796       49,976       34,907       21,354
  Selling, general and administrative 
    expenses..................................      13,359       11,111        8,723        7,465        6,145
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------

      Income from operations .................      15,504       45,685       41,253       27,442       15,209
  Interest expense ...........................     (10,257)      (6,251)      (2,684)      (1,388)        (704)
  Other, net .................................         788          875        1,019         (184)           1
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------

      Income before taxes ....................       6,035       40,309       39,588       25,870       14,506
  Provision for income taxes .................       2,397       14,902       15,663       10,315        5,575
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------

      Net income .............................    $  3,638     $ 25,407     $ 23,925     $ 15,555     $  8,931
                                                ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========

  Net income per common share ................    $   0.19     $   1.34     $   1.32     $   0.90     $   0.54

  Cash dividends declared per common share ...    $   0.12     $  0.105     $   0.85     $   0.07     $  0.017
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                             -------------------------------------
                                                       1996         1995          1994        1993         1992
                                                   --------      -------        ------      ------      -------
                                                    (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                             <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA (at end of period):
  Working capital ............................     $148,712     $113,198     $  90,802    $ 56,407     $ 44,129
  Total lease portfolio ......................      113,811       76,464        53,479      37,647       18,854
  Total assets ...............................      440,071      384,134       300,679     179,801      134,633
  Long-term debt, net of current maturities ..      151,307(1)    73,726(1)     24,857      24,422       18,105
  Stockholders' equity .......................      178,368      177,631       154,181      87,464       62,086
</TABLE>

(1)  Long-term debt, net of current maturities includes $80.9 million in 1996
     and $31.0 million in 1995 incurred by the Finance Company in connection
     with its lease and finance operations.

ITEM 7-- MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW

     This document contains various  forward-looking comments.  These comments
should be viewed in connection with the risk factors disclosed in the Company's
Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 21,
1997.

     As a result of the significant investments made by the Company in new
products and new markets coupled with a 32% decline in total U.S. truck trailer
demand, net sales and net income decreased during 1996.  New product
introductions resulted in the Company's product mix becoming significantly more
dependent on standard type

                                      10



<PAGE>   13



trailer equipment at the same time that demand for truck trailers in the United
States decreased approximately 32%.  The decline in truck trailer demand during
1996 coupled with excess capacity in the industry resulted in extreme pricing
pressure on new trailers which unfavorably impacted margins.  As a result, the
Company's net sales decreased 14% during 1996 to $631.5 million compared to
$734.3 million in 1995 while net income decreased to $3.6 million ($0.19 per
share) compared to $25.4 million ($1.34 per share) in 1995.  The decline in
truck trailer demand combined with excess capacity resulted in two of the ten
largest manufacturers entering bankruptcy during 1996.  Partially offsetting
the decrease in net sales were increases in the sales of the Company's leasing
and finance and aftermarket parts operations.  The demand for the Company's
products continued to be strong as the Company began 1997 with approximately
$460 million in backlog, a majority of which is expected to be delivered in
1997.

     In 1995, the Company experienced a 31% increase in net sales and a 6%
increase in net income over 1994 levels as a result of increased demand for
Company products.

     The following table sets forth certain operating data as a percentage of
net sales for the periods indicated:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES
                                                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                             ------------------------------------
                                                 1996          1995          1994
                                             --------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                          <C>       <C>           <C>

      Net sales ...........................     100.0%        100.0%        100.0%
      Cost of sales .......................      95.4          92.3          91.1
                                             --------  ------------  ------------

           Gross profit ...................       4.6           7.7           8.9
      General and administrative expense ..       1.4           1.0           1.0
      Selling expense .....................        .7            .5            .6
                                             --------  ------------  ------------

           Income from operations .........       2.5           6.2           7.3
      Interest expense ....................      (1.6)          (.8)          (.5)
      Other, net ..........................        .1            .1            .2
                                             --------  ------------  ------------

           Income before taxes ............       1.0           5.5           7.0
      Provision for taxes .................        .4           2.0           2.8
                                             --------  ------------  ------------

           Net income .....................        .6%          3.5%          4.3%
                                             ========  ============  ============
</TABLE>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   Net Sales

     For the first time since 1991, industry shipments of new trailers
decreased from prior year levels.  Due to oversupply of new trailers in 1995
and industry consolidation in the full truckload segment, new trailer shipments
in 1996 decreased an estimated 32% from 1995, compared to a 20% increase in
1995 from 1994 and a 25% increase in 1994 from 1993.  During these periods the
Company was able to increase its net sales in 1995 and 1994;  however, sales
decreased in 1996.  During 1996, however, the Company was able to increase its
estimated market share despite the 32% reduction in total industry new trailer
shipments as a result of its strategy to continuously improve productivity,
increase capacity and to provide superior equipment to the full truckload,
refrigerated and intermodal segments, as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ---------------------------------
                                                       1996        1995        1994
                                                    ----------  ---------   ---------
<S>                                               <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                     (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
Net sales ......................................   $631,492     $734,299    $561,797
% (decrease)/increase in sales from prior period      (14.0)%       30.7%       56.0%
Estimated % share of new trailer market ........       19.0%        14.9%       15.2%
</TABLE>



                                      11



<PAGE>   14




     The decreased net sales for 1996 was attributable to a decrease in new
trailer sales of $150.3 million, offset by increased aftermarket parts sales of
$6.5 million, increased sales of used trailers previously under lease by the
Finance Company of $9 million and  a $32 million increase in the revenues of
the Finance Company.  The decrease in new trailer sales for the year was
attributable to a 16% decrease in units sold, reflecting the decreased
production on the Company's plate trailer line as a result of the limited
supply of composite material and the 32% decline in U.S. truck trailer demand.
In late 1995, the Company introduced its new composite plate trailer, the
DuraPlate(R) trailer, the next generation of the plate trailer.  Historically,
the aluminum plate trailer had accounted for over half of the Company's
revenues and even a greater percentage of  its earnings.  While not
proprietary, the Company has enjoyed a sizable market share within this
segment.  As the success of the aluminum plate trailer grew, the Company
experienced increased competition within its main product line and as a result,
decreased margins.  With this in mind, the Company has been developing for some
time the next generation of the aluminum plate trailer, one which is
proprietary in design.  With the introduction of the DuraPlate trailer many of
the Company's customers delayed taking the aluminum plate trailer.  At the same
time, the Company was severely limited on the supply of the composite material
from one supplier who was not able to increase its capacity.  As a result, the
Company's plate trailer production decreased approximately 40% from 1995.  The
Company anticipates supply of the composite material to improve over the next
several quarters as its supplier increases manufacturing capacity;  however,
this increased capacity is not expected to fulfill the Company's long-term
demand for this product.  As a result, the Company plans to construct its own
composite manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Indiana during 1997 at an
estimated cost of $17 million to $20 million.  Furthermore, the Company expects
pricing to improve in the standard trailer market as overall manufacturing
capacity decreases in the domestic trailer market during this period of
consolidation.  The $32 million increase in leasing and finance revenues during
1996 was due to the increase in the number of trailers leased and financed to
customers, which increased from approximately 7,200 trailers on lease at
December 31, 1995 to approximately 9,900 trailers on lease at December 31, 1996
and due to the increase in the sale of leased or financed equipment.  The
increase in aftermarket parts sales reflects the Company's strategy of
continuing to increase its independent dealer network, which consisted of over
135 independent dealers at December 31, 1996.


     The increase in sales of 21.1% and 63.1% in 1995 and 1994, respectively,
reflects an increase in units sold due to increased demand for the Company's
products.

Gross Profit

     During 1996, the Company experienced continued growth in the demand for
several new products recently introduced, including, among others, its new
composite plate trailer.  However, due to a limited supply of composite
material available from the Company's supplier, production on the Company's
plate trailer line was down 40% from 1995 levels.  As a result, the Company's
production mix in 1996 was concentrated in the standard type trailer market
which experienced significant pricing pressures and resulted in the Company's
decreased gross profit margins.  In addition, during late-1995 the Company
completed its capacity expansion program which tripled its production capacity
over 1993 levels and achieved a record number of new product introductions and
new product developments.  This increased level of capital expenditures
impacted the Company's gross margin percentage in 1996 due to the unfavorable
production mix in 1996.  The Company believes these investments have positioned
it for continued growth in the foreseeable future in light of a downturn in the
domestic trailer market while at the same time giving it the opportunity to
improve gross margins.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                   ----------------------------------
                                        1996        1995        1994
                                   ---------   ---------   ---------
           <S>                     <C>         <C>         <C>
                                    (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
           Gross profit .........    $28,863     $56,796     $49,976
           as a % of net sales ..        4.6%        7.7%        8.9%
</TABLE>


                                      12



<PAGE>   15




Income from Operations

     Income from operations (income before interest, taxes and other items) was
affected primarily by the changes in gross profit.  The decrease in the percent
of income from operations in 1996 was a result of the decrease in gross profit
margins and increased selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a
percent of net sales.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased
during 1996 due in part to a $1.0 million increase in discount fees associated
with the  increased use of the Company's receivables sales and servicing
agreement.  Also impacting income from operations in 1996 was decreased income
from the Finance Company.  This decreased income was primarily due to the
bankruptcy of certain large customers in 1996 and 1995.  Reduced SG&A expenses
as a percent of net sales partially offset decreased gross profit margins in
1995.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were 2.1%, 1.5% and 1.6% of
net sales in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                    ----------------------------------
                                      1996         1995        1994
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
         <S>                        <C>         <C>         <C>
                                    (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
         Income from operations ..    $15,504     $45,665     $41,253
         as a % of net sales .....        2.5%        6.2%        7.3%
</TABLE>


Other Income (Expense)

     Interest expense totaled $10.3 million, $6.3 million and $2.7 million for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  The increase
in interest expense primarily reflects new term and bank line of credit debt
associated with growth in the Finance Company's leasing operations, which is
expected to continue, and increased interest expense as a result of increased
working capital requirements during 1996.  Other, net is primarily comprised of
a variety of immaterial, non-operating expense items. During 1994, it also
included $1.0 million of interest income generated by higher levels of cash and
cash equivalents resulting from the net proceeds of $44.3 million received from
the issuance of additional shares of common stock by the Company.

Income Taxes

     The provision for Federal and State income taxes represented 39.7%, 37.0%
and 39.6% of pre-tax income for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  During
1995, the Company recognized a state income tax credit related to property
improvements on its new facility acquired during 1994.  This credit caused the
effective tax rate to be 2.4% points lower than the statutory rates in 1995.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     During 1996, the Company continued its investment in new product
development and its leasing and finance operation.  Capital expenditures during
1996 totaled $11.2 million and were principally used for achieving improved
manufacturing productivity.  In addition, the Company invested approximately
$24.0 million during 1996 in working capital, primarily in inventory and
accounts payable.  The increased inventory was primarily due to  increases in
work-in-progress and finished goods associated with the production of
RoadRailer equipment for export in 1996.  The decrease in accounts payable from
1995 is a result of reduced raw material inventory as days payable outstanding
remained level with 1995.  The Finance Company also invested a net $43.7
million in its lease portfolio during 1996 which resulted in a net investment
of $113.8 million at December 31, 1996.  These investments during 1996 were
financed primarily through an increase in long-term debt of $69 million and
cash generated from operations.

     In connection with the investments discussed above, the Company's debt
increased to $151.3 million at December 31, 1996 compared to $73.7 million at
December 31, 1995.  Of the $151.3 million of consolidated debt outstanding at
December 31, 1996, the Finance Company had $80.9 million in outstanding
borrowings as a result of its leasing activities compared to $43.2 million at
December 31,1995.  In December, 1996 the Company amended its unsecured
revolving credit line to $85 million, with interest being based upon the London
interbank rate

                                      13



<PAGE>   16



(LIBOR) plus 25 to 125 basis points, as defined.  The Company continues to
utilize a receivables sale and servicing agreement established in June, 1995,
which enables the Company to sell up to $40 million of receivables without
recourse.  These credit facilities are used for working capital and other
general corporate purposes.  On January 31, 1996, the Company issued $50
million, unsecured principal amount of 6.41% Series A Senior Notes due January
31, 2003.  The proceeds were used to repay amounts outstanding under the
Company's revolving line of credit.  In addition, in December, 1996, the
Company issued $100 million, unsecured Series B-H Senior Notes due 2001-2008,
of which $75 million was drawn down in December and the remaining $25 million
will be drawn down in March, 1997.  The proceeds will be used to reduce the
operating costs and support the future growth of the Finance Company by
refinancing certain Finance Company debt.  Of the total $75 million drawn down
in 1996, $61 million was used to pay off the outstanding balance of the Finance
Company's $50 million secured revolving line of credit as well as other secured
debt issues of the Finance Company.

     On April 27, 1995, the Company announced that the Board of Directors
authorized a common stock repurchase plan of up to $30 million in the
aggregate.  The Company may purchase its common stock in the open market or in
block transactions from time to time as it deems appropriate.

     Other sources of funds for capital expenditures, continued expansion of
businesses, dividends, principal repayments on debt, stock repurchase and
working capital requirements are expected to be cash from operations,
additional borrowings under the credit facilities and term borrowings.  The
Company believes that these funding sources will be adequate for its
anticipated requirements.


INFLATION

     The Company has been generally able to offset the impact of rising costs
through productivity improvements as well as selective price increases.  As a
result, inflation is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's
business.

                                      14



<PAGE>   17






              ITEM 8--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     PAGES
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants .............................................  16

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 .........................  17

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
    1994 .............................................................................  18

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1996,
    1995 and 1994 ....................................................................  19

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
    1994 .............................................................................  20

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ...........................................  21
</TABLE>



                                      15



<PAGE>   18




                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


To the Stockholders of
     Wabash National Corporation:

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of WABASH
NATIONAL CORPORATION (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December
31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1996.  These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Wabash
National Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.





                                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana,
January 17, 1997.

                                      16



<PAGE>   19




                  WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       DECEMBER 31,       
                                                                                   ------------------     
                            ASSETS                                                     1996      1995     
                            ------                                                 --------  --------     
<S>                                                                                <C>       <C>          
CURRENT ASSETS:                                                                                           
    Cash and cash equivalents .....................................                $  5,514  $  2,097     
    Accounts receivable, net ......................................                  71,166    77,535     
    Current portion of finance contracts ..........................                   6,128     5,979     
    Inventories ...................................................                 140,015   134,294     
    Prepaid expenses and other ....................................                  13,087     7,657     
                                                                                   --------  --------     
                                                                                                          
        Total current assets ......................................                 235,910   227,562     
                                                                                   --------  --------     
                                                                                                          
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net ................................                  81,782    76,192     
                                                                                   --------  --------     
                                                                                                          
EQUIPMENT LEASED TO OTHERS, net ...................................                  63,825    35,362     
                                                                                   --------  --------     
                                                                                                          
FINANCE CONTRACTS, net of current portion .........................                  43,858    35,123     
                                                                                   --------  --------     
                                                                                                          
OTHER ASSETS ......................................................                  14,696     9,895     
                                                                                   --------  --------     
                                                                                   $440,071  $384,134     
                                                                                   ========  ========     
                                                                                                          
                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                
                                                                                                          
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                                                                                      
     Current maturities of long-term debt .........................                $  3,942   $ 12,527    
     Accounts payable .............................................                  69,155     88,490    
     Accrued liabilities ..........................................                  14,101     13,347    
                                                                                   --------   --------    
                                                                                                          
           Total current liabilities ..............................                  87,198    114,364    
                                                                                   --------   --------    
                                                                                                          
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities .........................                 151,307     73,726    
                                                                                   --------   --------    
                                                                                                          
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES .............................................                  22,879     18,045    
                                                                                   --------   --------    
                                                                                                          
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES ......................................                     319        368    
                                                                                   --------   --------    
                                                                                                          
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:                                                                                     
     Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares                                                   
       authorized, no shares issued ...............................                    ----       ----    
     Series A Junior Participatory Preferred stock, $.01 par value,                                       
       300,000 shares authorized;  no shares issued ...............                    ----       ----    
     Common stock, $.01 par value, 75,000,000 shares                                                      
       authorized:  18,910,923 and 18,943,228 shares issued and                                           
       outstanding, respectively ..................................                     189        189    
     Additional paid-in capital ...................................                  99,388     99,246    
     Retained earnings ............................................                  80,070     78,701    
     Treasury stock, at cost, 59,600 and 19,600 shares, respectively                 (1,279)      (505)   
                                                                                   --------   --------    
                                                                                    178,368    177,631    
                                                                                   --------   --------    
                                                                                   $440,071   $384,134    
                                                                                   ========   ========    
</TABLE>


             The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                         consolidated balance sheets.


                                      17



<PAGE>   20




                  WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                          ------------------------------------
                                             1996         1995         1994
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------

  <S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
  NET SALES ............................  $  631,492   $  734,299     $561,797
  COST OF SALES ........................     602,629      677,503      511,821
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------

       Gross profit ....................      28,863       56,796       49,976
                                                                    
  GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES ..       8,857        7,245        5,334
  SELLING EXPENSES .....................       4,502        3,866        3,389
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------

       Income from operations ..........      15,504       45,685       41,253

  OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
     Interest expense ..................     (10,257)      (6,251)      (2,684)
     Other, net ........................         788          875        1,019
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------

       Income before income taxes ......       6,035       40,309       39,588

  PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES ...........       2,397       14,902       15,663
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------

       Net income ......................  $    3,638   $   25,407      $23,925
                                          ==========   ==========   ==========

       Net income per common share .....  $     0.19   $     1.34        $1.32
                                          ==========   ==========   ==========

       Average shares outstanding ......  18,912,000   18,948,000   18,173,000
                                          ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>









 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

                                      18



<PAGE>   21




                  WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)


<TABLE>
                                                                              
                                                        COMMON STOCK          ADDITIONAL 
                                                   ------------------------     PAID-       RETAINED      TREASURY
                                                    SHARES         AMOUNT     IN CAPITAL    EARNINGS        STOCK         TOTAL
                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------    ----------
<S>                                                <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
BALANCES, December 31, 1993 .....................  17,389,027          $174      $54,351       $32,939      $  ---        $87,464

   Net income for the year ......................        ----          ----         ----        23,925         ---         23,925
   Cash dividends ($0.085 per share) ............        ----          ----         ----        (1,580)        ---         (1,580)
   Issuance of additional shares of common stock,
     net of expenses ............................   1,545,000            15       44,247          ----         ---         44,262
   Issuance of common stock under employee
     stock purchase plan ........................       2,022           ---           68          ----         ---             68
   Exercise of stock options ....................       2,400           ---           42          ----         ---             42
                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------      ---------
BALANCES, December 31, 1994 .....................  18,938,449           189       98,708        55,284         ---        154,181

   Net income for the year ......................         ---           ---          ---        25,407         ---         25,407
   Cash dividends ($0.105 per share) ............         ---           ---          ---        (1,990)        ---         (1,990)
   Issuance of common stock under employee                                                                      
     stock purchase plan ........................       3,379           ---           88           ---         ---             88
   Exercise of stock options ....................      21,000           ---          450           ---         ---            450
   Purchase treasury stock ......................     (19,600)          ---          ---           ---        (505)          (505)
                                                   ----------   -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------      ---------
BALANCES, December 31, 1995 .....................  18,943,228           189       99,246        78,701        (505)       177,631

   Net income for the year.......................         ---           ---          ---         3,638         ---          3,638
   Cash dividends ($0.12 per share)..............         ---           ---          ---        (2,269)        ---         (2,269)
   Issuance of common stock under employee
     stock purchase plan ........................       4,995           ---           92           ---         ---             92 
   Exercise of stock options ....................       2,700           ---           50           ---         ---             50
   Purchase treasury stock ......................     (40,000)          ---          ---           ---        (774)          (774)
                                                   ----------   -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------      ---------
BALANCES, December 31, 1996 .....................  18,910,923          $189      $99,388       $80,070     $(1,279)      $178,368
                                                   ===========  ===========  ===========  ============  ==========      =========
</TABLE>





 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

                                      19



<PAGE>   22




                  WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                       ------------------------------
                                                                                          1996       1995      1994
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  --------
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net income .......................................................................     $3,638    $25,407   $23,925
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities--
       Depreciation and amortization ................................................     15,289     11,504     7,386
       Bad debt provision ...........................................................        186        616       430
       Deferred income taxes ........................................................      2,317      4,541     4,877
       Change in operating assets and liabilities--
           Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable ...............................      6,183     (3,313)  (37,439)
           (Increase) in inventories ................................................     (7,919)   (57,712)  (30,626)
           (Increase) in prepaid expenses and other .................................     (3,661)    (4,370)     (183)
           (Decrease) increase in accounts payable ..................................    (19,335)     3,900    41,171
           Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities ...............................        757     (1,667)    5,107
           (Increase) decrease in other assets ......................................     (3,421)    (2,566)      489
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  --------

              Total adjustments .....................................................     (9,604)   (49,067)   (8,788)
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  --------

              Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities ...................     (5,966)   (23,660)   15,137
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Capital expenditures .............................................................    (11,211)   (37,898)  (26,279)
   Investment in equipment leased to others .........................................    (41,275)   (19,076)   (6,481)
   Proceeds from disposal of equipment ..............................................     17,706      9,149       293
   Investment in finance contracts ..................................................    (24,940)   (20,512)  (14,875)
   Principal payments on finance contracts ..........................................      4,844      3,279     2,184
   Payments for RoadRailer technology ...............................................     (2,008)      (275)   (3,242)
   Other ............................................................................        172       (39)       105
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  --------

              Net cash used in investing activities .................................    (56,712)   (65,372)  (48,295)
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  --------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Principal payments on long-term debt .............................................    (24,365)    (9,895)   (7,801)
   Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt .........................................    143,361     10,000    10,332
   Borrowings under long-term revolver ..............................................    398,100    311,420    35,000
   Payments under long-term revolver ................................................   (448,100)  (258,189)  (35,231)
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses ..........................        142        538    44,372
   Payment of cash dividend .........................................................     (2,269)    (1,895)   (1,455)
   Purchase of treasury stock .......................................................       (774)      (505)      ---
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  --------

              Net cash provided by financing activities .............................     66,095     51,474    45,217
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  --------
                                                                                                   
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH .....................................................      3,417    (37,558)   12,059
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD ............................      2,097     39,655    27,596
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD ..................................     $5,514     $2,097   $39,655
                                                                                       =========  =========  ========

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the period for---
       Interest ....................................................................      $8,825    $ 6,433   $ 2,534
                                                                                       =========  =========  ========
       Income taxes ................................................................      $  714    $13,648   $10,372
                                                                                       =========  =========  ========

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
  Operating leases converted to finance contracts ..................................      $2,567    $  ---    $ 3,107
                                                                                       =========  =========  ========
  Finance contracts converted to operating leases ..................................       3,201      1,519       ---
                                                                                       =========  =========  ========
  Used trailers transferred from inventory into operations .........................       2,198       ---        ---
                                                                                       =========  =========  ========

</TABLE>


 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

                                      20



<PAGE>   23




                  WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.  DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

     Wabash National Corporation (the Company) designs, manufactures and
markets standard and customized truck trailers, including dry freight vans,
refrigerated trailers and bimodal vehicles and produces and sells aftermarket
parts through its division, Wabash National Parts.  The Company's manufacturing
facilities are located in Lafayette, Indiana.  The Company's wholly-owned
subsidiary, Continental Transit Corporation (Continental), delivers finished
trailers manufactured by the Company.  The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary,
Wabash National Finance Corporation (the Finance Company) provides leasing and
financing programs to its customers for new and used trailers.


2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     a. Basis of Consolidation

     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions have been
eliminated.

     b. Significant Estimates

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

     c. Cash and Cash Equivalents

     The Company classifies as cash equivalents all highly liquid investments
with maturities of three months or less.

     d. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

     Accounts receivable as shown in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets are net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,686,000,  $1,363,000
and $891,000 at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  The activity
included in the allowance for doubtful accounts were (i) provisions for bad
debts of $186,000, $616,000 and $430,000; and (ii) net accounts recovered
(written-off) of $137,000, ($144,000), and $15,000 during 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.

     e. Inventories

     Inventories are priced at the lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or
market.  Inventory costs include raw material, labor and overhead costs for
manufactured inventories.  Used trailers are carried at the lower of their
estimated net realizable value or cost.  Inventories consist of the following
(in thousands):

<TABLE>
                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                               ------------------
                                                 1996      1995
                                               --------  --------
<S>                                            <C>       <C>
Raw materials and components ................   $72,645   $89,961
Work in progress ............................    16,344    13,582
Finished goods ..............................    27,608    14,034
Used trailers ...............................    23,418    16,717
                                               --------  --------
                                               $140,015  $134,294
                                               ========  ========
</TABLE>



                                      21



<PAGE>   24




f.  Property, Plant and Equipment

     Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost.  Depreciation is
recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
depreciable assets.  Estimated useful lives are 33 1/3 years for buildings and
building improvements and range from 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.  Property, plant
and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                ------------------
                                                  1996      1995
                                                --------  --------
<S>                                             <C>       <C>
Land .........................................  $  5,154  $  4,051
Buildings and improvements ...................    37,656    34,236
Machinery and equipment ......................    60,852    54,074
Construction in progress .....................     1,373       ---
                                                --------  --------
                                                 105,035    92,361
Less--Accumulated depreciation ...............   (23,253)  (16,169)
                                                --------  --------
                                                $ 81,782  $ 76,192
                                                ========  ========
</TABLE>


g. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 107, "Disclosures
About Fair Value of Financial Instruments," requires disclosure of fair value
information for certain financial instruments.  The carrying amounts for trade
receivables and payables are considered to be their fair values.  The
differences between the carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of the
Company's other financial instruments at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were
immaterial.

h. Revenue Recognition

     Revenues and costs are recognized as the related products are accepted by
the customer except in the case of direct finance or operating leases.
Revenues from direct finance leases are recognized over the term of the lease
at a constant rate of return.  Revenues from operating leases are recognized
over the term of the lease on a straight-line basis in an amount equal to the
invoiced rentals.

i. Income Taxes

     The Company recognizes income taxes under the liability method of
accounting for income taxes.  The liability method measures the expected tax
impact of future taxable income or deductions resulting from differences in the
tax and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities reflected in the
consolidated balance sheets.

j. Research and Development

     Research and development expenses are charged to earnings as incurred, and
approximated $1,206,000, $1,567,000 and $1,401,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.

k. Net Income per Common  Share

     The computation of net income per common share is based on the weighted
average number of outstanding common shares during the period.  Shares issuable
under employee stock options are excluded from the weighted average number of
shares when their effect is not dilutive.


                                      22



<PAGE>   25





  l. Reclassifications

     Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions
have been reclassified to conform with the 1996 presentation.

  m. New Accounting Standard

     The Company currently accounts for its employee stock option plans using
APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, which results in
no charge to earnings when issued at fair market value.  During 1995, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation, which considers the stock options as compensation
expense to the Company based on their estimated fair value at date of grant
based on their estimated fair vaule at date of grant.  Under this new standard,
the Company has the option of accounting for employee stock option plans as it
currently does, or it may use the new method.  The Company  intends to continue
to use the existing method, but has adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS
123 within Note 5) Stockholders' Equity. 

3. LEASING AND FINANCE OPERATIONS

     The Finance Company has leased equipment to others under operating leases,
whereby revenue is recognized as lease payments are due from the customers and
the related costs are amortized over the equipment life.  Equipment leased to
others is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the equipment, not to
exceed 11 years and no residual value, or in some cases, a depreciable life
equal to the term of the lease and a residual value equal to the estimated
market value at lease termination.  Depreciation expense on equipment leased to
others was $6,093,000, $4,175,000 and $3,048,000 during 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.  Accumulated depreciation of equipment leased to others is
$10,435,000 and $8,284,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Future
minimum lease payments to be received from these noncancellable operating
leases, some of which extend to the year 2004, amount to $54,659,000 at
December 31, 1996.  These payments are due as follows:  $15,687,000 in 1997,
$10,118,000 in 1998, $7,530,000 in 1999, $6,349,000 in 2000, $5,161,000 in 2001
and $9,813,000 thereafter.

     The Finance Company also provides financing contracts for the sale of
trailer equipment to certain of its customers.  The financing is principally
structured in the form of finance leases, typically for a five-year term.
Finance contracts, as shown on the accompanying financial statements, represent
the minimum lease payments receivable plus the estimated residual values less
unearned interest.  The future minimum lease payments to be received are as
follows:  $8,387,000 in 1997, $7,483,000 in 1998, $7,018,000 in 1999,
$5,849,000 in 2000, $4,499,000 in 2001 and $4,069,000 thereafter, which
includes unearned interest of $10,212,000.  At December 31, 1996, the total
nonguaranteed residuals on these finance contracts was $7,545,000.

     In certain situations, the Company and the Finance Company have helped
customers obtain financing for trailers purchased by guaranteeing the residual
values of such equipment.  This has been accomplished by (i) selling the
trailers to an independent third party, (ii) leasing the trailers back and
providing some level of guaranteed residual value to the third party, and (iii)
subleasing the trailers to the customer.  The total of the residual values
guaranteed under these and other leasing arrangements approximates $10,621,000
as of December 31, 1996.  The income from the sale of this equipment has been
deferred and will be recognized over the term of the financial arrangements.
The Company's and the Finance Company's rental expense under situations where
trailers have been leased back was $743,000 in 1996, $1,389,000 in 1995 and
$1,427,000 in 1994.  At December 31, 1996, the future minimum lease payments
under these leases are $4,161,000 in 1997, $4,161,000 in 1998, $3,790,000 in
1999 and $3,419,000 in 2000 and $3,419,000 in 2001, of which $3,419,000 per
year is guaranteed by the Company.

                                      23



<PAGE>   26




     The Finance Company provides leasing programs to customers for new and
used trailers.  The Finance Company's revenues were $58,122,000, $26,084,000
and $16,150,000 during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  Income before income
taxes was $2,520,000, $4,305,000 and $3,102,000 in 1996, 1995, and 1994,
respectively.  Included below is condensed balance sheet information which
segregates the assets and liabilities of the Finance Company.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                         -----------------------
                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                               DECEMBER 31,    
                                                 WABASH         FINANCE                            1995         
                                               NATIONAL         COMPANY       CONSOLIDATED     CONSOLIDATED    
                                              ---------       ---------       ------------    -------------    
                                                                                               (INTHOUSANDS)   
<S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>                <C>                  
ASSETS:                                                                                                               
Current assets .............................  $226,526        $  9,384            $235,910       $227,562             
Property, plant and equipment, net .........    81,729              53              81,782         76,192             
Equipment leased to others, net ............       ---          63,825              63,825         35,362             
Finance contracts, net of current portion ..       ---          43,858              43,858         35,123             
Other assets ...............................    13,342           1,354              14,696          9,895             
Due from subsidiary to parent ..............       744            (744)                ---            ---             
Investment in subsidiary ...................    32,012             ---                 ---            ---             
                                              --------        --------        ------------       --------             
                                              $354,353        $117,730            $440,071       $384,134             
                                              ========        ========        ============       ========             
                                                                                                                      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:                                                                                 
Current liabilities ........................  $ 82,983        $  4,215            $ 87,198       $114,364             
Long-term debt, net:                                                                                                  
  Third party ..............................   131,385          19,922             151,307         73,726             
  Intercompany .............................   (61,000)         61,000                 ---            ---             
                                              --------        --------        ------------       --------             
                                                70,385          80,922             151,307         73,726             
Other non-current liabilities ..............    22,617             581              23,198         18,413             
                                              --------        --------        ------------       --------             
                                               175,985          85,718             261,703        206,503             
Stockholders' equity .......................   178,368          32,012             178,368        177,631             
                                              --------        --------        ------------       --------             
                                              $354,353        $117,730            $440,071       $384,134             
                                              ========        ========        ============       ========             
</TABLE>


4. LONG-TERM DEBT


        Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                                           -------------------
                                                                             1996       1995
                                                                           --------   --------
<S>              <C>                                                       <C>        <C>
Revolving bank lines of credit ..........................................  $  6,000   $ 56,000
Industrial Revenue Bonds ................................................       735      1,060
Notes payable ...........................................................    23,514     28,801
Senior Notes ............................................................   125,000        ---
Other ...................................................................       ---        392
                                                                           --------   --------
                                                                            155,249     86,253
                 Less-Current maturities ................................    (3,942)   (12,527)
                                                                           --------   --------
                                                                           $151,307   $ 73,726
                                                                           ========   ========
</TABLE>


A summary of the terms of the long-term debt agreements follows:

     Revolving bank lines of credit.  Effective December 23, 1996, the Company
amended its revolving credit facility.  The unsecured revolving bank line of
credit permits the Company to borrow up to $85,000,000.  Under this facility,
the Company has the right to borrow until July 1, 1998, at which time the
principal amount then outstanding will be due and payable.  Interest payable on
such borrowings is variable based upon the London interbank rate (LIBOR) rate
plus 25 to 125 basis points, as defined, or a prime rate of interest, as
defined.  The Company pays a quarterly commitment fee on the unused portion of
this facility at rates of .10% to .45% per annum, as defined.  As of

                                      24



<PAGE>   27



December 31, 1996, the total borrowings under this facility was $6 million at
an interest rate of 6.2%.  In addition, standby letters of credit totaling
$6,127,000 have been issued in connection with the Company's worker's
compensation self-insurance program, its outstanding Industrial Revenue Bond
and in connection with foreign sales transactions.

     During December 1996, the Finance Company paid off its revolving line of
credit and terminated its arrangement with the bank.  A portion of the Senior
Notes were used to pay off the outstanding balance.

     Industrial Revenue Bonds bear interest at 7.5%. Principal payments of
$350,000 and $385,000 are due in 1997 and 1998, respectively.  The bonds are
secured by land, buildings and equipment.  The Company has a letter of credit
of $109,000 and $434,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, to secure
certain portions of the bonds.

     Notes payable.  Notes payable are term borrowings by the Finance Company
maturing from 1998 through 2003 from certain commercial banks and commercial
finance companies and are secured by equipment under lease and the underlying
leases.  Notes amounting to $23,514,000 are at fixed annual percentage interest
rates ranging from 6.6% to 8.75%.

     Senior Notes.  On January 31, 1996, the Company issued $50 million of
unsecured notes due January 31, 2003.  These Series A Senior Notes bear
interest at 6.41% with interest payments due semi-annually on July 31 and
January 31.  On December 1, 1996, the Company completed the private placement
of  $100 million Senior Notes due 2001-2008 of which $75 million were issued in
December 1996 with the remaining $25 million to be issued in March, 1997.
These unsecured notes bear interest at rates ranging from 6.99% to 7.55%.
Interest is due semiannually in June and December.

     As of December 31, 1996, $61 million of the Company's Senior Notes due
2001 to 2008 were loaned to the Finance Company.  The proceeds were used by the
Finance Company to pay off its existing revolving credit facility and to
refinance certain other long-term debts.  The terms and conditions of the
intercompany loan to the Finance Company are identical to the terms and
conditions of the Senior Notes.

     Under the various loan agreements, the Company and the Finance Company are
required to meet certain covenants.  These covenants require the Company to
maintain certain levels of net worth and an interest coverage ratio as well as
a limitation on indebtedness.   The Company and the Finance Company were in
compliance with these covenants at December 31, 1996.

Maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1996, are as follows (in
thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            AMOUNT
                                           --------
             <S>                          <C>
             1997 ........................ $  3,942
             1998 ........................   10,189
             1999 ........................    3,767
             2000 ........................    3,686
             2001 ........................   11,268
             Thereafter ..................  122,397
                                           --------
                                           $155,249
                                           ========
</TABLE>


5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

     a. Capital Stock

     The Company's total authorized number of common shares is 75,000,000 and
has a par value of $.01 per share.  In addition, the Company authorized
25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value.  The Board of Directors
has the authority to issue these shares and to fix dividends, voting and
conversion rights, redemption provisions, liquidation preferences and other
rights and restrictions.

                                      25



<PAGE>   28




  b. 1992 Stock Option Plan

     During 1992, the Company adopted its 1992 Stock Option Plan (the Plan)
under which nonqualified options may be granted to officers and other key
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries.  Up to an aggregate of 750,000
shares are reserved for issuance under the Plan, subject to adjustment for
stock dividends, recapitalizations and the like.  Options granted under the
Plan are exercisable for a period of ten years, and vest in equal installments
over a five year period from date of grant, except for non-employee Directors
of the Company in which options are fully vested on date of grant and are
exercisable six months thereafter.   Options must be granted at exercise prices
equal to at least 85% of fair market value of the covered shares at date of
grant.  The Company accounts for these plans under APB Opinion No. 25, under
which no compensation cost has been recognized.  Had compensation cost for
these plans been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net
earnings would have been reduced to $3.2 million ($0.17 per share) in 1996 and
$25.3 million ($1.34 per share) in 1995.  Because the SFAS No. 123 method of
accounting has not been applied to options granted prior to January 1, 1995,
the resulting pro-forma compensation cost may not be representative of that to
be expected in future years.

       Stock option activity under the Plan was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             NUMBER OF      WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
OPTIONS                                                        SHARES        EXERCISE PRICE
- -------                                                      ---------      ----------------
<S>                                                          <C>                 <C>
December 31, 1993 .........................................  300,000              $17.56
   Granted ................................................  137,500               29.27
   Exercised ..............................................   (2,400)              17.50
   Cancelled ..............................................  (40,500)              17.58
                                                             -------              ------
December 31, 1994 .........................................  394,600               21.64
   Granted ................................................  171,100               33.38 
   Exercised ..............................................  (21,000)              22.19
                                                             -------              ------
December 31, 1995 .........................................  544,700               25.30
   Granted ................................................  178,200               20.59
   Exercised ..............................................   (2,700)              17.54
   Cancelled ..............................................  (74,700)              32.29
                                                             -------              ------
December 31, 1996 .........................................  645,500              $23.25
                                                             =======              ======
Shares Exercisable ........................................  226,100              $22.14
                                                             =======              ======
</TABLE>


The weighted-average fair value of options granted was $10.39 per share in 1996
and $17.26 per share in 1995, with 421,500 of the options outstanding at
December 31, 1996 having exercise prices between $17.50 and $22.13, a
weighted-average exercise price of $18.84 and a weighted-average remaining life
of 8.8 years.  141,300 of these options are exercisable with a weighted-average
exercise price of $17.55.  The remaining 224,000 options have exercise prices
between $23.00 and $33.00, a weighted-average exercise price of $29.33 and a
weighted-average remaining life of 7.5  years.  84,800 of these options are
exercisable with a weighted-average exercise price of $29.80.  The fair value
of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for
grants in 1996 and 1995, respectively:  risk-free interest rates of 6.4 and 6.1
percent;  expected dividend yields of .58 and .36 percent;  expected volatility
of 41.3 and 41.1 percent; and an expected life of 7 years for all options
granted.

c. 1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

     During 1993, the Company adopted its 1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(the Plan) which enables eligible employees of the Company to purchase shares
of the Company's $.01 par value common stock.  Eligible employees may
contribute up to 15% of their eligible compensation toward the semi-annual
purchase of common stock.  The employees' purchase price is based on the fair
market value of the common stock on the date of purchase.  No compensation
expense is recorded in connection with the Plan.  During 1996, 4,995 shares
were issued to employees at prices of $18.00 to $18.25 per share.  At December
31, 1996, there were approximately 288,700 shares available for offering under
the Plan.

                                      26



<PAGE>   29





6. STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS PLAN

     On November 7, 1995, the Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Rights
Plan (the "Plan").  The Plan is designed to deter coercive or unfair takeover
tactics, to prevent a person or group from gaining control of the Company
without offering fair value to all shareholders and to deter other abusive
takeover tactics which are not in the best interest of stockholders.

     Under the terms of the Plan, each share of common stock is accompanied by
one right; each right entitles the stockholder to purchase from the Company,
one one-thousandth of a newly issued share of Series A Preferred Stock at an
exercise price of $120.

     The rights become exercisable ten days after a public announcement that an
acquiring person or group (as defined in the Plan) has acquired 20% or more of
the outstanding Common Stock of the Company (the Stock Acquisition Date) or ten
days after the commencement of a  tender offer which would result in a person
owning 20% or more of such shares.  The Company can redeem the rights for $.01
per right at any time until ten days following the Stock Acquisition Date (the
10-day period can be shortened or lengthened by the Company).  The rights will
expire in November, 2005, unless redeemed earlier by the Company.

     If, subsequent to the rights becoming exercisable, the Company is acquired
in a merger or other business combination at any time when there is a 20% or
more holder, the rights will then entitle a holder to buy shares of the
Acquiring Company with a market value equal to twice the exercise price of each
right.  Alternatively, if a 20% holder acquires the Company by means of a
merger in which the Company and its stock survives, or if any person acquires
20% or more of the Company's Common Stock, each right not owned by a 20% or
more shareholder, would become exercisable for Common Stock of the Company (or,
in certain circumstances, other consideration) having a market value equal to
twice the exercise price of the right.

7. EMPLOYEE 401(K) SAVINGS PLAN

     Substantially all of the Company's employees are eligible to participate
in the 401(k) Savings Plan which provides for Company matching under various
formulas.  The Company's matching expense for the plan was $994,000, $750,000,
and $785,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994,
respectively.

8. INCOME TAXES

     a. Tax Provisions

     The consolidated income tax provision for 1996, 1995 and 1994 consists of
the following components (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1996     1995      1994
                              ------   -------  -------
   <S>                        <C>      <C>      <C>      
   Current:              
   Federal .................. $ (801)  $ 9,382  $ 8,717
   State ....................   (201)      979    2,069
   Deferred .................  3,399     4,541    4,877
                              ------   -------  -------  
                              $2,397   $14,902  $15,663
                              ======   =======  =======
</TABLE>


     In 1996, 1995 and 1994, the effective Federal income tax rates were 35.2%,
34.9% and 34.8%, respectively.  In all periods, there were no individually
significant items which caused the effective rate to differ from the Federal
statutory rate.  In 1995, the Company recorded a $1.5 million state income tax
credit as a result of its property improvements eligible  for income tax credit
by the State of Indiana.

                                      27



<PAGE>   30





  b. Deferred Taxes

     Deferred income taxes are primarily due to temporary differences between
financial and income tax reporting for the depreciation of property, plant and
equipment and equipment under lease, the recognition of warranty expense,
payments made in connection with the acquisition of the RoadRailer technology
and the amortization thereof, and the recognition of income from assets under
finance leases.  The long-term deferred tax liabilities were $22,879,000 and
$18,045,000 and current prepaid income tax assets were $3,173,000 and
$1,738,000 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     The components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as
December 31, 1996 and 1995, are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996      1995
                                                          ------    ------
     <S>                                                  <C>     <C>
     Deferred tax assets:
       Rentals on Finance Leases .......................   $9,014  $ 6,107
       Deferred State Income Taxes .....................      954    1,161 
       Personal Property Taxes .........................      886       62
       Other ...........................................    3,888    2,721
     Deferred tax liabilities:
       Basis Difference-Property, Plant and Equipment ..   24,410   18,367
       Earned Finance Charges on Finance Leases ........    4,058    2,948
       RoadRailer Acquisition Payments/Amortization ....    2,381    1,877
       Other ...........................................    3,599    3,166
                                                          -------  -------

     Net deferred tax liability ........................  $19,706  $16,307
                                                          =======  =======
</TABLE>




9. SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

     For the year ended December 31, 1996, the two largest customers of the
Company accounted for approximately 15% and 13% of the Company's net sales,
respectively.  The Company's largest customer accounted for approximately 13%
and 16% of the Company's net sales for the years ended December 31, 1995 and
1994, respectively.  No other customer represented more than 10% of the
Company's net sales in 1996, 1995 or 1994.  The Company's net sales in the
aggregate to its five largest customers were 39%, 33% and 37% of its net sales
in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     There are certain lawsuits and claims pending against the Company which
arose in the normal course of business.  In the opinion of management, none of
these actions are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.

     In connection with the acquisition of the RoadRailer technology, the
Company is obligated to make payments not to exceed $12.1 million based upon
(i) future sales of trailers and related equipment utilized in the bimodal
transportation segment and (ii) future revenues received in connection with the
sale or licensing of the bimodal technology.  On January 8, 1997, the Company
exercised its prepayment option and paid $2,145,000 in full satisfaction of
this obligation.  Payments for the RoadRailer technology are capitalized and
amortized over an estimated average life span of 12 years.  During 1996, the
Company changed its estimated average life span of the RoadRailer technology
from 6 to 12 years which resulted in approximately $700,000 in reduced
amortization.  The average life span was changed to correspond with the patents
economic life securing the technology.  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the
RoadRailer technology costs were $5,953,000 and $4,695,000 (net of accumulated
amortization of $4,011,000 and $3,262,000), respectively, and are included in
"Other Assets" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


                                      28



<PAGE>   31




     In connection with two of the Company's European RoadRailer sales
transactions, the Company is contingently liable for up to five years as a
guarantor of certain commitments of two separate entities via a standby letter
of credit in the amount of $10 million and a separate letter of guarantee in
the amount of $4 million.

     The Company has made certain commitments for the construction of a
composite material facility adjacent to its primary manufacturing facility in
Lafayette, Indiana.  The commitments include a building and various machinery
and equipment.  As of December 31, 1996, open commitments related to this
facility were approximately $2 million and total commitments are expected to be
$17 million to $20 million.

     The Company does not anticipate significant costs to be incurred to
satisfy ongoing soil remediation efforts resulting from the manufacturing
activities conducted by the previous owner of its site in Lafayette.


11. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      FIRST       SECOND        THIRD     FOURTH
                                     QUARTER      QUARTER      QUARTER    QUARTER
                                  -----------  -----------  -----------   --------
                                             (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE)
<S>                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
1996
  Net sales ....................     $161,222     $140,606     $161,303  $168,361
  Gross profit .................        9,069        5,880        6,107     7,803
  Net income ...................        2,204          102           95     1,237
  Net income per common share ..          .12          .01          .01       .07
1995
  Net sales ....................     $177,634     $193,450     $176,129  $187,086
  Gross profit .................       15,060       17,098       13,786    10,852
  Net income ...................        6,962        8,054        5,830     4,561
  Net income per common share ..          .37          .43          .31       .24
</TABLE>



ITEM 9--CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

                                      29



<PAGE>   32






                                    PART III


ITEM 10--DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

     The following are the executive officers of the Company:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        NAME                   AGE              POSITION
        ----                   ---              --------                   
     <S>                       <C>  <C>
     Donald J. Ehrlich (1) ..  59   President, Chief Executive Officer
                                        and Chairman of the Board
     Richard E. Dessimoz ....  49   Vice President and Chief Executive
                                        Officer of Wabash National
                                        Finance Corporation and Director
     Charles R. Ehrlich .....  52   Vice President--Manufacturing
     Rodney P. Ehrlich ......  50   Vice President--Engineering
     Charles E. Fish ........  42   Vice President--Human Relations
     Lawrence J. Gross ......  42   Vice President--Marketing
     Mark R. Holden (1) .....  37   Vice President-Chief Financial
                                        Officer and Director
     Connie L. Koleszar .....  38   Director of Investor Relations
     Wilfred E. Lewallen ....  52   Vice President--Industrial Engineering
     Stanley E. Sutton ......  47   Vice President--Purchasing
</TABLE>


(1) Member of the Executive Committee.

     Donald J. Ehrlich.  Mr. Donald J. Ehrlich has been President, Chief
Executive Officer and Director of the Company since its founding.  In May,
1995, Mr. Ehrlich was elected Chairman of the Board.  He also serves as a
director of Danaher Corporation, NBD Bank, N.A.,  and Indiana Secondary Market
Corporation.

     Richard E. Dessimoz.  Mr. Dessimoz has been Vice President and Chief
Executive Officer of Wabash National Finance Corporation since its inception in
December 1991 and a Director of the Corporation since December, 1995.  Prior to
his employment by the Company, he was employed since 1989 by Premier Equipment
Leasing Company as Chief Executive Officer and co-owner, and he was employed
from 1985 to 1989 by Evans Transportation Company (a major lessor of railcars
and truck trailers) as Chief Operating Officer.

     Charles R. Ehrlich.  Mr. Charles Ehrlich has been Vice
President--Manufacturing of the Company and has been in charge of the Company's
manufacturing operations since the Company's founding.

     Rodney P. Ehrlich.  Mr. Rodney Ehrlich has been Vice
President--Engineering of the Company and has been in charge of the Company's
engineering operations since the Company's founding.

     Charles E. Fish.  Mr. Fish is Vice President--Human Relations of the
Company and has been in charge of the Company's human relations operations
since the Company's founding.

     Lawrence J. Gross.  Mr. Gross has been Vice President--Marketing of the
Company since December 1994.  Previously he had been President of the Company's
RoadRailer division since joining the Company in July, 1991.  Prior to his
employment by the Company, he was employed since 1985 by Chamberlain of
Connecticut, Inc., a licensor of bimodal technology, as Vice
President--Marketing until 1990 and as President until he began his employment
with the Company.


                                      30



<PAGE>   33




     Mark R. Holden.  Mr. Holden has been Vice President--Chief Financial
Officer and Director of the Company since May, 1995.  Previously, Mr. Holden
had been Vice President Controller of the Company.  Prior to his employment by
the Company in December, 1992, he was employed  by Arthur Andersen LLP since
1981.

     Connie L. Koleszar.  Ms. Koleszar has been Director of Investor Relations
since the Company's initial public offering of 1991 and has been employed by
the Company in various administrative capacities since its founding.

     Wilfred E. Lewallen.  Mr. Lewallen is Vice President--Industrial
Engineering of the Company and has been in charge of the Company's industrial
engineering operations since the Company's founding.

     Stanley E. Sutton.  Mr. Sutton has been Vice President--Purchasing of the
Company since joining the Company in May 1992.  Prior to his employment by the
Company, he was employed since 1973 by Pines Trailer Limited Partnership as
Vice President--Manufacturing Operations.

     Officers are elected for a term of one year and serve at the discretion of
the Board of Directors.

     The Company hereby incorporates by reference the information contained
under the heading "Election of Directors" from its definitive Proxy Statement
to be delivered to stockholders of the Company in connection with the 1997
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 8, 1997.

     Donald J. Ehrlich, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and
Charles R. Ehrlich and Rodney P. Ehrlich, executive officers of the Company,
are brothers.


ITEM 11--EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The Company hereby incorporates by reference the information contained
under the heading "Compensation" from its definitive Proxy Statement to be
delivered to the stockholders of the Company in connection with the 1997 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 8, 1997.

ITEM 12--SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     The Company hereby incorporates by reference the information contained
under the heading "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock" from its definitive
Proxy Statement to be delivered to the stockholders of the Company in
connection with the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 8,
1997.

ITEM 13--CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     The Company hereby incorporates by reference the information contained
under the heading "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participant"
from its definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to the stockholders of the
Company in connection with the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held
on May 8, 1997

                                    PART IV

ITEM 14--EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     (a)  Financial Statements:  All required financial statements are included
in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.  Financial statement schedules are omitted as they
are not required or not applicable or the required information is included in
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

  (b)  Reports on Form 8-K:
     99.1  Form 8-K, filed on January 21, 1997, regarding Cautionary Statements
for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provision of the Private Securities Reform
Act of 1995.


                                      31



<PAGE>   34




     (c) Exhibits:  The following exhibits are filed with this Form 10-K or
incorporated herein by reference to the document set forth next to the exhibit
listed below:


<TABLE>
       <S>           <C>
        3.01         Certificate of Incorporation of the Company(1)                           
        3.02         Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior                           
                     Participating Preferred Stock(1)                                         
        3.03         By-laws of the Company(1)                                                
        4.01         Specimen Stock Certificate(1)                                            
        4.02         Rights Agreement between the Company and Harris Bank as                  
                     Rights Agent(1)                                                          
       10.01         Loan Agreement, Mortgage, Security Agreement and Financing               
                     Statement between Wabash National Corporation and City of Lafayette      
                     dated as of August 15, 1989(1)                                           
       10.02         1992 Stock Option Plan(1)                                                
       10.03         Promissory Note in the principal amount of $1,161,395 by                 
                     Wabash National Finance Corporation in favor of Corestates Bank,         
                     N.A. dated December 21, 1993(2)                                          
       10.04         Security Agreement of Wabash National Finance Corporation                
                     in favor of Corestates Bank, N.A. dated December 21, 1993(2)             
       10.05         Promissory Note in the principal amount of $1,017,750 by                 
                     Wabash National Finance Corporation in favor of Corestates Bank,         
                     N.A. dated December 21, 1993(2)                                          
       10.06         Security Agreement of Wabash National Finance Corporation                
                     in favor of Corestates Bank, N.A. dated December 21, 1993(2)             
       10.07         Promissory Note in the principal amount of $2,882,392 by                 
                     Wabash National Finance Corporation in favor of Corestates Bank,         
                     N.A. dated December 21, 1993(2)                                          
       10.08         Security Agreement of Wabash National Finance Corporation                
                     in favor of Corestates Bank, N.A. dated December 21, 1993(2)             
       10.09         Loan Agreement of Wabash National Finance Corporation in                 
                     favor of Corestates Bank, N.A. dated December 21, 1993(2)                
       10.10         Real Estate Sale Agreement by and between Kraft General                  
                     Foods, Inc. and Wabash National Corporation, dated June 1, 1994 (3)      
       10.11         Purchase and Servicing Agreement, dated July 20, 1994                    
                     between NBD Bank, N.A. and Wabash National Corporation (3)               
       10.12         Revolving Credit Loan Agreement dated April 28, 1995,                    
                     between NBD Bank, N.A. and Wabash National Corporation (4)               
       10.13         Receivables Sale and Servicing Agreement dated June 29,                  
                     1995, between NBD Bank, N.A. and Wabash National Corporation (5)         
       10.14         Promissory Note in the principal amount of $10,000,000 by                
                     Wabash National Finance Corporation in favor of Nationsbanc Leasing      
                     Corporation dated March 22, 1995 (6)                                     
       10.15         Loan and Security Agreement of Wabash National Finance                   
                     Corporation in favor of Nationsbanc Leasing Corporation dated March      
                     22, 1995(6)                                                              
       10.16         November 9, 1995 Amendment to Revolving Credit Loan                      
                     Agreement dated April 28, 1995, between NBD Bank, N.A., and Wabash       
                     National Corporation (6)                                                 
       10.17         6.41% Series A Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated                      
                     January 31, 1996, between certain Purchasers and Wabash National         
                     Corporation (6)                                                          
       10.18         Master Loan and Security Agreement in the amount of $10                  
                     million by Wabash National Finance Corporation in favor of Sanwa         
                     Business Credit Corporation dated December 27, 1995(6)                   
       10.19         First Amendment to Receivables Sale and Servicing                        
                     Agreement dated December 28, 1995 between NBD Bank, N.A. and             
                     Wabash National Corporation (8)                                          
       10.20         Second Amendment to Receivables Sale and Servicing                       
                     Agreement dated March 29, 1996 between NBD Bank, N.A. and Wabash         
                     National Corporation (8)                                                 
       10.21         Third Amendment to Receivables Sale and Servicing                        
                     Agreement dated June 28, 1996 between NBD Bank, N.A. and Wabash          
                     National Corporation (8)                                                 
       10.22         Fourth Amendment to Receivables Sale and Servicing                       
                     Agreement dated September 27, 1996 between NBD Bank, N.A. and            
                     Wabash National Corporation (8)                                          
       10.23         Fifth Amendment to Receivables Sale and Servicing                        
                     Agreement date September 30, 1996 between NBD Bank, N.A. and             
                     Wabash National Corporation (8)                                          


</TABLE>
                                      32



<PAGE>   35



<TABLE>

        <S>           <C>
        10.24         Sixth Amendment to Receivables Sale and Servicing
                      Agreement dated December 23, 1996 between NBD Bank, N.A. and
                      Wabash National Corporation (8)
        10.25         September 30, 1996 Second Amendment to Revolving Credit
                      Loan Agreement dated April 28, 1995 between NBD Bank, N.A. and
                      Wabash National Corporation (7)
        10.26         December 23, 1996 Third Amendment to Revolving Credit
                      Loan Agreement dated April 28, 1995 between NBD Bank, N.A. and
                      Wabash National Corporation (8)
        10.27         First Amendment to the 6.41% Series A Senior Note
                      Purchase Agreement dated January 31, 1996
                      between certain Purchasers and Wabash National Corporation (8)
        10.28         Series B-H Senior Note Purchase Agreement dated December
                      18, 1996 between certain Purchasers and Wabash National
                      Corporation (8)
        10.29         Master Equipment Lease Agreement dated December 30, 1996
                      between National City Leasing Corporation and Wabash National
                      Finance Corporation (8)
        21.00         List of Significant Subsidiaries (8)
        23.01         Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP (8)
        27.00         Financial Data Schedule (8)
</TABLE>        

  (1)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
       on Form S-1 (No. 33-42810) or the Registrant's Registration Statement on
       Form 8-A filed December 6, 1995 (item 3.02 and 4.02).
  (2)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year
       ended December 31, 1993.
  (3)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the
       quarter ended June 30, 1994.
  (4)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the
       quarter ended March 31, 1995.
  (5)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the
       quarter ended June 30, 1995.
  (6)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year
       ended December 31, 1995
  (7)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the
       quarter ended September 30, 1996
  (8)  Filed herewith.

     The Registrant undertakes to provide to each shareholder requesting the
same a copy of each Exhibit referred to herein upon payment of a reasonable fee
limited to the Registrant's reasonable expenses in furnishing such Exhibit.

                                      33


<PAGE>   36

                                   SIGNATURES

     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED
ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.

                                      WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION


February 10, 1997                      By:  /s/ Mark R. Holden
                                            --------------------------------
                                                   Mark R. Holden
                                       Vice President-Chief Financial Officer
                                                    and Director

     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934, THIS REPORT
HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTRANT IN
THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      DATE                               SIGNATURE AND TITLE
      ----                               -------------------                 
<S>                              <C>
February 10, 1997                By:  /s/ Donald J. Ehrlich
                                      -------------------------------------
                                           Donald J. Ehrlich
                                    Chief Executive Officer, President and
                                         Chairman of the Board
                                       (Principal Executive Officer)


February 10, 1997                By:  /s/ Mark R. Holden
                                      --------------------------------------
                                             Mark R. Holden
                                   Vice President--Chief Financial Officer
                                    and  Director (Principal Financial
                                   Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)


February 10, 1997                By:  /s/ Richard E. Dessimoz
                                      --------------------------------------
                                               Richard E. Dessimoz
                                        Vice President and Chief Executive
                                         Officer-Wabash National Finance
                                              Corporation and Director


February 10, 1997                By:  /s/ John T. Hackett
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                                John T. Hackett
                                                   Director


February 10, 1997                By:  /s/ E. Hunter Harrison
                                      ----------------------------------------
                                               E. Hunter Harrison
                                                   Director

February 10, 1997                By:  /s/ Ludvik F. Koci
                                      ----------------------------------------
                                                 Ludvik F. Koci
                                                    Director
</TABLE>




                                      34


<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.19

================================================================================


                                FIRST AMENDMENT


                                       to


                    RECEIVABLES SALE AND SERVICING AGREEMENT


                                    between


                          WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION


                             as Seller and Servicer


                                      and


                                 NBD BANK, N.A.


                                  as Purchaser


                         DATED AS OF DECEMBER 28, 1995




================================================================================








<PAGE>   2





     This FIRST AMENDMENT dated as of December 28, 1995 (the "Amendment"), is
entered into by and between Wabash National Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, in its capacity as originator and sell of the Receivables (as
defined in the Agreement, defined below) hereunder (in such capacity the
"Seller"), and in its capacity as servicer hereunder (in such capacity, the
"Servicer"), and NBD Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its
capacity as purchaser (the "Purchaser").

                                    RECITALS

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser have entered into a Receivables Sale
and Servicing Agreement dated as of June 29, 1995 (the "Agreement");

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser desire to amend the Agreement to
include an additional sublimit with respect to an additional Obligor (as
defined in the Agreement); and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12.7 of the Agreement, neither the Agreement
nor the terms thereof may be amended, supplemented or modified except in
writing signed by the Purchaser and the Seller.

     NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

     Section 1. Amendment to Section 2.1, Purchase and Sale of Receivables.
The following Obligor and corresponding sublimit shall be added to Section
2.1(b) of the Agreement which lists the limits with respect to each Obligor
by which the aggregate Purchase Price of outstanding Purchased Receivables may
not exceed:

     United Parcel Service of America, Inc. $12,000,000

     Section 2. Effect of Amendment.  Except as amended hereby, the Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms set forth
therein.

     Section 3. Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but
all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same
instrument.





<PAGE>   3


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Seller and the Purchaser have caused this
Amendment to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date and year first above written.

                                             WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION, as
                                                  Seller and Servicer


                                             By: /s/ Mark R. Holden
                                                -------------------------------
                                                Name:  Mark R. Holden
                                                Title: Vice President and Chief
                                                       Financial Officer

                                             NBD BANK, N.A., as Purchaser


                                             By:  /s/ Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                                -------------------------------
                                                Name:  Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                                Title: Vice President






<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.20


================================================================================


                                SECOND AMENDMENT

                                       to

                    RECEIVABLES SALE AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

                                    between

                          WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION

                             as Seller and Servicer

                                      and

                                 NBD BANK, N.A.

                                  as Purchaser

                           DATED AS OF MARCH 29, 1996






================================================================================






<PAGE>   2





     This SECOND AMENDMENT dated as of March 29, 1996 (the "Amendment"), is
entered into by and between Wabash National Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, in its capacity as originator and sell of the Receivables (as
defined in the Agreement, defined below) hereunder (in such capacity the
"Seller"), and in its capacity as servicer hereunder (in such capacity, the
"Servicer"), and NBD Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its
capacity as purchaser (the "Purchaser").

                                    RECITALS

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser have entered into a Receivables Sale
and Servicing Agreement dated as of June 29, 1995 (the "Agreement");

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser desire to amend the Agreement to
include an additional sublimit with respect to an additional Obligor (as
defined in the Agreement); and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12.7 of the Agreement, neither the Agreement
nor the terms thereof may be amended, supplemented or modified except in
writing signed by the Purchaser and the Seller.

     NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

     Section 1. Amendment to Section 2.1, Purchase and Sale of Receivables.
The following Obligor and corresponding sublimit shall be added to Section
2.1(b) of the Agreement which the lists the limits with respect to each Obligor
by which the aggregate Purchase Price of outstanding Purchased Receivables may
not exceed :

     Triple Crown Services Company $5,000,000

     Section 2. Effect of Amendment.  Except as amended hereby, the Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms set forth
therein.

     Section 3. Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but
all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same
instrument.





<PAGE>   3


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Seller and the Purchaser have caused this
Amendment to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date and year first above written.

                                             WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION, as
                                                  Seller and Servicer


                                             By: /s/ Mark R. Holden
                                                -------------------------------
                                                Name:  Mark R. Holden
                                                Title: Vice President and Chief
                                                       Financial Officer

                                             NBD BANK, N.A., as Purchaser


                                             By: /s/ Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                                -------------------------------
                                                Name:  Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                                Title: Vice President




<PAGE>   1
                                                                EXHIBIT 10.21

================================================================================


                                THIRD AMENDMENT


                                       to


                    RECEIVABLES SALE AND SERVICING AGREEMENT


                                    between


                          WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION


                             as Seller and Servicer


                                      and


                                 NBD BANK, N.A.


                                  as Purchaser


                           DATED AS OF JUNE 28, 1996

================================================================================









<PAGE>   2





     This THIRD AMENDMENT dated as of June 28, 1996 (the "Amendment"), is
entered into by and between Wabash National Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, in its capacity as originator and seller of the Receivables (as
defined in the Agreement, defined below) hereunder (in such capacity the
"Seller"), and in its capacity as servicer hereunder (in such capacity, the
"Servicer"), and NBD Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its
capacity as purchaser (the "Purchaser").

                                    RECITALS

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser have entered into a Receivables Sale
and Servicing Agreement dated as of June 29, 1995 (the "Agreement");

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser desire to amend the Agreement to
include an additional sublimit with respect to an additional Obligor (as
defined in the Agreement) and to amend the sublimit with respect to an existing
Obligor; and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12.7 of the Agreement, neither the Agreement
nor the terms thereof may be amended, supplemented or modified except in
writing signed by the Purchaser and the Seller.

     NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

     Section 1. Amendment to Section 2.1, Purchase and Sale of Receivables.
(a)  The following Obligor and corresponding sublimit shall be added to Section
2.1(b) of the Agreement which the lists the limits with respect to each Obligor
by which the aggregate Purchase Price of outstanding Purchased Receivables may
not exceed:

     Knight Transportation, Inc.                      $1,500,000

     (b)  The sublimit for Swift Transportation Co. shall be increased from
$10,000,000 to $20,000,000 from the date hereof until October 1, 1996 or such
other date agreed to in writing by the Purchaser to the Seller.

     Section 2. Effect of Amendment.  Except as amended hereby, the Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms set forth
therein.

     Section 3. Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but
all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same
instrument.


<PAGE>   3


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Seller and the Purchaser have caused this
Amendment to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date and year first above written.

                                       WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION, as
                                       Seller and Servicer
                                
                                
                                       By: /s/ Mark R. Holden
                                          ----------------------------
                                          Name:  Mark R. Holden
                                          Title: Vice President and Chief
                                                 Financial Officer
                                
                                       NBD BANK, N.A., as Purchaser
                                
                                
                                       By: /s/ Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                          ----------------------------
                                          Name:  Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                          Title: Vice President
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.22


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


                                FOURTH AMENDMENT

                                       to

                    RECEIVABLES SALE AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

                                    between

                          WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION
                             as Seller and Servicer

                                      and

                                 NBD BANK, N.A.

                                  as Purchaser

                         DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 27, 1996

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



<PAGE>   2





     This FOURTH AMENDMENT dated as of September 27, 1996 (the "Amendment"), is
entered into by and between Wabash National Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, in its capacity as originator and seller of the Receivables (as
defined in the Agreement, defined below) hereunder (in such capacity the
"Seller"), and in its capacity as servicer hereunder (in such capacity, the
"Servicer"), and NBD Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its
capacity as purchaser (the "Purchaser").

                                    RECITALS

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser have entered into a Receivables Sale
and Servicing Agreement dated as of June 29, 1995 (the "Agreement");

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser desire to amend the Agreement to
change the limit with respect to the aggregate Purchase Price of outstanding
Purchased Receivables (capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the
meaning set forth in the Agreement); and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12.7 of the Agreement, neither the Agreement
nor the terms thereof may be amended, supplemented or modified except in
writing signed by the Purchaser and the Seller.

     NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

     Section 1. Amendment to Section 2.1, Purchase and Sale of Receivables.
Clause (a) of Section 2.1 of the Agreement shall deleted in its entirety and
replaced with the following:

     (a) At no time can the aggregate Purchase Price of outstanding Purchased
Receivables be greater than $40,000,000; provided, however, that during the
period from September 30, 1996 to October 31, 1996, inclusive, the aggregate
Purchase Price of outstanding Purchased Receivables may not be greater than
$45,000,000.

     Section 2. Effect of Amendment.  Except as amended hereby, the Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms set forth
therein.

     Section 3. Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but
all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same
instrument.



<PAGE>   3


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Seller and the Purchaser have caused this
Amendment to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date and year first above written.

                                  WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION, as Seller
                                   and Servicer
                                
                                
                                  By: /s/ Mark R. Holden
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                     Name:  Mark R. Holden
                                     Title: Vice President and Chief Financial
                                            Officer
                                  
                                  NBD BANK, N.A., as Purchaser
                                
                                
                                  By: /s/ Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                     ----------------------------------------
                                     Name:  Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                     Title: Vice President
                                
                                
                                





<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.23


================================================================================


                                FIFTH AMENDMENT

                                       to

                    RECEIVABLES SALE AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

                                    between

                          WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION

                             as Seller and Servicer

                                      and

                                 NBD BANK, N.A.

                                  as Purchaser

                         DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996






================================================================================



<PAGE>   2




     This FIFTH AMENDMENT dated as of September 30, 1996 (the "Amendment"), is
entered into by and between Wabash National Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, in its capacity as originator and seller of the Receivables (as
defined in the Agreement, defined below) hereunder (in such capacity the
"Seller"), and in its capacity as servicer hereunder (in such capacity, the
"Servicer"), and NBD Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its
capacity as purchaser (the "Purchaser").

                                  RECITALS

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser have entered into a Receivables Sale
and Servicing Agreement dated as of June 29, 1995 (the "Agreement");

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser desire to amend the Agreement to
change a sublimit with respect to an Obligor (as defined in the Agreement) and
to change the financial covenants with respect to the Seller; and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12.7 of the Agreement, neither the Agreement
nor the terms thereof may be amended, supplemented or modified except in
writing signed by the Purchaser and the Seller.

     NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

     Section 1. Amendment to Section 2.1, Purchase and Sale of Receivables.
The sublimit for Swift Transportation Co. shall be $15,000,000 from October 1,
1996 until January 1, 1997 (or such other date agreed to in writing by the
Purchaser to the Seller), on which date such sublimit shall become $10,000,000.

     Section 2. Amendment to Exhibit G.  Items 2 and 3 of Exhibit G to of the
Agreement shall be deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following:

           2. Funded Debt to Total Capitalization.  The Seller, on a
      consolidated basis, will maintain a ratio of funded debt to total
      capitalization not to exceed 60% at September 30, 1996 through March 30,
      1997, and not to exceed 55% at March 31, 1997 and at all times
      thereafter, calculated on a quarterly basis.

           3. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  The Seller, on a consolidated
      basis, will maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.9
      to 1.0 at September 30, 1996 through March 30, 1997, and at 2.0 to 1.0 at
      March 31, 1997 through June 29, 1997; and at 2.25 to 1.0 at June 30, 
      1997 through December 30, 1997; and at 2.5 to 1.0 at December 31, 1997
      and at all times thereafter; calculated quarterly on a four quarter
      trailing basis commencing from the most recent quarter end.
        
      Section 3. Effect of Amendment.  Except as amended hereby, the Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms set forth
therein.



<PAGE>   3


     Section 4. Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but
all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same
instrument.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Seller and the Purchaser have caused this
Amendment to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date and year first above written.


                                             WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION, as
                                                  Seller and Servicer


                                             By: /s/ Mark R. Holden
                                                -------------------------------
                                                Name:  Mark R. Holden
                                                Title: Vice President and Chief
                                                       Financial Officer

                                             NBD BANK, N.A., as Purchaser


                                             By:  /s/ Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                                -------------------------------
                                                Name:  Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                                Title: Vice President



<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.24


================================================================================




                                SIXTH AMENDMENT

                                       to

                    RECEIVABLES SALE AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

                                    between

                          WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION

                             as Seller and Servicer

                                      and

                                 NBD BANK, N.A.

                                  as Purchaser

                         DATED AS OF DECEMBER 23, 1996




================================================================================





<PAGE>   2



     This SIXTH AMENDMENT dated as of December 23, 1996 (the "Amendment"), is
entered into by and between Wabash National Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, in its capacity as originator and seller of the Receivables (as
defined in the Agreement, defined below) hereunder (in such capacity the
"Seller"), and in its capacity as servicer hereunder (in such capacity, the
"Servicer"), and NBD Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its
capacity as purchaser (the "Purchaser").

                                    RECITALS

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser have entered into a Receivables Sale
and Servicing Agreement dated as of June 29, 1995 (the "Agreement");

     WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser desire to amend the Agreement to
change the financial covenants with respect to the Seller; and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12.7 of the Agreement, neither the Agreement
nor the terms thereof may be amended, supplemented or modified except in
writing signed by the Purchaser and the Seller.

     NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

     Section 1. Amendment to Exhibit G.  Items 1, 2 and 3 of Exhibit G to of
the Agreement shall deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following:

           1. Tangible Net Worth.  The Seller, on a consolidated basis, will at
      all times after December 23, 1996, maintain a Tangible Net Worth of not
      less than $135,000,000, increasing quarterly commencing January 1, 1997
      by an amount equal to the sum of fifty percent (50%) of the Seller's
      consolidated net income (with no downward adjustment for net losses in
      any quarter) and eighty percent (80%) of net proceeds received by the
      Seller from equity offerings.

           2. Funded Debt to Total Capitalization.  The Seller, on a
      consolidated basis, will maintain a ratio of Funded Debt to Total
      Capitalization not to exceed 60% (.60 to 1.0) at all times, calculated on
      a quarterly basis.

           3. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  The Seller, on a consolidated basis,
      will maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, calculated quarterly on a
      four quarter trailing basis commencing from the most recent quarter end,
      at levels not less than those shown in the following table for the
      periods indicated:
        

<PAGE>   3

               PERIOD                           RATIO

        From December 23, 1996 
        until December 31, 1997              1.25 to 1.0

        At December 31, 1997 until     
        June 30, 1998, and                   1.50 to 1.0

        At June 30, 1998 and at all 
        times thereafter                      2.0 to 1.0


     Section 2. Effect of Amendment.  Except as amended hereby, the Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms set forth
therein.

     Section 3. Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but
all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same
instrument.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Seller and the Purchaser have caused this
Amendment to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date and year first above written.

                                             WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION, as
                                                  Seller and Servicer


                                             By: /s/ Mark R. Holden
                                                -------------------------------
                                                Name:  Mark R. Holden
                                                Title: Vice President and Chief
                                                       Financial Officer

                                             NBD BANK, N.A., as Purchaser


                                             By:  /s/ Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                                -------------------------------
                                                Name:  Leo G. Watson, Jr.
                                                Title: Vice President



<PAGE>   1
                                                                EXHIBIT 10.25


                       SECOND AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT


     This SECOND AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT ("Second Amendment") made as of
this 30th day of September, 1996, by and between WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation with its principal place of business at 1000 Sagamore
Parkway South, Lafayette, Indiana 47905 ("Borrower") and NBD BANK, N.A.
("Bank"), a national banking association with its principal banking offices at
One Indiana Square, Indianapolis, Indiana 46266.

     WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Bank entered into that certain Loan
Agreement dated April 28, 1995, as amended by that certain Amendment to Loan
Agreement dated November 9, 1995 (collectively, the "Agreement") pursuant to
which the Bank agreed to extend a Revolving Line of Credit to the Borrower with
a Loan Maturity Date of July 1, 1997; and

     WHEREAS, the Borrower wishes to extend the Loan Maturity Date to January
1, 1998 and also seeks to amend certain of the financial covenants contained in
the Agreement; and

     WHEREAS, the Bank is willing to extend the Loan Maturity Date and to make
certain amendments to the financial covenants, on the terms and conditions set
forth herein:

     NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

     Section 1.  Definitions.  The following definitions in the Agreement are
hereby amended or added to the Agreement to read in their entirety as follows:

     "Applicable Commitment Fee" means that percentage of the unused portion of
the Commitment to be paid to the Bank pursuant to Section 2.7 hereunder,
determined by reference to the ratio of the Borrower's Funded Debt to Total
Capitalization, in accordance with the following table:


<TABLE>
                       <S>              <C>
                          Ratio          Application Fee
                       ---------------  ----------------

                       15% or less            .10%
                       16% through 30%        .125%
                       31% through 40%        .15%
                       41% through 50%        .175%
                       51% through 55%        .225%
                       56% through 60%        .275%
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   2


     The Applicable Commitment Fee shall be determined and adjusted, if
appropriate, quarterly on the basis of the financial statements of the Borrower
for the fiscal quarter immediately preceding the date of determination of the
Applicable Commitment Fee.
     "Applicable Margin" means that percentage to be added to each of the CD
Rate, LIBOR Rate or Federal Funds Rate at which interest will accrue on the
Advances, determined by reference to the ratio of the Borrower's Funded Debt to
Total Capitalization, all in accordance with the following table:

<TABLE>
                  <S>              <C>          <C>
                                      LIBOR OR  Federal Funds
                     Ratio         CD Margin      Margin
                  ---------------  -----------  -------------

                  15% or less        .25%           .35%
                  16% through 30%    .30%           .40%
                  31% through 40%    .40%           .50%
                  41% through 50%    .50%           .60%
                  51% through 55%    .625%          .725%
                  56% through 60%    .75%           .85%
</TABLE>


Each Applicable Margin shall be determined, and adjusted if appropriate,
quarterly on the basis of the financial statements of the Borrower for the
fiscal quarter of the Borrower immediately preceding the date of determination
furnished to the Bank pursuant to the requirements of Section 5.3, with
prospective effect for the following fiscal quarter.  Interest will accrue and
be payable in any fiscal quarter on the basis of the Applicable Margin in
effect during the preceding fiscal quarter until the Borrower's financial
statements for the preceding fiscal quarter are delivered to the Bank.  On the
first interest payment date which follows delivery of such financial statements
in any fiscal quarter, an appropriate adjustment shall be made for interest
accrued and paid on prior interest payment dates in that quarter, any
overpayment being credited against the interest payment then due from the
Borrower to the Bank and any deficiency being then due and payable by the
Borrower to the Bank.  In the event the Borrower fails to provide the quarterly
financial statements pursuant to the requirements of Section 5.3, the Ratio of
Funded Debt to Total Capitalization will be presumed to be the highest ratio
set forth in the above table.

     "Closing Date" shall mean September 30, 1996.

     Section 2.  Amendments to Section 2 and Section 8.13 of the Agreement.
The following amendments are hereby made to Section 2 and Section 8.13 of the
Agreement:

A.   Section 2.1(A) of the Agreement is amended to replace the reference to
     July 1, 1997 to January 1, 1998.

(B)  Section 2.1(E) of the Agreement is hereby amended to change the Loan
     Maturity Date to read "January 1, 1998."

(C)  Section 8.13 is hereby amended to replace the date "July 1, 1997" with
     "January 1, 1998".



<PAGE>   3


     Section 3.  Amendment of Financial Covenants.  Sections 5.2(L)(ii) and
(iii) of the Agreement are hereby amended to read in their entirety as follows:

      (ii) Funded Debt to Total Capitalization.  The Borrower, on a
           consolidated basis, will maintain a ratio of Funded Debt to Total
           Capitalization not to exceed 60% at September 30, 1996 through March
           30, 1997; and not to exceed 55% at March 31, 1997 and at all times
           thereafter; calculated on a quarterly basis.

     (iii) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  The Borrower, on a consolidated
           basis, will maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than
           1.9 to 1.0 at September 30, 1996 through March 30, 1997, and at 2.0
           to 1.0 at March 31, 1997 through June 29, 1997; and at 2.25 to 1.0
           at June 30, 1997 through December 30, 1997; and at 2.5 to 1.0 at
           December 31, 1997 and at all times thereafter; calculated quarterly
           on a four quarter trailing basis commencing from the most recent
           quarter end.

     Section 4.  Conditions Precedent.  On or prior to the date of execution of
this Second Amendment, the Borrower shall deliver to the Bank the following
documents, the receipt and sufficiency of which are conditions precedent to the
Bank's obligation to increase the Revolving Line of Credit and to extend the
Loan Maturity Date:

      (A) the executed replacement Revolving Line of Credit Promissory Note;

      (B)  a Secretary's Certificate and Borrowing Resolutions of the
           Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Borrower;

      (C)  a Borrower's Counsel Opinion in form and substance acceptable
           to the Bank and its counsel; and

      (D)  the most recent financial statements of the Borrower,
           together with a Certificate of Compliance with Financial Covenants,
           in form and substance acceptable to the Bank.

     Section 5.  Effect of Amendment.  Except as specifically amended in this
Second Amendment, the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect as
therein stated and the Borrower certifies that all representations and
warranties contained therein are true and correct as if made as of the date
hereof.



(1)
<PAGE>   4


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Second Amendment
to be executed, by their respective duly authorized officers, as of the date
first written above.

                                WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION


                                By: /s/ Mark R. Holden  
                                   ------------------------------
                                   Mark R. Holden, Vice President
                                   and Chief Financial Officer


                                NBD BANK, N.A.


                                By:
                                   -----------------------------------
                                   Leo G. Watson, Jr., Vice President









                                     -4-


<PAGE>   1
                                                                EXHIBIT 10.26


                       THIRD AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT


     This THIRD AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT ("Third Amendment") is made this
___ day of December 1996 by and between WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation with its principal place of business at 1000 Sagamore Parkway
South, Lafayette, Indiana 47905 ("Borrower") and NBD Bank, N.A., (the "Bank"),
a national banking association with its principal banking offices at One
Indiana Square, Indianapolis, Indiana 46266.

     WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Bank entered into that certain Loan
Agreement dated April 28, 1995 as amended by an Amendment dated November 9,
1995 as further amended by a Second Amendment dated September 30, 1996
(collectively, the "Agreement"); and

     WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Bank extend the Loan Maturity
Date and amend certain covenants in the Agreement to permit the Borrower to
enter into certain indebtedness and make loans to its Subsidiary, Wabash
National Finance Corporation; and

     WHEREAS, the Bank is willing to amend such covenants, on the terms and
conditions set forth in the Agreement, as hereinafter amended:

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the Bank's agreement to extend the Loan
Maturity Date and amend certain covenants, and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the parties agree as follows:

     Section 1.  Definitions.  All defined terms used herein shall be used with
the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement, unless otherwise specifically
defined herein.  The following definitions are hereby amended to read in their
entirety as follows:


     "Applicable Commitment Fee" means that percentage of the unused portion
of the Commitment, as reduced from time to time in accordance with Section
2.1(A), to be paid to the Bank pursuant to Section 2.7 hereunder, determined by
reference to both the Borrower's Ratio of Funded Debt to Total Capitalization
and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, in accordance with the following table:(1)
    

<PAGE>   2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                            
                                                       Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Funded Debt                       2.25 to       2.00 to       1.75 to       1.50 to       1.25 to    
      to Capitalization         2.50       2.49          2.24          1.99          1.74          1.49        
- ------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>                             <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>

         .15                    .10%       .125%         .15%          .175%         .225%         .275%
         .16 to .30             .125%      .15%          .175%         .225%         .275%         .30%
         .31 to .40             .15%       .175%         .225%         .275%         .30%          .325%
         .41 to .50             .175%      .225%         .275%         .30%          .325%         .35%
         .51 to .55             .225%      .275%         .30%          .325%         .35%          .40%
         .56 to .60             .275%      .30%          .325%         .35%          .40%          .45%
</TABLE>

     The Applicable Commitment Fee shall be determined and adjusted, if
appropriate, quarterly on the basis of the financial statements of the Borrower
for the fiscal quarter immediately preceding the date of determination of the
Applicable Commitment Fee.

     "Applicable Margin" means that percentage to be added to each of the LIBOR
Rate or Federal Funds Rate at which interest will accrue on the Advances or
Loans determined by reference to both the Borrower's Ratio of Funded Debt to
Total Capitalization and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  The Applicable
Margin for LIBOR Advances or Loans or standby letters of credit under Section
2.1(F) shall be determined as set forth in the following table and the
Applicable Margin for Federal Funds Advances or Loans shall be the applicable
percentage set forth in the following table plus 10 Basis Points:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Funded Debt                       2.25 to       2.00 to       1.75 to       1.50 to       1.25 to    
      to Capitalization         2.50       2.49          2.24          1.99          1.74          1.49        
- ------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>                             <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
         .15                    .25%       .30%          .40%          .50%          .625%         .75%
         .16 to .30             .30%       .40%          .50%          .625%         .75%          .80%
         .31 to .40             .40%       .50%          .625%         .75%          .80%          .90%
         .41 to .50             .50%       .625%         .75%          .80%          .90%          1.00%
         .51 to .55             .625%      .75%          .80%          .90%          .1.00%        1.125%
         .56 to .60             .75%       .80%          .90%          1.00%         1.125%        1.25%
</TABLE>

     Each Applicable Margin shall be determined and adjusted, if appropriate,
quarterly on the basis of the financial statements of the Borrower for the
fiscal quarter of the Borrower immediately preceding the date of determination,
furnished to the Bank pursuant to the requirements of Section 5.3, with
prospective effect for the following fiscal quarter.  Interest will

<PAGE>   3

accrue and be payable in any fiscal quarter on the basis of the Applicable
Margin in effect during the preceding fiscal quarter until the Borrower's
financial statements for the preceding fiscal quarter are delivered to the
Bank.  On the first interest payment date which follows delivery of such
financial statements in any fiscal quarter, an appropriate adjustment shall be
made for interest accrued and paid on prior interest payment dates in that
quarter, any overpayment being credited against the interest payment then due
from the Borrower to the Bank and any deficiency being then due and payable by
the Borrower to the Bank.  In the event the Borrower fails to provide the
quarterly financial statements pursuant to the requirements of Section 5.3, the
Applicable Margin will be presumed to be the highest percentage set forth in
the above table.

     "Basis Point" means one-one hundredths of one percent (.01%).

     "Borrowing Base" means the amount equal to the sum of i) 80% of the
Borrower's eligible accounts receivable, plus ii) 50% of eligible raw
materials, plus iii) 25% of eligible work in progress, plus iv) 80% of finished
goods inventory, plus v) 60% of eligible used trailer inventory, plus vi) 65%
of the Borrower's eligible lease portfolio. For purposes of the preceding
sentence, "eligible accounts receivable" means the Borrower's accounts
receivable less any accounts which are 90 days or more past the invoice date;
or which are due from any account debtor if 50% or more of the aggregate amount
of the accounts receivable from such debtor are 90 days or more past the
invoice date; are accounts receivable from Persons outside the United States
which are not secured by a letter of credit or guaranty acceptable to the Bank;
or are accounts owed by a Subsidiary to the Borrower; and provided that any
account receivable otherwise included in the Borrowing Base shall be reduced,
but not below zero, by the amount of any accounts payable to the account debtor
from whom such account is due; "eligible raw materials" means raw materials
less consignment inventory; "eligible work in process" means all work in
process less the amount of progress billings; "eligible used trailer inventory"
means such inventory less any obsolescence reserve; and "eligible lease
portfolio" means the Borrower's total lease portfolio less equipment with
rental payments over 90 days past due, less equipment which has been off-lease
for more than 90 days, and less any finance contracts over 90 days past due.

     The following definitions are hereby deleted from the Agreement: "CD
Advance", "CD Base Rate", "CD Loan", "CD Rate", and "CD Reserve Percentage".

     Section 2. Amendments to Section 2 of the Agreement.  The following
amendments are made to Section 2 of the Agreement

     A. Section 2.1(A) of the Agreement is hereby amended to change the maximum
dollar amount of the Commitment to "Eighty-Five Million and no/100 Dollars
($85,000,000"), and to change the "Loan Maturity Date" to July 1, 1998.
Further, the reference to "CD Advances" is hereby deleted.  The following
additional language is added to the end of that paragraph:

            "Borrowings hereunder shall be limited to the lesser
            of the Commitment, as reduced from time to time, or
            the Borrowing Base in the event that the Borrower's
            pro forma ratio of Funded Debt to


<PAGE>   4

            Total Capitalization exceeds 45% (.45 to 1.0).  If the
            principal balance of the Loan exceeds the Borrowing
            Base, as determined on the basis of the most recent
            Borrowing Base Certificate furnished by the Borrower
            or as determined by the Bank upon an inspection of the
            books and records of the Borrower, the Borrower shall
            immediately repay that portion of the principal
            balance of the Loan which is in excess of the
            Borrowing Base.  Such repayment shall be due without
            demand.  At the Borrower's option, the Borrower may
            repay and permanently reduce the amount of the
            Commitment, in increments of $5,000,000, at the end of
            each fiscal quarter".

     B. Sections 2.1(B), (C) and (D) are hereby amended to delete any reference
to "CD Advances" or "CD Rate".

     C. Section 2.1(E) is hereby amended to change the "Loan Maturity Date" to
July 1, 1998.

     D. Section 2.1(F) is hereby amended to decrease the Maximum Available
Credit for letters of credit to Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
($12,500,000).  Further, the per annum commitment fee for standby letters of
credit shall be calculated based upon the Applicable Margin in effect on the
date of determination and shall be payable quarterly in arrears.

     Section 3.  Amendments to Section 5.1.  The preamble to Section 5.1 of the
Agreement is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

            "Section 5.1.  Affirmative Covenants of Borrower Other
            Than Reporting Requirements.  From the date hereof and
            thereafter for as long as the Loan is outstanding or
            Borrower is indebted to the Bank under any of the
            Financing Documents, Borrower shall and shall cause
            each Subsidiary to do the following, unless the Bank
            shall otherwise consent in writing:".

     Section 4.  Amendments to Section 5.2.  The following amendments are
hereby made to Section 5.2 of the Agreement:

     A. Preamble to Section 5.2.  The preamble to Section 5.2 is hereby amended
to read in its entirety as follows:

            "Section 5.2.  Negative Covenants of Borrower.  From
            the date hereof and thereafter so long as any portion
            of the Loan is outstanding or Borrower is indebted to
            the Bank under any of the Financing Documents,
            Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any
            Subsidiary to do any of the following, without the
            prior written consent of the Bank:".


<PAGE>   5


     B. Amendments to Section 5.2(A).  The following subsections of Section
5.2(A) Liens. are hereby amended to read in their entirety as follows:

            "(i)  that secure Indebtedness existing on the date of
            execution of this Agreement and properly reflected on
            the Borrower's financial statements or Liens securing
            additional debt of the Borrower and its Subsidiary
            incurred solely for the construction or purchase of
            new fixed assets (excluding trailers or other
            inventory, except as hereinafter provided) with such
            purchase money Liens limited to the specific assets
            purchased, and not to exceed, in the aggregate 20% of
            the Borrower's consolidated Tangible Net Worth at any
            time outstanding, and provided that any default under
            such debt shall constitute a default under this
            Agreement.  Provided that the Borrower does not
            violate a financial covenant in Section 5.2(L), and
            subject to the Tangible Net Worth limitation set forth
            above, the Borrower or a Subsidiary may incur Liens on
            Indebtedness of up to $10 million at any one time
            outstanding for the purchase of new equipment for
            lease to third parties.

            (x)  Liens on assets of Wabash National Finance
            Corporation, or Subsidiary, which exist on the date
            hereof as set forth on Schedule 5.2.(A) attached
            hereto."

     C. Amendment to Section 5.2(H).  Section 5.2(H) of the Agreement is hereby
amended in its entirety as follows:

            "(H)  Indebtedness.  Incur, create, become or be
            liable directly or indirectly in any manner with
            respect to or permit to exist any Indebtedness if the
            incurrence or existence of such Indebtedness will
            result in a violation of a financial covenant in
            Section 5.2(L) of this Agreement, and provided that
            Wabash National Finance Corporation, a Subsidiary
            shall not incur any Indebtedness other than the
            secured debt permitted under Section 5.2(A)(i) and (x)
            and Indebtedness owed to the Borrower in accordance
            with Section 5.2(M).

     D. Amendments to Section 5.2(L).  Section 5.2(L) of the Agreement is
hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

            "(L) Financial Covenants.

            (i) Tangible Net Worth.  The Borrower, on a consolidated
            basis, will at all times from the date hereof maintain a
            Tangible Net Worth of not less than $135,000,000, increasing
            quarterly commencing January 1, 1997 by an amount equal to
            the sum of fifty percent (50%) of the Borrower's


<PAGE>   6

            consolidated net income (with no downward adjustment for net
            losses in any quarter) and eighty percent (80%) of net
            proceeds received by the Borrower from equity offerings.

            (ii) Funded Debt to Total Capitalization.  The Borrower, on
            a consolidated basis, will maintain a ratio of Funded Debt
            to Total Capitalization not to exceed 60% (.60 to 1.0) at
            all times, calculated on a quarterly basis.

            (iii) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  The Borrower, on a
            consolidated basis, will maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage
            Ratio, calculated quarterly on a four quarter trailing basis
            commencing from the most recent quarter end, at levels not
            less than those shown in the following table for the periods
            indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            PERIOD                     RATIO         
                            ------                     -----         
                  <S>                               <C>              
                  from the date of this                              
                  Amendment  until                                   
                  December 31, 1997                 1.25 to 1.0      
                  At December 31, 1997 until                         
                  June 30, 1998, and                1.50 to 1.0      
                  At June 30, 1998 and at           
                  all times thereafter              2.0 to 1.0       
</TABLE>

     E.  Amendment to Section 5.2(M).  Section 5.2(M) of the Agreement is
hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

            "(M)  Loans to or Investments in Subsidiaries.  Make
            loans to, additional equity or other investments in,
            or otherwise provide financial accommodations to a
            Subsidiary, in excess of $125,000,000 in the aggregate
            at any time outstanding (including loans outstanding
            on the date hereof under Section 5.2(A)(x) and amounts
            incurred by a Subsidiary under Section 5.2(A)(i));
            provided, however, that intercompany accounts payable
            owed by a Subsidiary to the Borrower shall be
            considered loans for purposes of this covenant if such
            accounts payable are not paid within 90 days of
            origination.

     F.  Additional Covenants.  Section 5.2 is hereby amended to add two (2)
new covenants as set forth in their entirety as follows:

            "(N)  Restriction on Non-U.S. Assets.  Make any direct
            or indirect purchase or other acquisition of or
            investment in assets, including lease obligations,
            from or with any person located outside of the United
            States, in the aggregate in excess of 25% of the
            Borrower's consolidated Tangible Net Worth.


<PAGE>   7


            (O)  Limitation on Concentration of Leased Equipment.
            Permit, or allow a Subsidiary to permit the net book
            value of equipment or finance contracts from any one
            lessee to exceed 10% of the Borrower's consolidated
            Tangible Net Worth, except as set forth in Schedule
            5.2(O) attached hereto.

     Section 5.  Amendment to Section 5.3.  Section 5.3 of the Agreement is
hereby amended to add new subsection (J) to read in its entirety as follows:

            (J)  As soon as possible and in any event within 30
            days after the end of each calendar month, a Borrowing
            Base Certificate (when Funded Debt to Total
            Capitalization exceeds 45%), a lease portfolio
            listing, lease receivables aging report and a used
            trailer inventory report for the Borrower and
            Subsidiaries, in form and substance satisfactory to
            the Bank.

     Section 6.  Amendments to Section 6.1.  Section 6.1 of the Agreement is
hereby amended to insert the words "or any Subsidiary" after the word
"Borrower", wherever it appears in the following subsections: (B), (C), (D),
(F), (G), or (H).  Section 6.1 is also amended to add a new subsection (J) as
follows:

            (J)  The failure of the Borrower to
                 complete the private sale of $45,000,000 of its
                 Senior Notes on or before March 31, 1997, (unless
                 such date is extended by the Bank in its sole
                 discretion), pursuant to a Note Purchase
                 Agreement dated as of December 1, 1996.

     Section 7.  Conditions Precedent.  On or prior to the date of execution of
this Third Amendment, the Borrower shall deliver to the Bank the following
documents or complete the following actions, the receipt, sufficiency and
completion of which are conditions precedent to the Bank's obligation to amend
the Agreement:

            (A) An executed original of this Third Amendment;

            (B) An executed replacement Revolving Line of Credit
            Promissory Note;

            (C) A Secretary's Certificate and Borrowing
            Resolutions of the Executive Committee of the Board of
            Directors of the Borrower;

            (D) A Borrower's counsel opinion in form and substance
            acceptable to the Bank and its counsel;

            (E) A Compliance Certificate in form and substance
            acceptable to the Bank;


<PAGE>   8


            (F)  A Borrowing Base Certificate;

            (G)  Payment of an Amendment Fee in the amount of $85,000 which
            will be deducted from the Borrower's demand account maintained with
            the Bank on the date of closing; and

            (H)  The closing of the Borrower's private placement of up to
            $100,000,000 of Senior Notes of the Borrower pursuant to a Note
            Purchase Agreement dated as of December 1, 1996 and the receipt of
            $55,000,000 in initial proceeds of the sale.

     Section 8.  Effect of Third Amendment.  Except as specifically amended in
this Third Amendment, the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect as
therein stated and the Borrower certifies that all representations and
warranties contained therein are true and correct as if made as of the date
hereof and that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the
Agreement.


(1)

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.27


                 FIRST AMENDMENT TO NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS

     THIS FIRST AMENDMENT to the Note Purchase Agreements dated as of January
31, 1996 (this "First Amendment"), is entered into between Wabash National
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and each of the holders
of the Company's 6.41% Series A Senior Notes due January 31, 2003 which is a
signatory to this First Amendment (the "Signing Noteholders").

                                  RECITALS:

     A.   The Company and The Prudential Insurance Company of America,
Nationwide Life Insurance Company, West Coast Life Insurance Company,
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company and Great-West Life & Annuity
Insurance Company (the "Original Purchasers") have entered into separate Note
Purchase Agreements, each dated as of January 31, 1996 (the "Note Purchase
Agreements").

     B.   The Company and the Signing Noteholders now desire to amend, effective
on the date on which the condition specified in Section 3 hereof is satisfied,
certain of the terms of the Note Purchase Agreements.

     C.   Capitalized terms used herein shall have the respective meanings
ascribed thereto in the Note Purchase Agreements unless herein defined or the
context shall otherwise require.

     D.   All requirements of law have been fully complied with and all other
acts and things necessary to make this First Amendment a valid, legal and
binding instrument according to its terms for the purposes herein expressed
has been done or performed.

     NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and the Noteholders, in consideration of good
and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, do hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1.  AMENDMENT.

     Section 1.1. Section 10.6(d)(ii) of the Note Purchase Agreements shall be 
and is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:


     "or (ii) the Company shall not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days
     prior to the date of such Transfer offer pursuant to a written notice (the
     "Asset Disposition Prepayment Notice") to apply on a pro rata basis the
     Excess Net Proceeds to which such assets relate towards the prepayment of
     all outstanding Senior Funded Debt of the Company (including, without
     limitation, the Notes pursuant to Section 8.2 hereof, together with accrued
     interest thereon, including the premium provided for in said Section 8.2).
     Such Asset Disposition Prepayment Notice shall specify (A) a date (the
     "Asset Disposition Prepayment Date"), which shall be not less than 120 days
     nor more
        


<PAGE>   2

     than 180 days following the date of such Asset Disposition Prepayment
     Notice, on which the Company will apply such Excess Net Proceeds to the
     prepayment on a pro rata basis of all of the outstanding Senior Funded Debt
     of the Company held by any Person which accepts such offer of prepayment
     and (B) a date, which shall be not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days
     prior to such Asset Disposition Prepayment Date, on which each holder of
     Senior Funded Debt of the Company must accept or decline such offer of
     prepayment. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company shall not more than
     15 days nor less than 10 days prior to such Asset Disposition Prepayment
     Date send a second written notice (the "Secondary Asset Disposition
     Prepayment Notice") to all holders of outstanding Senior Funded Debt of the
     Company notifying each such holder of the decision of each other holder of
     Senior Funded Debt of the Company to accept or reject such offer of
     prepayment and in such Secondary Asset Disposition Prepayment Notice offer
     to each holder of outstanding Senior Funded Debt to apply on a pro rata
     basis the amount of such Excess Net Proceeds which will not be applied to
     such prepayment by virtue of any such holder of Senior Funded Debt having
     declined the original offer of prepayment. On such Asset Disposition
     Prepayment Date, the Company shall apply the amount of such Excess Net
     Proceeds which has been agreed or deemed to be agreed by holders of Senior
     Funded Debt of the Company pursuant to any agreement pursuant to which any
     such Senior Funded Debt is outstanding shall be applied to the prepayment
     of Senior Funded Debt held by each holder thereof which has accepted or
     been deemed to accept such initial offer of prepayment or such initial
     offer and such secondary offer of prepayment, as the case may be, to the
     prepayment of Senior Funded Debt as and to the extent herein contemplated.
     It is understood and agreed by the Company and each holder of the Notes by
     its acceptance thereof that any such holder may decline any such offer of
     prepayment, that the failure of any such holder to accept or decline any
     such offer of prepayment shall be deemed to be an election by such holder
     to accept such prepayment and that if any such offer is so accepted, the
     Excess Net Proceeds so offered towards the prepayment of the Notes and
     accepted shall be prepaid, together with the premium provided for in
     Section 8.2."
        
     Section 1.2. Schedule B of the Note Purchase Agreements shall be and is
hereby amended by adding the following definitions thereto in alphabetical
order:

     "Asset Disposition Prepayment Date" is defined in Section 10.6.

     "Asset Disposition Prepayment Notice" is defined in Section 10.6.

     "Secondary Asset Disposition Prepayment Notice" is defined in Section
10.6.

     "Senior Funded Debt" means, with respect to any Person, Funded Debt of
such Person which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any
other Funded Debt of such Person.


                                     -2-
<PAGE>   3

SECTION 2.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.

     Section 2.1. To induce the Noteholders to execute and deliver this First
Amendment, the Company represents and warrants to the Noteholders (which
representations shall survive the execution and delivery of this First
Amendment) that:

        (a) this First Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and
     delivered by it and this First Amendment constitutes the legal, valid and
     binding obligation, contract and agreement of the Company enforceable
     against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be
     limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar
     laws or equitable principles relating to or limiting creditors' rights
     generally;

        (b) the Note Purchase Agreements, as amended by this First Amendment,
     constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations, contracts and
     agreements of the Company enforceable against it in accordance with their
     terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
     reorganization, moratorium or similar laws or equitable principles relating
     to or limiting creditors' rights generally;

        (c) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this First
     Amendment (1) has been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action
     and, if required, shareholder action, (2) does not require the consent or
     approval of any governmental or regulatory body or agency, and (3) will not
     (i) violate (A) any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation or its
     certificate of incorporation or bylaws, (B) any order of any court or any
     rule, regulation or order of any other agency or government binding upon
     it, or (C) any provision of any material indenture, agreement or other
     instrument to which it is a party or by which its properties or assets are
     or may be bound, or (ii) result in a breach or constitute (alone or with
     due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any indenture,
     agreement or other instrument referred to in clause (3)(i)(C) of this
     Section 2.1(c); and

        (d) as of the date hereof and after giving effect to this First
     Amendment, no Default or Event of Default has occurred which is continuing.

SECTION 3.   CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS OF AMENDMENT.

     This First Amendment shall become effective when executed counterparts of
this First Amendment, duly executed by the Company and the Signing
Noteholders, shall have been delivered to the holders of the Notes.

SECTION 4.   MISCELLANEOUS.

     Section 4.1. Except as modified and expressly amended by this First
Amendment, the Note Purchase Agreements are in all respects ratified,
confirmed and approved and all of the terms, provisions and conditions thereof
shall be and remain in full force and effect.

                                     -3-

<PAGE>   4

     Section 4.2. Any and all notices, requests, certificates and other
instruments executed and delivered after the execution and delivery of this
First Amendment may refer to the Note Purchase Agreements without making
specific reference to this First Amendment but nevertheless all such
references shall include this First Amendment unless the context otherwise
requires.

     Section 4.3. THIS FIRST AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

     Section 4.4. This First Amendment may be executed and delivered in any
number of counterparts, each of such counterparts constituting an original,
but all together only one First Amendment.






                                     -4-


<PAGE>   5
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Signing Noteholders have caused
this instrument to be executed, all as of the day and year first above written.


                                                WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION



                                                By /s/Mark R. Holden 
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                   Its Vice President and
                                                   Chief Financial Officer


                                     -5-
<PAGE>   6
                                        THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF
                                          AMERICA



                                        By /s/ Signature
                                           ---------------------------------
                                           Its Vice President





                                     -6-

<PAGE>   7
Accepted and Agreed to:


                                        GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE
                                          COMPANY


        
                                        By /s/ Julie Bock
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Its  JULIE BOCK
                                               ASST. VICE PRESIDENT


                                        By /s/ James G. Lowery
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Its  James G. Lowery
                                               Assistant Vice President
                                               Private Placement Investments



                                     -7-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.28

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


                          WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION


                                      Re:



        $8,000,000 6.99% Senior Notes, Series B, due December 17, 2001,
    $22,000,000 Designated Rate Senior Notes, Series C, due March 13, 2002,
        $9,000,000 7.31% Senior Notes, Series D, due December 17, 2004,
     $3,000,000 Designated Rate Senior Notes, Series E, due March 13, 2005,
        $13,000,000 7.47% Senior Notes, Series F, due December 17, 2006,
        $20,000,000 7.53% Senior Notes, Series G, due December 30, 2008
                                      and
        $25,000,000 7.55% Senior Notes, Series H, due December 17, 2008


                                 ______________

                            NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT


                                 _____________



                          Dated as of December 1, 1996



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



<PAGE>   2




                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                         (Not a part of the Agreement)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECTION                                    HEADING                                                                            PAGE

<S>               <C>                                                                                                          <C>
SECTION 1.        AUTHORIZATION OF NOTES; DESIGNATION OF INTEREST RATE FOR SERIES C AND SERIES E NOTES ........................  1

SECTION 2.        SALE AND PURCHASE OF NOTES ..................................................................................  2

SECTION 3.        CLOSINGS ....................................................................................................  3

SECTION 4.        CONDITIONS TO EACH CLOSING ..................................................................................  3  

   Section 4.1.      Representations and Warranties  ..........................................................................  3
   Section 4.2.      Performance; No Default ..................................................................................  3
   Section 4.3.      Compliance Certificates ..................................................................................  4
   Section 4.4.      Opinions of Counsel ......................................................................................  4
   Section 4.5.      Purchase Permitted By Applicable Law, etc ................................................................  4
   Section 4.6.      Sale of Other Notes  .....................................................................................  4
   Section 4.7.      Payment of Special Counsel Fees ..........................................................................  5
   Section 4.8.      Private Placement Number .................................................................................  5
   Section 4.9.      Changes in Corporate Structure ...........................................................................  5
   Section 4.10.     Proceedings and Documents  ...............................................................................  5

SECTION 5.        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY ...............................................................  5

   Section 5.1.      Organization; Power and Authority ........................................................................  5
   Section 5.2.      Authorization, etc .......................................................................................  5
   Section 5.3.      Disclosure ...............................................................................................  6
   Section 5.4.      Organization and Ownership of Shares of Subsidiaries; Affiliates .........................................  6
   Section 5.5.      Financial Statements .....................................................................................  7
   Section 5.6.      Compliance with Laws, Other Instruments, etc .............................................................  7
   Section 5.7.      Governmental Authorizations, etc .........................................................................  8
   Section 5.8.      Litigation; Observance of Agreements, Statutes and Orders ................................................  8
   Section 5.9.      Taxes ....................................................................................................  8
   Section 5.10.     Title to Property; Leases ................................................................................  8
</TABLE>


                                      -2-


<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
   <S>               <C>                                                                                                       <C>
   Section 5.11.     Licenses, Permits, etc ...................................................................................  9
   Section 5.12.     Compliance with ERISA  ...................................................................................  9
   Section 5.13.     Private Offering by the Company .......................................................................... 10
   Section 5.14.     Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations ...................................................................... 10
   Section 5.15.     Existing Indebtedness; Future Liens  ..................................................................... 10
   Section 5.16.     Foreign Assets Control Regulations, etc .................................................................. 11
   Section 5.17.     Status under Certain Statutes ............................................................................ 11
   Section 5.18.     Environmental Matters .................................................................................... 11

SECTION 6.        REPRESENTATIONS OF THE PURCHASER  ........................................................................... 12

   Section 6.1.      Purchase for Investment .................................................................................. 12
   Section 6.2.      Source of Funds .......................................................................................... 12

SECTION 7.        INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY ................................................................................... 13

   Section 7.1.      Financial and Business Information ....................................................................... 13
   Section 7.2.      Officer's Certificate .................................................................................... 16
   Section 7.3.      Inspection ............................................................................................... 17

SECTION 8.        PREPAYMENT OF THE NOTES ..................................................................................... 17

   Section 8.1.      Required Prepayments ..................................................................................... 17
   Section 8.2.      Optional Prepayments with Make-Whole Amount .............................................................. 18
   Section 8.3.      Allocation of Partial Prepayments ........................................................................ 18
   Section 8.4.      Maturity; Surrender, etc ................................................................................. 18
   Section 8.5.      Purchase of Notes ........................................................................................ 19
   Section 8.6.      Make-Whole Amount ........................................................................................ 19

SECTION 9.        AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS ....................................................................................... 20

   Section 9.1.      Compliance with Law ...................................................................................... 20
   Section 9.2.      Insurance ................................................................................................ 20
   Section 9.3.      Maintenance of Properties ................................................................................ 21
   Section 9.4.      Payment of Taxes and Claims .............................................................................. 21
   Section 9.5.      Corporate Existence, etc ................................................................................. 21
   Section 9.6.      Maintenance of Business .................................................................................. 21
   Section 9.7.      Notes to Rank Pari Passu  ................................................................................ 21

SECTION 10.       NEGATIVE COVENANTS .......................................................................................... 22

   Section 10.1.     Consolidated Tangible Net Worth .......................................................................... 22
   Section 10.2.     Funded Debt .............................................................................................. 22
</TABLE>

                                      -3-


<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
   <S>               <C>                                                                                                       <C>
   Section 10.3.     Priority Debt ............................................................................................ 22
   Section 10.4.     Limitation on Liens ...................................................................................... 23
   Section 10.5.     Mergers, Consolidations and Sales of Assets .............................................................. 24
   Section 10.6.     Transactions with Affiliates ............................................................................. 26

SECTION 11.       EVENTS OF DEFAULT  .......................................................................................... 26

SECTION 12.       REMEDIES ON DEFAULT, ETC .................................................................................... 28
   Section 12.1.     Acceleration  ............................................................................................ 28
   Section 12.2.     Other Remedies ........................................................................................... 29
   Section 12.3.     Rescission ............................................................................................... 29
   Section 12.4.     No Waivers or Election of Remedies, Expenses, etc ........................................................ 29

SECTION 13.       REGISTRATION; EXCHANGE; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES ............................................................... 30

   Section 13.1.     Registration of Notes .................................................................................... 30
   Section 13.2.     Transfer and Exchange of Notes  .......................................................................... 30
   Section 13.3.     Replacement of Notes ..................................................................................... 30

SECTION 14.       PAYMENTS ON NOTES ........................................................................................... 31

   Section 14.1.     Place of Payment ......................................................................................... 31
   Section 14.2.     Home Office Payment ...................................................................................... 31

SECTION 15.       EXPENSES, ETC ............................................................................................... 31

   Section 15.1.     Transaction Expenses ..................................................................................... 31
   Section 15.2.     Survival ................................................................................................. 32

SECTION 16.       SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; ENTIRE AGREEMENT ................................................ 32

SECTION 17.       AMENDMENT AND WAIVER ........................................................................................ 32

   Section 17.1.     Requirements ............................................................................................. 32
   Section 17.2.     Solicitation of Holders of Notes ......................................................................... 33
   Section 17.3.     Binding Effect, etc ...................................................................................... 34
   Section 17.4.     Notes Held by Company, etc ............................................................................... 34

SECTION 18.       NOTICES ..................................................................................................... 34
</TABLE>

                                      -4-


<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>

<S>               <C>                                                                                                          <C>
SECTION 19.       REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS ................................................................................... 35

SECTION 20.       CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION  ................................................................................... 35

SECTION 21.       SUBSTITUTION OF PURCHASER ................................................................................... 36

SECTION 22.       MISCELLANEOUS ............................................................................................... 36

   Section 22.1.     Successors and Assigns ................................................................................... 36
   Section 22.2.     Payments Due on Non-Business Days ........................................................................ 36
   Section 22.3.     Severability ............................................................................................. 37
   Section 22.4.     Construction ............................................................................................. 37
   Section 22.5.     Counterparts ............................................................................................. 37
   Section 22.6.     Governing Law ............................................................................................ 37

Signature ..................................................................................................................... 38
</TABLE>



                                      -5-


<PAGE>   6



<TABLE>
<S>                 <C>  <C>
SCHEDULE A          --   INFORMATION RELATING TO PURCHASERS

SCHEDULE B          --   DEFINED TERMS

SCHEDULE 4.9        --   Changes in Corporate Structure

SCHEDULE 5.3        --   Disclosure Materials

SCHEDULE 5.4        --   Subsidiaries of the Company and Ownership of Subsidiary Stock

SCHEDULE 5.5        --   Financial Statements

SCHEDULE 5.8        --   Certain Litigation

SCHEDULE 5.11       --   Patents, etc.

SCHEDULE 5.14       --   Use of Proceeds

SCHEDULE 5.15       --   Existing Indebtedness

SCHEDULE 10.4       --   Existing Liens

EXHIBIT 1           --   Form of 6.99% Senior Note, Series B, due December 17, 2001

EXHIBIT 2           --   Form of Designated Rate Senior Note, Series C,
                         due March 13, 2002

EXHIBIT 3           --   Form of 7.31% Senior Note, Series D, due December 17, 2004

EXHIBIT 4           --   Form of Designated Rate Senior Note, Series E,
                         due March 13, 2005

EXHIBIT 5           --   Form of 7.47% Senior Note, Series F, due December 17, 2006

EXHIBIT 6           --   Form of 7.53% Senior Note, Series G, due December 30, 2008

EXHIBIT 7           --   Form of 7.55% Senior Note, Series H, due December 17, 2008

EXHIBIT 4.4(A)      --   Form of Opinion of Special Counsel for the Company
</TABLE>

                                      -6-


<PAGE>   7
<TABLE>
<S>                 <C>  <C>   
EXHIBIT 4.4(B)      --   Form of Opinion of Special Indiana Counsel for the Company

EXHIBIT 4.4(C)      --   Form of Opinion of Special Counsel for the Purchasers
</TABLE>




                                      -7-


<PAGE>   8




                          WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION
                          1000 SAGAMORE PARKWAY SOUTH
                           LAFAYETTE, INDIANA  47905

                                      Re:

        $8,000,000 6.99% Senior Notes, Series B, due December 17, 2001,
    $22,000,000 Designated Rate Senior Notes, Series C, due March 13, 2002,
        $9,000,000 7.31% Senior Notes, Series D, due December 17, 2004,
     $3,000,000 Designated Rate Senior Notes, Series E, due March 13, 2005,
        $13,000,000 7.47% Senior Notes, Series F, due December 17, 2006,
        $20,000,000 7.53% Senior Notes, Series G, due December 30, 2008
                                      and
        $25,000,000 7.55% Senior Notes, Series H, due December 17, 2008

                                                                     Dated as of
                                                                December 1, 1996


TO EACH OF THE PURCHASERS LISTED IN
 THE ATTACHED SCHEDULE A:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
agrees with you as follows:

SECTION 1.    AUTHORIZATION OF NOTES; DESIGNATION OF INTEREST RATE FOR SERIES C
              AND SERIES E NOTES.

     (a) The Company will authorize the issue and sale of (a) $8,000,000
aggregate principal amount of its 6.99% Senior Notes, Series B, due December
17, 2001 (the "Series B Notes"), (b) $22,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
its Designated Rate Senior Notes, Series C, due March 13, 2002 (the "Series C
Notes"), (c) $9,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 7.31% Senior Notes,
Series D, due December 17, 2004 (the "Series D Notes"), (d) $3,000,000
aggregate principal amount of its Designated Rate Senior Notes, Series E, due
March 13, 2005 (the "Series E Notes"), (e) $13,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of its 7.47% Senior Notes, Series F, due December 17, 2006 (the "Series
F Notes"), (f) $20,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 7.53% Senior
Notes, Series G, due December 30, 2008 (the "Series G Notes"), and (g)
$25,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 7.55% Senior Notes, Series H, due
December 17, 2008 (the "Series H Notes"; the Series B Notes, the Series C
Notes, the Series D Notes, the Series E Notes, the Series F Notes, the Series G
Notes and the Series H



                                     -8-
<PAGE>   9


Notes being hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Notes"), such term to
include any such notes issued in substitution therefor pursuant to SECTION 13
of this Agreement or the Other Agreements (as hereinafter defined)).  The Notes
shall be substantially in the form set out in EXHIBITS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7,
respectively, with such changes therefrom, if any, as may be approved by you
and the Company.  Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined
in SCHEDULE B; references to a "SCHEDULE" or an "EXHIBIT" are, unless otherwise
specified, to a SCHEDULE or an EXHIBIT attached to this Agreement.

     (b) The Company agrees with the Institutional Investors which are
scheduled to purchase the Series C Notes (the "Series C Institutional
Investors") and the Series E Notes (the "Series E Institutional Investors") on
the date of the third Closing as set forth opposite their respective names on
SCHEDULE A that the interest rate to be payable on and in respect of the Series
C Notes and the Series E Notes (individually, the "Series C Designated Rate"
and the "Series E Designated Rate" and collectively the "Designated Rates")
will be set and agreed upon at 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on March 11,
1997.  The Series C Designated Rate will be set and agreed upon by the Company
and the Series C Institutional Investors and the Series E  Designated Rate will
be set and agreed upon by the Company and the Series E Institutional Investors.
The Series C Designated Rate will be .75% over the yield to maturity implied
by yields reported as of 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on March 11, 1997 on
the display designated as "Page PX1" on the Bloomberg Financial Markets
Services Screen (or such other display as may replace Page PX1 on the Bloomberg
Financial Markets Services Screen) for actively traded U.S. Treasury securities
having a maturity most nearly equal to the five year maturity date of the
Series C Notes or if such yields are not reported as of such time or the yields
reported as of such time are not ascertainable, then the Series C Designated
Rate shall be such interest rate as shall otherwise be agreed upon by the
Company and the Series C Institutional Investors.  The Series E Designated Rate
will be .85% over the yield to maturity implied by the yields reported as of
10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on March 11, 1997 on the display designated as
"Page PX1" on the Bloomberg Financial Markets Services Screen (or such other
display as may replace Page PX1 on the Bloomberg Financial Markets Services
Screen) for actively traded U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity most
nearly equal to the eight year maturity date of the Series E Notes or if such
yields are not reported as of such time or the yields reported as of such time
are not ascertainable, then the Series E Designated Rate shall be such interest
rate as shall otherwise be agreed upon by the Company and the Series E
Institutional Investors.  Not more than ten nor less than five Business Days
prior to March 11, 1997 the Company will send a notice to the Series C
Institutional Investors and the Series E Institutional Investors confirming the
date and time at which the Designated Rates will be set.  On March 11, 1997 the
Company will initiate a telephonic conference call with the Series C
Institutional Investors and the Series E Institutional Investors to set the
Designated Rates in the manner herein contemplated.


                                      -9-


<PAGE>   10


SECTION 2. SALE AND PURCHASE OF NOTES.

     Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company will
issue and sell to you and you will purchase from the Company, at the Closing or
Closings, as the case may be, provided for in SECTION 3, Notes in the principal
amount and of the series specified opposite your name in SCHEDULE A at the
purchase price of 100% of the principal amount thereof.  Contemporaneously with
entering into this Agreement, the Company is entering into separate Note
Purchase Agreements (the "Other Agreements") identical with this Agreement with
each of the other purchasers  named in SCHEDULE A (the "Other Purchasers"),
providing for the sale at such Closing or Closings, as the case may be, to each
of the Other Purchasers of Notes in the principal amount and of the series
specified opposite its name in SCHEDULE A.  Your obligation hereunder, and the
obligations of the Other Purchasers under the Other Agreements, are several and
not joint obligations, and you shall have no obligation  under any Other
Agreement and no liability to any Person for the performance or nonperformance
by any Other Purchaser thereunder.

SECTION 3. CLOSINGS.

     The sale and purchase of the Notes to be purchased by you and the Other
Purchasers shall occur at the offices of Chapman and Cutler, 111 West Monroe
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, at 10:00 A.M. Chicago time, on the date or
dates set forth opposite your name on SCHEDULE A, the first of which shall
occur on December 17, 1996, the second of which shall occur on December 30,
1996 and the third of which shall occur on March 13, 1997 (individually, each
called the "Closing" and collectively the "Closings") or in the case of each
such Closing on such other Business Day thereafter on or prior to March 31,
1997 as may be agreed upon by the Company and you and the Other Purchasers.  At
each Closing the Company will deliver to you the Notes of the series to be
purchased by you on the date of such Closing in the form of a single Note (or
such greater number of Notes in denominations of at least $100,000 as you may
request) dated the date of such Closing and registered in your name (or in the
name of your nominee), against delivery by you to the Company or its order of
immediately available funds in the amount of the purchase price therefor by
wire transfer of immediately available funds for the account of the Company to
account number 56-90021 for the account of Wabash National Corporation at First
Chicago NBD Bank, Chicago, Illinois, ABA No. 071000013.  If at any Closing on
which you are scheduled to purchase Notes, the Company shall fail to tender
such Notes to you as provided above in this SECTION 3, or any of the conditions
specified in SECTION 4 shall not have been fulfilled to your satisfaction, you
shall, at your election, be relieved of all further obligations under this
Agreement, without thereby waiving any rights you may have by reason of such
failure or such nonfulfillment.

SECTION 4. CONDITIONS TO EACH CLOSING.


                                      -10-


<PAGE>   11


     Your obligation to purchase and pay for the Notes to be sold to you at the
Closing or Closings on which you are scheduled to purchase and pay for such
Notes is subject to the fulfillment to your satisfaction, prior to or at such
Closing or Closings, of the following conditions:

     Section 4.1. Representations and Warranties.  The representations and
warranties of the Company in this Agreement shall be correct when made and at
the time of such Closing.

     Section 4.2. Performance; No Default.  The Company shall have performed
and complied with all agreements and conditions contained in this Agreement
required to be performed or complied with by it prior to or at such Closing,
and after giving effect to the issue and sale of the Notes (and the application
of the proceeds thereof as contemplated by SCHEDULE 5.14), no Default or Event
of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.  Neither the Company nor any
Subsidiary shall have entered into any transaction since the date of the
Memorandum that would have been prohibited by any covenant contained in
SECTIONS 9 or 10 hereof had such SECTIONS applied since such date.

     Section 4.3. Compliance Certificates.

     (a) Officer's Certificate.  The Company shall have delivered to you an
Officer's Certificate, dated the date of such Closing, certifying that the
conditions specified in SECTIONS 4.1, 4.2 and 4.9 have been fulfilled.

     (b) Secretary's Certificate.  The Company shall have delivered to you a
certificate certifying as to the resolutions attached thereto and other
corporate proceedings relating to the authorization, execution and delivery of
the Notes and the Agreements.

     Section 4.4. Opinions of Counsel.  You shall have received opinions in
form and substance satisfactory to you, dated the date of the Closing (a) from
Hogan & Hartson L.L.P., independent counsel for the Company, covering the
matters set forth in EXHIBIT 4.4(b) and covering such other matters incident to
the transactions contemplated hereby as you or your counsel may reasonably
request (and the Company hereby instructs its counsel to deliver such opinion
to you), (b) from Gambs Mucker Bauman & Seeger, special Indiana counsel to the
Company, covering the matters set forth in EXHIBIT 4.4(b) and covering such
other matters incident to the transactions contemplated hereby as you or your
counsel may reasonably request (and the Company hereby instructs its counsel to
deliver such opinion to you) and (c) from Chapman and Cutler, your special
counsel in connection with such transactions, substantially in the form set
forth in EXHIBIT 4.4(c) and covering such other matters incident to such
transactions as you may reasonably request.


                                      -11-


<PAGE>   12


     Section 4.5. Purchase Permitted By Applicable Law, etc.  On the date of
such Closing your purchase of Notes scheduled to be sold to you on the date of
such Closing shall (a) be permitted by the laws and regulations of each
jurisdiction to which you are subject, without recourse to provisions (such as
Section 1405(a)(8) of the New York Insurance Law) permitting limited
investments by insurance companies without restriction as to the character of
the particular investment, (b) not violate any applicable law or regulation
(including, without limitation, Regulation G, T or X of the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System) and (c) not subject you to any tax, penalty or
liability under or pursuant to any applicable law or regulation, which law or
regulation was not in effect on the date hereof.  If requested by you, you
shall have received an Officer's Certificate certifying as to such matters of
fact as you may reasonably specify to enable you to determine whether such
purchase is so permitted.

     Section 4.6. Sale of Other Notes.  (a) Contemporaneously with such
Closing, the Company shall sell to the Other Purchasers scheduled to purchase
Notes on the date of such Closing, and such Other Purchasers shall purchase,
the Notes to be purchased by them at such Closing as specified in SCHEDULE A.

     (b) On the date of each Closing consummated prior to the date of such
Closing, the Company shall have sold all of the Notes as specified in SCHEDULE
A on the date of such prior Closing.

     Section 4.7. Payment of Special Counsel Fees.  Without limiting the
provisions of SECTION 15.1, the Company shall have paid on or before such
Closing the fees, charges and disbursements of your special counsel referred to
in SECTION 4.4 incurred in connection with the preparation of this Agreement,
the Other Agreements and matters incident thereto to the extent reflected in a
statement of such counsel rendered to the Company at least one Business Day
prior to such Closing.

     Section 4.8. Private Placement Number.  On or prior to the date of the
first Closing, a Private Placement number issued by Standard & Poor's CUSIP
Service Bureau (in cooperation with the Securities Valuation Office of the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners) shall have been obtained for
each series of the Notes.

     Section 4.9. Changes in Corporate Structure.  Except as specified in
SCHEDULE 4.9, the Company shall on the date of such Closing not have changed
its jurisdiction of incorporation or been a party to any merger or
consolidation and shall not have succeeded to all or any substantial part of
the liabilities of any other entity, at any time following the date of the most
recent financial statements referred to in SCHEDULE 5.5.


                                      -12-



<PAGE>   13


     Section 4.10. Proceedings and Documents.  All corporate and other
proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
on the date of such Closing and on the date of each prior Closing and all
documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall be satisfactory
to you and your special counsel, and you and your special counsel shall have
received all such counterpart originals or certified or other copies of such
documents as you or they may reasonably request.

SECTION 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.

     The Company represents and warrants to you that:

     Section 5.1. Organization; Power and Authority.  The Company is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and is duly qualified as a foreign
corporation and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such
qualification is required by law, other than those jurisdictions as to which
the failure to be so qualified or in good standing could not, individually or
in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
The Company has the corporate power and authority to own or hold under lease
the properties it purports to own or hold under lease, to transact the business
it transacts and proposes to transact, to execute and deliver this Agreement
and the Other Agreements and the Notes and to perform the provisions hereof and
thereof.

     Section 5.2. Authorization, etc.  This Agreement, the Other Agreements and
the Notes have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the
part of the Company, and this Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and
delivery thereof against value therefor each Note will constitute, a legal,
valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in
accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (a)
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (b) general
principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered
in a proceeding in equity or at law).

     Section 5.3. Disclosure.  The Company, through its agent, Salomon Brothers
Inc, has delivered to you and each Other Purchaser a copy of a Private
Placement Memorandum, dated October 15, 1996 (the "Memorandum"), relating to
the transactions contemplated hereby.  Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE 5.3, the
Memorandum fairly describes, in all material respects, the general nature of
the business and principal properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE 5.3, this Agreement, the Memorandum, the
documents, certificates or other writings delivered to you by or on behalf of
the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including,
without limitation, the December 31, 1995 SEC Form 10-K (including all
documents incorporated by reference therein), the March 31, 1996 SEC

                                      -13-


<PAGE>   14


Form 10-Q, June 30, 1996 SEC Form 10-Q and the September 30, 1996 SEC Form 10-Q
of the Company, and the financial statements listed in SCHEDULE 5.5, taken as a
whole, do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in
light of the circumstances under which they were made.  Except as disclosed in
the Memorandum or as expressly described in SCHEDULE 5.3, or in one of the
documents, certificates or other writings identified therein, or in the March
31, 1996, June 30, 1996 or September 30, 1996 SEC Forms 10-Q or in the
financial statements listed in SCHEDULE 5.5, since December 31, 1995, there has
been no change  in  the  financial  condition, operations, business, properties
or prospects of the Company or any Subsidiary except changes that individually
or in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.  There is no fact known to the Company that could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect that has not been set forth herein
or in the Memorandum or in the other documents, certificates and other writings
delivered to you by or on behalf of the Company specifically for use in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

     Section 5.4. Organization and Ownership of Shares of Subsidiaries;
Affiliates.  (a) SCHEDULE 5.4 contains (except as noted therein) complete and
correct lists (i) of the Company's Subsidiaries, showing, as to each
Subsidiary, the correct name thereof, the jurisdiction of its organization, and
the percentage of shares of each class of its capital stock or similar equity
interests outstanding owned by the Company and each other Subsidiary, (ii) of
the Company's Affiliates, other than Subsidiaries, and (iii) of the Company's
directors and executive officers.

     (b) All of the outstanding shares of capital stock or similar equity
interests of each Subsidiary shown in SCHEDULE 5.4 as being owned by the
Company and its Subsidiaries have been validly issued, are fully paid and
nonassessable and are owned by the Company or another Subsidiary free and clear
of any Lien (except as otherwise disclosed in SCHEDULE 5.4).

     (c) Each Subsidiary identified in SCHEDULE 5.4 is a corporation or other
legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of organization, and is duly qualified as a foreign
corporation or other legal entity and is in good standing in each jurisdiction
in which such qualification is required by law, other than those jurisdictions
as to which the failure to be so qualified or in good standing could not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.  Each such Subsidiary has the corporate or other power and
authority to own or hold under lease the properties it purports to own or hold
under lease and to transact the business it transacts and proposes to transact.

     (d) No Subsidiary is a party to, or otherwise subject to any legal
restriction or any agreement (other than this Agreement, the agreements listed
on SCHEDULE 5.4 and customary

                                      -14-


<PAGE>   15


limitations imposed by corporate law statutes) restricting the ability of such
Subsidiary to pay dividends out of profits or make any other similar
distributions of profits to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that owns
outstanding shares of capital stock or similar equity interests of such
Subsidiary.

     Section 5.5. Financial Statements.  The Company has delivered to each
Purchaser copies of the financial statements of the Company and its
Subsidiaries listed on SCHEDULE 5.5. All of said financial statements
(including in each case the related schedules and notes) fairly present in all
material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and its
Subsidiaries as of the respective dates specified in such SCHEDULE and the
consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the respective
periods so specified and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied throughout the periods involved except as set forth in the
notes thereto (subject, in the case of any interim financial statements, to
normal year-end adjustments).

     Section 5.6. Compliance with Laws, Other Instruments, etc.  (a) The
execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the
Notes will not (i) contravene, result in any breach of, or constitute a default
under, or result in the creation of any Lien in respect of any property of the
Company or any Subsidiary under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan,
purchase or credit agreement, lease, corporate charter or by-laws, or any other
Material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any Subsidiary is
bound or by which the Company or any Subsidiary or any of their respective
properties may be bound or affected, (ii) conflict with or result in a breach
of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any order, judgment, decree,
or ruling of any court, arbitrator or Governmental Authority applicable to the
Company or any Subsidiary or (iii) violate any provision of any statute or
other rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority applicable to the
Company or any Subsidiary.

     (b) The Notes and all other obligations under this Agreement of the
Company are direct and unsecured obligations of the Company ranking pari passu
with all other existing unsecured Indebtedness of the Company (actual or
contingent) which is not expressed to be subordinated or junior in rank to any
other unsecured Indebtedness of the Company.

     Section 5.7. Governmental Authorizations, etc.  No consent, approval or
authorization of, or registration, filing or declaration with, any Governmental
Authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance
by the Company of this Agreement or the Notes.

     Section 5.8. Litigation; Observance of Agreements, Statutes and Orders.
(a) Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE 5.8, there are no actions, suits or
proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or
affecting the Company or any Subsidiary or

                                      -15-


<PAGE>   16


any property of the Company or any Subsidiary in any court or before any
arbitrator of any kind or before or by any Governmental Authority that,
individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

     (b) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default under any term of
any agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, or
any order, judgment, decree or ruling of any court, arbitrator or Governmental
Authority or is in violation of any applicable law, ordinance, rule or
regulation (including without limitation Environmental Laws) of any
Governmental Authority, which default or violation, individually or in the
aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     Section 5.9. Taxes.  The Company and its Subsidiaries have filed all tax
returns that are required to have been filed in any jurisdiction, and have paid
all taxes shown to be due and payable on such returns and all other taxes and
assessments levied upon them or their properties, assets, income or franchises,
to the extent such taxes and assessments have become due and payable and before
they have become delinquent, except for any taxes and assessments (a) the
amount of which is not individually or in the aggregate Material or (b) the
amount, applicability or validity of which is currently being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which the Company or a
Subsidiary, as the case may be, has established adequate reserves in accordance
with GAAP.  The Company knows of no basis for any other tax or assessment that
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  The charges,
accruals and reserves on the books of the Company and its Subsidiaries in
respect of Federal, state or other taxes for all fiscal periods are adequate.
The Federal income tax liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries have
been determined by the Internal Revenue Service and paid for all fiscal years
up to and including the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992.

     Section 5.10. Title to Property; Leases.  The Company and its Subsidiaries
have good and sufficient title to their respective properties that individually
or in the aggregate are Material (other than assets subject to Capitalized
Leases), including all such properties reflected in the most recent audited
balance sheet referred to in SECTION 5.5 or purported to have been acquired by
the Company or any Subsidiary after said date (except as sold or otherwise
disposed of in the ordinary course of business), in each case free and clear of
Liens prohibited by this Agreement, except for those defects in title and Liens
that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse
Effect.  All leases that individually or in the aggregate are Material are
valid and subsisting and are in full force and effect in all material respects.

     Section 5.11. Licenses, Permits, etc.  Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE
5.11,

     (a) the Company and its Subsidiaries own, possess or have the lawful right
to use all licenses, permits, franchises, authorizations, patents, copyrights,
service marks, trademarks and

                                      -16-


<PAGE>   17


trade names, or rights thereto, that individually or in the aggregate are
Material, without known conflict with the rights of others, except for those
conflicts that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material
Adverse Effect;

     (b) to the best knowledge of the Company, no product of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries infringes in any material respect any license, permit,
franchise, authorization, patent, copyright, service mark, trademark, trade
name or other right owned by any other Person; and

     (c) to the best knowledge of the Company, there is no Material violation
by any Person of any right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with
respect to any patent, copyright, service mark, trademark, trade name or other
right owned or used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

     Section 5.12. Compliance with ERISA.  (a) The Company and each ERISA
Affiliate have operated and administered each Plan in compliance with all
applicable laws except for such instances of noncompliance as have not resulted
in and could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any liability
pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or the penalty or excise tax provisions of
the Code relating to employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3 of ERISA),
and no event, transaction or condition has occurred or exists that could
reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence of any such liability by the
Company or any ERISA Affiliate, or in the imposition of any Lien on any of the
rights, properties or assets of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate, in either
case pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or to such penalty or excise tax
provisions or to Section 401(a)(29) or 412 of the Code, other than such
liabilities or Liens as would not be individually or in the aggregate Material.

     (b) The present value of the aggregate benefit liabilities under each of
the Plans (other than Multiemployer Plans), determined as of the end of such
Plan's most recently ended plan year on the basis of the actuarial assumptions
specified for funding purposes in such Plan's most recent actuarial valuation
report, did not exceed the aggregate current value of the assets of such Plan
allocable to such benefit liabilities.  The  terms "benefit  liabilities" has
the meaning specified in section 4001 of ERISA and the terms "current value"
and "present value" have the meaning specified in section 3 of ERISA.

     (c) The Company and its ERISA Affiliates have not incurred withdrawal
liabilities (and are not subject to contingent withdrawal liabilities) under
section 4201 or 4204 of ERISA in respect of Multiemployer Plans that
individually or in the aggregate are Material.

     (d) The expected post-retirement benefit obligation (determined as of the
last day of the Company's most recently ended fiscal year in accordance with
Financial Accounting

                                      -17-


<PAGE>   18


Standards Board Statement No. 106, without regard to liabilities attributable
to continuation coverage mandated by section 4980B of the Code) of the Company
and its Subsidiaries is not Material.

     (e) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the issuance and sale
of the Notes hereunder will not involve any transaction that is subject to the
prohibitions of section 406(a)(1) of ERISA or in connection with which a tax
could be imposed pursuant to section 4975(c)(1)(A)-(D) of the Code.  The
representation by the Company in the first sentence of this SECTION 5.12(E) is
made in reliance upon and subject to (i) the accuracy of your representation in
SECTION 6.2 as to the sources of the funds used to pay the purchase price of
the Notes to be purchased by you and (ii) the assumption, made solely for the
purpose of making such representation, that Department of Labor Interpretive
Bulletin 75-2 with respect to prohibited transactions remains valid in the
circumstances of the transactions contemplated herein.

     Section 5.13. Private Offering by the Company.  Neither the Company nor
Salomon Brothers Inc (the only Person authorized or employed by the Company as
agent, broker, dealer, financial advisor or otherwise in connection with the
offering or sale of the Notes or similar securities of the Company) has offered
the Notes or any similar securities for sale to, or solicited any offer to buy
any of the same from, or otherwise approached or negotiated in respect thereof
with, any person other than you, the Other Purchasers and not more than 100
other Institutional Investors, each of which has been offered the Notes at a
private sale for investment.  Neither the Company nor any agent acting on its
behalf has taken, or will take, any action that would subject the issuance or
sale of the Notes to the registration requirements of Section 5 of the
Securities Act.

     Section 5.14. Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations.  The Company will apply
the proceeds of the sale of the Notes as set forth in SCHEDULE 5.14. No part of
the proceeds from the sale of the Notes hereunder will be used, directly or
indirectly, for the purpose of buying or carrying any margin stock within the
meaning of Regulation G of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
(12 CFR 207), other than the shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share,
of the Company which are purchased for the purpose of retiring such shares, or
for the purpose of buying or carrying or trading in any securities under such
circumstances as to involve the Company in a violation of Regulation X of said
Board (12 CFR 224) or to involve any broker or dealer in a violation of
Regulation T of said Board (12 CFR 220).  Margin stock (excluding shares of
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company which have been
retired) does not constitute more than 5% of the value of the consolidated
assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the Company does not have any
present intention that margin stock will constitute more than 5% of the value
of such assets.  As used in this SECTION 5.14, the terms

                                      -18-


<PAGE>   19


"margin stock" and "purpose of buying or carrying" shall have the meanings
assigned to them in said Regulation G, but shall not include the aforesaid
shares of Common Stock.

     Section 5.15. Existing Indebtedness; Future Liens.  (a) SCHEDULE 5.15 sets
forth a complete and correct list of all outstanding Indebtedness of the
Company and its Subsidiaries aggregating in excess of $50,000 as of December 6,
1996, since which date there has been no Material change in the amounts,
interest rates, sinking funds, installment payments or maturities of the
Indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries.  Neither the Company nor any
Subsidiary is in default and no waiver of default is currently in effect, in
the payment of any principal or interest on any Indebtedness of the Company or
such Subsidiary and no event or condition exists with respect to any
Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary that would permit (or that with
notice or the lapse of time, or both, would permit) one or more Persons to
cause such Indebtedness to become due and payable before its stated maturity or
before its regularly scheduled dates of payment.

     (b) Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE 5.15, neither the Company nor any
Subsidiary has agreed or consented to cause or permit in the future (upon the
happening of a contingency or otherwise) any of its property, whether now owned
or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien not permitted by SECTION 10.3.

     Section 5.16. Foreign Assets Control Regulations, etc.  Neither the sale
of the Notes by the Company hereunder nor its use of the proceeds thereof will
violate the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, or any of the foreign
assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR,
Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any enabling legislation or executive
order relating thereto.

     Section 5.17. Status under Certain Statutes.  Neither the Company nor any
Subsidiary is subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, the
Interstate Commerce Act, as amended (the "ICA"), or the Federal Power Act, as
amended, except that Continental Transit Corp. is subject to regulation under
the ICA.

     Section 5.18. Environmental Matters.  Neither the Company nor any
Subsidiary has knowledge of any claim or has received any notice of any claim,
and no proceeding has been instituted raising any claim against the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective real properties now or
formerly owned, leased or operated by any of them or other assets, alleging any
damage to the environment or violation of any Environmental Laws, except, in
each case, such as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect.  Except as otherwise disclosed to you in writing:


                                      -19-


<PAGE>   20


           (a) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has knowledge of any
      facts which would give rise to any claim, public or private, of violation
      of Environmental Laws or damage to the environment emanating from,
      occurring on or in any way related to real properties now or formerly
      owned, leased or operated by any of them or to other assets or their use,
      except, in each case, such as could not reasonably be expected to result
      in a Material Adverse Effect;

           (b) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has stored any
      Hazardous Materials on real properties now or formerly owned, leased or
      operated by any of them and has not disposed of any Hazardous Materials
      in a manner contrary to any Environmental Laws, in each case in any
      manner that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse
      Effect; and

           (c) all buildings on all real properties now owned, leased or
      operated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are in compliance with
      applicable Environmental Laws, except where failure to comply could not
      reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 6. REPRESENTATIONS OF THE PURCHASER.

     Section 6.1. Purchase for Investment.  You represent that you are
purchasing the Notes for your own account or for one or more separate accounts
maintained by you or for the account of one or more pension or trust funds
managed by you and not with a view to the distribution thereof, provided that
the disposition of your or their property shall at all times be within your or
their control.  You understand that the Notes have not been registered under
the Securities Act and may be resold only if registered pursuant to the
provisions of the Securities Act or if an exemption from registration is
available, except under circumstances where neither such registration nor such
an exemption is required by law, and that the Company is not required to
register the Notes.

     Section 6.2. Source of Funds.  You represent that at least one of the
following statements is an accurate representation as to each source of funds
(a "Source") to be used by you to pay the purchase price of the Notes to be
purchased by you hereunder:

           (a) if you are an insurance company, the Source is an "insurance
      company general account" within the meaning of Department of Labor
      Prohibited Transaction Exemption ("PTE") 95-60 (issued July 12, 1995) and
      there is no employee benefit plan, treating as a single plan all plans
      maintained by the same employer or employee organization, with respect to
      which the amount of the general account reserves and liabilities for all
      contracts held by or on behalf of such plan exceeds ten percent (10%) of

                                      -20-


<PAGE>   21


      the total reserves and liabilities of such general account (exclusive of
      separate account liabilities) plus surplus, as set forth in the NAIC
      Annual Statement filed with your state of domicile; or

           (b) if you are an insurance company, the Source does not include
      assets allocated to any separate account maintained by you in which any
      employee benefit plan (or its related trust) has any interest, other than
      a separate account that is maintained solely in connection with your
      fixed contractual obligations under which the amounts payable, or
      credited, to such plan and to any participant or beneficiary of such plan
      (including any annuitant) are not affected in any manner by the
      investment performance of the separate account; or

           (c) the Source is either (i) an insurance company pooled separate
      account, within the meaning of PTE 90-1 (issued January 29, 1990), or
      (ii) a bank collective investment fund, within the meaning of the PTE
      91-38 (issued July 12, 1991) and, except as you have disclosed to the
      Company in writing pursuant to this paragraph (c), no employee benefit
      plan or group of plans maintained by the same employer or employee
      organization beneficially owns more than 10% of all assets allocated to
      such pooled separate account or collective investment fund; or

           (d) the Source constitutes assets of an "investment fund" (within
      the meaning of Part V of the QPAM Exemption) managed by a "qualified
      professional asset manager" or "QPAM" (within the meaning of Part V of
      the QPAM Exemption), no employee benefit plan's assets that are included
      in such investment fund, when combined with the assets of all other
      employee benefit plans established or maintained by the same employer or
      by an affiliate (within the meaning of Section V(c)(1) of the QPAM
      Exemption) of such employer or by the same employee organization and
      managed by such QPAM, exceed 20% of the total client assets managed by
      such QPAM, the conditions of Part 1(c) and (g)  of the QPAM Exemption are
      satisfied, neither the QPAM nor a person controlling or controlled by the
      QPAM (applying the definition of "control" in Section V(e) of the QPAM
      Exemption) owns a 5% or more interest in the Company and (i) the identity
      of such QPAM and (ii) the names of all employee benefit plans whose
      assets are included in such investment fund have been disclosed to the
      Company in writing pursuant to this paragraph (d); or

           (e) the Source is a governmental plan; or

           (f) the Source is one or more employee benefit plans, or a separate
      account or trust fund comprised of one or more employee benefit plans,
      each of which has been identified to the Company in writing pursuant to
      this paragraph (f); or


                                      -21-


<PAGE>   22


           (g) the Source does not include assets of any employee benefit plan
      that is subject to ERISA.

     If you or any subsequent transferee of the Notes indicates that you or
such transferee are relying on any representation contained in paragraph (c),
(d) or (f) above, the Company shall deliver on the date of Closing on which you
are scheduled to purchase Notes and on the date of any applicable transfer a
certificate, which shall either state that (i) it is neither a party in
interest nor a "disqualified person" (as defined in Section 4975(e)(2) of the
Code), with respect to any plan identified pursuant to paragraphs (c) or (f)
above, or (ii) with respect to any plan, identified pursuant to paragraph (d)
above, neither it nor any "affiliate" (as defined in Section V(c) of the QPAM
Exemption) has at such time, and during the immediately preceding one year,
exercised the authority to appoint or terminate said QPAM as manager of any
plan identified in writing pursuant to paragraph (d) above or to negotiate the
terms of said QPAM's management agreement on behalf of any such identified
plan.  As used in this SECTION 6.2, the terms "employee benefit plan",
"governmental plan", "party in interest" and "separate account" shall have the
respective meanings assigned to such terms in Section 3 of ERISA.

SECTION 7. INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY.

     Section 7.1. Financial and Business Information.  The Company shall
deliver to each holder of Notes that is an Institutional Investor:

           (a) Quarterly Statements -- promptly upon their availability and in
      any event within 60 days after the end of each quarterly fiscal period in
      each fiscal year of the Company (other than the last quarterly fiscal
      period of each such fiscal year), duplicate copies of:

                 (i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its
            Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter, and

                 (ii) consolidated statements of income, changes in
            shareholders' equity and cash flows of the Company and its
            Subsidiaries for such quarter and (in the case of the second and
            third quarters) for the portion of the fiscal year ending with such
            quarter,

setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the
corresponding periods in the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail,
prepared in accordance with GAAP applicable to quarterly financial statements
generally, and certified by a Senior Financial Officer as fairly presenting, in
all material respects, the financial position of the companies being reported
on and their results of operations and cash flows, subject to changes resulting
from year-end

                                      -22-


<PAGE>   23


adjustments, provided that delivery within the time period specified above of
copies of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q prepared in compliance
with the requirements therefor and filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this SECTION 7.1(a);

           (b) Annual Statements -- promptly upon their availability and in any
      event within 105 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company,
      duplicate copies of,

                 (i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its
            Subsidiaries, as at the end of such year, and

                 (ii) consolidated statements of income, changes in
            shareholders' equity and cash flows of the Company and its
            Subsidiaries, for such year,

      setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the
      previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance
      with GAAP, and accompanied

                       (A) by an opinion thereon of independent certified
                  public accountants of recognized national standing, which
                  opinion shall state that such financial statements present
                  fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
                  the companies being reported upon and their results of
                  operations and cash flows and have been prepared in
                  conformity with GAAP (except for any change in the
                  application of GAAP discussed therein or in the Notes thereto
                  with which such accountants concur) and that the examination
                  of such accountants in connection with such financial
                  statements has been made in accordance with generally
                  accepted auditing standards, and that such audit provides a
                  reasonable basis for such opinion in the circumstances, and

                       (B) a certificate of such accountants stating that they
                  have reviewed this Agreement and stating further whether, in
                  making their audit, they have become aware of any condition
                  or event that then constitutes a Default or an Event of
                  Default, and, if they are aware that any such condition or
                  event then exists, specifying the nature and period of the
                  existence thereof (it being understood that such accountants
                  shall not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any failure
                  to obtain knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless
                  such accountants should have obtained knowledge thereof in
                  making an audit in accordance with generally accepted
                  auditing standards or did not make such an audit),


                                      -23-


<PAGE>   24


      provided that the delivery within the time period specified above of the
      Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for such fiscal year (together with
      the Company's annual report to shareholders, if any, prepared pursuant to
      Rule 14a-3 under the Exchange Act) prepared in accordance with the
      requirements therefor and filed with the Securities and Exchange
      Commission, together with the accountant's certificate described in
      clause (B) above, shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this
      SECTION 7.1(b);

           (c) SEC and Other Reports -- promptly upon their becoming available,
      one copy of (i) each financial statement, report, notice or proxy
      statement sent by the Company or any Subsidiary to public securities
      holders generally, and (ii) each regular or periodic report, each
      registration statement (other than registration statements relating to
      employee benefit plans on Form S-8 and otherwise without exhibits except
      as expressly requested by such holder), and each related final prospectus
      and all amendments thereto filed by the Company or any Subsidiary with
      the Securities and Exchange Commission and of all press releases and
      other statements made available generally by the Company or any
      Subsidiary to the public concerning developments that are Material;

           (d) Notice of Default or Event of Default -- promptly, and in any
      event within five days after a Responsible Officer becoming aware of the
      existence of any Default or Event of Default or that any Person has given
      any notice or taken any action with respect to a claimed default
      hereunder or that any Person has given any notice or taken any action
      with respect to a claimed default of the type referred to in SECTION
      11(f), a written notice specifying the nature and period of existence
      thereof and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with
      respect thereto;

           (e) ERISA Matters -- promptly, and in any event within five days
      after a Responsible Officer becoming aware of any of the following, a
      written notice setting forth the nature thereof and the action, if any,
      that the Company or an ERISA Affiliate proposes to take with respect
      thereto:

                 (i) with respect to any Plan, any reportable event, as defined
            in section 4043(b) of ERISA and the regulations thereunder, for
            which notice thereof has not been waived pursuant to such
            regulations as in effect on the date hereof; or

                 (ii) the taking by the PBGC of steps to institute, or the
            threatening by the PBGC of the institution of, proceedings under
            section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of
            a trustee to administer, any Plan, or the receipt by the Company or
            any ERISA Affiliate of a notice from a Multiemployer

                                      -24-


<PAGE>   25


            Plan that such action has been taken by the PBGC with respect to
            such Multiemployer Plan; or

                 (iii) any event, transaction or condition that could result in
            the incurrence of any liability by the Company or any ERISA
            Affiliate pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or the penalty or
            excise tax provisions of the Code relating to employee benefit
            plans, or in the imposition of any Lien on any of the rights,
            properties or assets of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate pursuant
            to Title I or IV of ERISA or such penalty or excise tax provisions,
            if such liability or Lien, taken together with any other such
            liabilities or Liens then existing, could reasonably be expected to
            have a Material Adverse Effect;

           (f) Notices from Governmental Authority -- promptly, and in any
      event within 30 days of receipt thereof, copies of any notice to the
      Company or any Subsidiary from any Federal or state Governmental
      Authority relating to any order, ruling, statute or other law or
      regulation that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
      Effect; and

           (g) Requested Information -- with reasonable promptness, such other
      data and information relating to the business, operations, affairs,
      financial condition, assets or properties of the Company or any of its
      Subsidiaries or relating to the ability of the Company to perform its
      obligations hereunder and under the Notes as from time to time may be
      reasonably requested by any such holder of Notes.

     Section 7.2. Officer's Certificate.  Each set of financial statements
delivered to a holder of Notes pursuant to SECTION 7.1(a) or SECTION 7.1(b)
hereof shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer
setting forth:

           (a) Covenant Compliance -- the information (including detailed
      calculations) required in order to establish whether the Company was in
      compliance with the requirements of SECTIONS 10.1 through SECTION 10.5
      hereof, inclusive, during the quarterly or annual period covered by the
      statements then being furnished (including with respect to each such
      SECTION, where applicable, the calculations of the maximum or minimum
      amount, ratio or percentage, as the case may be, permissible under the
      terms of such SECTIONS, and the calculation of the amount, ratio or
      percentage then in existence); and

           (b) Event of Default -- a statement that such officer has reviewed
      the relevant terms hereof and has made, or caused to be made, under his
      or her supervision, a review of the transactions and conditions of the
      Company and its Subsidiaries from the

                                      -25-


<PAGE>   26


      beginning of the quarterly or annual period covered by the statements
      then being furnished to the date of the certificate and that such review
      shall not have disclosed the existence during such period of any
      condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default or,
      if any such condition or event existed or exists (including, without
      limitation, any such event or condition resulting from the failure of the
      Company or any Subsidiary to comply with any Environmental Law),
      specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the
      Company shall have taken or proposes to take with respect thereto.

     Section 7.3. Inspection.  The Company shall permit the representatives of
each holder of Notes that is an Institutional Investor:

           (a) No Default -- if no Default or Event of Default then exists, at
      the expense of such holder and upon reasonable prior notice to the
      Company, to visit the principal executive office of the Company, to
      discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company and its
      Subsidiaries with the Company's officers, and (with the consent of the
      Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld) its independent
      public accountants, and (with the consent of the Company, which consent
      will not be unreasonably withheld) to visit the other offices and
      properties of the Company and each Subsidiary, all at such reasonable
      times and as often as may be reasonably requested in writing; and

           (b) Default -- if a Default or Event of Default then exists, at the
      expense of the Company to visit and inspect any of the offices or
      properties of the Company or any Subsidiary, to examine all their
      respective books of account, records, reports and other papers, to make
      copies and extracts therefrom, and to discuss their respective affairs,
      finances and accounts with their respective officers and independent
      public accountants (and by this provision the Company authorizes said
      accountants to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company
      and its Subsidiaries), all at such times and as often as may be
      requested.

SECTION 8. PREPAYMENT OF THE NOTES.

     Section 8.1. Required Prepayments.  (a) On December 30, 2006 and December
30, 2007 the Company will prepay $6,666,667 principal amount (or such lesser
principal amount as shall then be outstanding) of the Series G Notes at par and
without payment of the Make-Whole Amount or any premium, provided that upon any
partial prepayment of the Series G Notes pursuant to SECTION 8.2 or purchase of
the Series G Notes permitted by SECTION 8.5 the principal amount of each
required prepayment of the Series G Notes becoming due under this SECTION 8.1
on and after the date of such prepayment or purchase shall be reduced in the
same proportion as

                                      -26-


<PAGE>   27


the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Series G Notes is reduced as a
result of such prepayment or purchase.

     (b) On December 17, 2007 the Company will prepay $12,500,000 principal
amount (or such lesser principal amount as shall then be outstanding) of the
Series H Notes at par and without payment of the Make-Whole Amount or any
premium, provided that upon any partial prepayment of the Series H Notes
pursuant to SECTION 8.2 or purchase of the Series H Notes permitted by SECTION
8.5 the principal amount of each required prepayment of the Series H Notes
becoming due under this SECTION 8.1 on and after the date of such prepayment or
purchase shall be reduced in the same proportion as the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of the Series H Notes is reduced as a result of such
prepayment or purchase.

     Section 8.2. Optional Prepayments with Make-Whole Amount.  The Company
may, at its option, upon notice as provided below, prepay at any time all, or
from time to time any part of, the Notes, in an amount not less than 10% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding in the case of a
partial prepayment (but if in the case of a partial prepayment, then against
each series of Notes in proportion to the aggregate principal amount
outstanding on each series), at 100% of the principal amount so prepaid, plus
the Make-Whole Amount determined for the prepayment date with respect to such
principal amount.  The Company will give each holder of Notes written notice of
each optional prepayment under this SECTION 8.2 not less than 30 days and not
more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for such prepayment.  Each such
notice shall specify (a) such date, (b) the aggregate principal amount of the
Notes to be prepaid on such date, (c) the principal amount of each series of
Notes to be prepaid and the principal amount of each Note held by such holder
to be prepaid (in each case determined in accordance with SECTION 8.3), and (d)
the interest to be paid on the prepayment date with respect to such principal
amount being prepaid, and shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior
Financial Officer as to the estimated Make-Whole Amount due in connection with
such prepayment (calculated as if the date of such notice were the date of the
prepayment), setting forth the details of such computation.  Two Business Days
prior to such prepayment, the Company shall deliver to each holder of Notes a
certificate of a Senior Financial Officer specifying the calculation of such
Make-Whole Amount as of the specified prepayment date.

     Section 8.3. Allocation of Partial Prepayments.  In the case of each
partial prepayment of the Notes, the principal amount of the Notes to be
prepaid shall be: (a) allocated among each series of Notes in proportion to the
aggregate unpaid principal amount of each such series of Notes, and (b)
allocated pro rata among all of the holders of each series of Notes at the time
outstanding in accordance with the unpaid principal amount thereof.

     Section 8.4. Maturity; Surrender, etc.  In the case of each prepayment of
Notes pursuant to this SECTION 8, the principal amount of each Note to be
prepaid shall mature and

                                      -27-


<PAGE>   28


become due and payable on the date fixed for such prepayment, together with
interest on such principal amount accrued to such date and the applicable
Make-Whole Amount, if any.  From and after such date, unless the Company shall
fail to pay such principal amount when so due and payable, together with the
interest and Make-Whole Amount, if any, as aforesaid, interest on such
principal amount shall cease to accrue.  Any Note paid or prepaid in full shall
be surrendered to the Company and cancelled and shall not be reissued, and no
Note shall be issued in lieu of any prepaid principal amount of any Note.

     Section 8.5. Purchase of Notes.  The Company will not and will not permit
any Affiliate to purchase, redeem, prepay or otherwise acquire, directly or
indirectly, any series of the outstanding Notes or any part or portion of any
thereof, except upon the payment or prepayment of each series of the Notes in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Notes.  The Company will
promptly cancel all Notes acquired by it or any Affiliate pursuant to any
payment, prepayment or purchase of Notes pursuant to any provision of this
Agreement and no Notes may be issued in substitution or exchange for any such
Notes.

     Section 8.6. Make-Whole Amount.  The term "Make-Whole Amount" means, with
respect to any Note, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Discounted
Value of the Remaining Scheduled Payments with respect to the Called Principal
of such Note over the amount of such Called Principal, provided that the
Make-Whole Amount may in no event be less than zero.  For the purposes of
determining the Make-Whole Amount, the following terms have the following
meanings:

           "Called Principal" means, with respect to any Note, the principal of
      such Note that is to be prepaid pursuant to SECTION 8.2 or has become or
      is declared to be immediately due and payable pursuant to SECTION 12.1,
      as the context requires.

           "Discounted Value" means, with respect to the Called Principal of
      any Note, the amount obtained by discounting all Remaining Scheduled
      Payments with respect to such Called Principal from their respective
      scheduled due dates to the Settlement Date with respect to such Called
      Principal, in accordance with accepted financial practice and at a
      discount factor (applied on the same periodic basis as that on which
      interest on the Notes is payable) equal to the Reinvestment Yield with
      respect to such Called Principal.

           "Reinvestment Yield" means, with respect to the Called Principal of
      any Note, .50% over the yield to maturity implied by (a) the yields
      reported, as of 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the second Business
      Day preceding the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal,
      on the display designated as "Page PX1" on the Bloomberg Financial
      Markets Services Screen (or such other display as may replace Page PX1 on
      the Bloomberg Financial Markets Services Screen) for actively traded U.S.
      Treasury

                                      -28-


<PAGE>   29


      securities having a maturity equal to the Remaining Average Life of such
      Called Principal as of such Settlement Date, or (b) if such yields are
      not reported as of such time or the yields reported as of such time are
      not ascertainable, the Treasury Constant Maturity Series Yields reported,
      for the latest day for which such yields have been so reported as of the
      second Business Day preceding the Settlement Date with respect to such
      Called Principal, in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H. 15 (519) (or
      any comparable successor publication) for actively traded U.S. Treasury
      securities having a constant maturity equal to the Remaining Average Life
      of such Called Principal as of such Settlement Date.  Such implied yield
      will be determined, if necessary, by (i) converting U.S. Treasury bill
      quotations to bond-equivalent yields in accordance with accepted
      financial practice and (ii) interpolating linearly between (1) the
      actively traded U.S. Treasury security with the duration closest to and
      greater than the Remaining Average Life of such Called Principal and (2)
      the actively traded U.S. Treasury security with the duration closest to
      and less than the Remaining Average Life.

           "Remaining Average Life" means, with respect to any Called
      Principal, the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth
      year) obtained by dividing (a) such Called Principal into (b) the sum of
      the products obtained by multiplying (i) the principal component of each
      Remaining Scheduled Payment with respect to such Called Principal by (ii)
      the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth year) that
      will elapse between the Settlement Date with respect to such Called
      Principal and the scheduled due date of such Remaining Scheduled Payment.

           "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to the Called
      Principal of any Note, all payments of such Called Principal and interest
      thereon that would be due after the Settlement Date with respect to such
      Called Principal if no payment of such Called Principal were made prior
      to its scheduled due date, provided that if such Settlement Date is not a
      date on which interest payments are due to be made under the terms of the
      Notes, then the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment
      will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued to such Settlement Date
      and required to be paid on such Settlement Date pursuant to SECTION 8.2
      or 12.1.

           "Settlement Date" means, with respect to the Called Principal of any
      Note, the date on which such Called Principal is to be prepaid pursuant
      to SECTION 8.2 or has become or is declared to be immediately due and
      payable pursuant to SECTION 12.1, as the context requires.

SECTION 9. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.


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<PAGE>   30


     The Company covenants that from and after the date of the first Closing
and continuing so long as any of the Notes are outstanding:

     Section 9.1. Compliance with Law.  The Company will and will cause each of
its Subsidiaries to comply with all laws, ordinances or governmental rules or
regulations to which each of them is subject, including, without limitation,
Environmental Laws, and will obtain and maintain in effect all licenses,
certificates, permits, franchises and other governmental authorizations
necessary to the ownership of their respective properties or to the conduct of
their respective businesses, in each case to the extent necessary to ensure
that non-compliance with such laws, ordinances or governmental rules or
regulations or failures to obtain or maintain in effect such licenses,
certificates, permits, franchises and other governmental authorizations could
not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

     Section 9.2. Insurance.  The Company will and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurers,
insurance with respect to their respective properties and businesses against
such casualties and contingencies, of such types, on such terms and in such
amounts (including deductibles, co-insurance and self-insurance, if adequate
reserves are maintained with respect thereto) as is customary in the case of
entities of established reputations and comparable size engaged in the same or
a similar business and similarly situated.

     Section 9.3. Maintenance of Properties.  The Company will and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and keep, or cause to be maintained and
kept, their respective properties in good repair, working order and condition
(other than ordinary wear and tear), so that the business carried on in
connection therewith may be properly conducted at all times, provided that this
SECTION 9.3 shall not prevent the Company or any Subsidiary from discontinuing
the operation and the maintenance of any of its properties if such
discontinuance is desirable in the conduct of its business and the Company has
concluded that such discontinuance could not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     Section 9.4. Payment of Taxes and Claims.  The Company will and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to file all tax returns required to be filed in any
jurisdiction and to pay and discharge all taxes shown to be due and payable on
such returns and all other taxes, assessments, governmental charges, or levies
imposed on them or any of their properties, assets, income or franchises, to
the extent such taxes and assessments have become due and payable and before
they have become delinquent and all claims for which sums have become due and
payable that have or might become a Lien on properties or assets of the Company
or any Subsidiary, provided that neither the Company nor any Subsidiary need
pay any such tax or assessment or claims if (a) the amount, applicability or
validity thereof is contested by the Company or such Subsidiary on a timely
basis in good faith and in appropriate proceedings, and the Company or a
Subsidiary

                                      -30-


<PAGE>   31


has established adequate reserves therefor in accordance with GAAP on the books
of the Company or such Subsidiary or (b) the nonpayment of all such taxes and
assessments in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

     Section 9.5. Corporate Existence, etc.  The Company will at all times
preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence.  Subject to
SECTION 10.5, the Company will at all times preserve and keep in full force and
effect the corporate existence of each of its Subsidiaries (unless merged into
the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary) and all rights and franchises of the
Company and its Subsidiaries unless, in the good faith judgment of the Company,
the termination of or failure to preserve and keep in full force and effect
such corporate existence, right or franchise could not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

     Section 9.6. Maintenance of Business.  The Company will continue, and will
cause each Subsidiary to continue, to engage primarily in the material lines of
business which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate, respectively, as of
the date hereof.

     Section 9.7. Notes to Rank Pari Passu.  The Notes and all other
obligations under this Agreement of the Company are and at all times shall
remain direct and unsecured obligations of the Company ranking pari passu as
against the assets of the Company with all other Notes from time to time issued
and outstanding hereunder without any preference among themselves and pari
passu with all other present and future unsecured Indebtedness (actual or
contingent) of the Company which is not expressed to be subordinate or junior
in rank to any other unsecured Indebtedness of the Company.

SECTION 10. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

     The Company covenants that from and after the date of the first Closing
and continuing so long as any of the Notes are outstanding:

     Section 10.1. Consolidated Tangible Net Worth.  The Company will at all
times keep and maintain Consolidated Tangible Net Worth at an amount not less
than the sum of (a) $135,000,000 plus  (b) 25% of Consolidated Net Income
computed on a cumulative basis for each of the elapsed fiscal quarters ending
after December 31, 2000; provided that notwithstanding that Consolidated Net
Income for any such elapsed fiscal quarter may be a deficit figure, no
reduction as a result thereof shall be made on the sum to be maintained
pursuant hereto.

     Section 10.2. Funded Debt.


                                      -31-


<PAGE>   32


     The Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create,
issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise incur or in any manner become liable in
respect of any Funded Debt, except:

           (a) the Notes;

           (b) Funded Debt existing on the date of the first Closing, all of
      which is set forth on SCHEDULE 5.15 hereto, and any renewals, extensions
      and refundings thereof, provided that the principal amount thereof shall
      not be increased; and

           (c) other Funded Debt;

provided  that, in the case of (a), (b) or (c), immediately after giving effect
to the creation, issuance, assumption, guarantee or incurrence of such Funded
Debt:  (i) the aggregate amount of all Funded Debt of the Company and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis does not exceed 60% of Consolidated Total
Capitalization determined as of the end of the immediately prior fiscal
quarter, and (ii) if such Funded Debt is Priority Debt, such creation,
issuance, assumption, guarantee or incurrence is permitted by SECTION 10.3.

     Section 10.3. Priority Debt.  The Company will not, and will not permit
any Subsidiary to, create, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise incur or in
any manner become liable in respect of any Priority Debt unless (a) the
aggregate amount of all Priority Debt outstanding at any time does not exceed
20% of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth at such time, and (b) the creation,
issuance, assumption, guarantee or incurrence of such Priority Debt is
permitted by SECTION 10.2.

     Section 10.4. Limitation on Liens.  The Company will not, and will not
permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume, incur or suffer to exist any Lien
upon any of its property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except:

           (a) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or
      levies not yet due or payable to the extent that nonpayment thereof is
      permitted under the provisions of SECTION 9.4 hereof;

           (b) Liens created by or resulting from any litigation or legal
      proceeding which is currently being contested in good faith by
      appropriate proceedings, provided that the enforcement of such Liens is
      effectively stayed by such contest;

           (c) other Liens incidental to the normal conduct of the business of
      the Company or any Subsidiary or the ownership of its property which are
      not incurred in

                                      -32-


<PAGE>   33


      connection with the incurrence of Indebtedness and which do not in the
      aggregate materially impair the use of such property in the operation of
      the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or the
      value of such property for the purposes of such business;

           (d) any Lien existing on property of the Company or any Subsidiary
      on the date of the first Closing, all of which are described in SCHEDULE
      10.4 hereto;

           (e) Liens on property of a Subsidiary to secure obligations of such
      Subsidiary to the Company or another Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;

           (f) any Lien renewing, extending or refunding any Lien permitted by
      clause (d) of this SECTION 10.4, provided that the principal amount of
      the obligations secured thereby is not increased and the Lien is not
      extended to other property;

           (g) (i) any Lien on property or on rights relating thereto to secure
      all or a part of the purchase price or cost of the construction of, or
      Indebtedness incurred to pay all or a portion of the purchase price or
      cost of construction of, such property, which Liens are created
      contemporaneously with, or within 180 days after, such acquisition or the
      completion of such construction by the Company or a Subsidiary, (ii) any
      Lien on property existing on such property at the time of acquisition
      thereof whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby is assumed by the
      Company or such Subsidiary, or (iii) any Lien existing on the property of
      a corporation at the time such corporation is merged into or consolidated
      with the Company or a Subsidiary or existing on the property of a
      corporation or firm at the time of a sale, lease or other disposition of
      the properties of such corporation or firm as an entirety or
      substantially as an entirety to the Company or a Subsidiary; provided,
      however, that, in each case the obligations secured by any such Lien
      shall not exceed the lesser of the total acquisition or purchase price or
      cost of construction or improvement, as the case may be, or 100% of the
      fair market value of the related property at the time of such
      acquisition, completion or construction, merger, consolidation, sale,
      lease or other disposition (as determined in good faith by a Responsible
      Officer of the Company), and any such Lien shall attach solely to the
      property acquired or constructed; and

           (h) Liens securing other Priority Debt permitted under SECTION 10.3.

     Section 10.5. Mergers, Consolidations and Sales of Assets.  (a) The
Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, consolidate with or be
a party to a merger with any other Person, or sell, lease or otherwise dispose
of all or substantially all of its assets; provided that:


                                      -33-


<PAGE>   34


           (i) any Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with or into the Company
      or any Wholly-owned Subsidiary so long as in any merger or consolidation
      involving the Company, the Company shall be the surviving or continuing
      corporation; and

           (ii) the Company may consolidate or merge with or into any other
      corporation if (1) the corporation which results from such consolidation
      or merger (the "surviving corporation") is solvent and organized under
      the laws of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia,
      (2) the due and punctual payment of the principal of and premium, if any,
      and interest on all of the Notes, according to their tenor, and the due
      and punctual performance and observation of all of the covenants in the
      Notes and this Agreement to be performed or observed by the Company are
      expressly assumed in writing by the surviving corporation and the
      surviving corporation shall furnish to the holders of the Notes an
      opinion of counsel satisfactory to such holders to the effect that the
      instrument of assumption has been duly authorized, executed and delivered
      and constitutes the legal, valid and binding contract and agreement of
      the surviving corporation enforceable in accordance with its terms,
      except as enforcement of such terms may be limited by bankruptcy,
      insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting the
      enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general equitable
      principles, and (3) at the time of such consolidation or merger and
      immediately after giving effect thereto:  (A) no Default or Event of
      Default would exist and (B) the surviving corporation would be permitted
      by the applicable provisions of SECTION 10.2(C) to incur at least $1.00
      of additional Funded Debt.

     (b) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
Transfer any of its property if, after giving effect to such Transfer, the
aggregate Value of all property Transferred (other than as permitted by clauses
(i), (ii) or (iii) of this SECTION 10.5(B) on or after the date of the first
Closing shall exceed 25% of Consolidated Total Assets determined as of and
based upon the Company's September 30, 1996 SEC Form 10-Q, except:

           (i) the Transfer in the ordinary course of business of (1) inventory
      held for sale or (2) equipment, fixtures, supplies or materials no longer
      required in the operation of the business of the Company or such
      Subsidiary or that is obsolete;

           (ii) the Company or any Subsidiary may sell its accounts receivable
      for fair market value, without recourse, to: (1) a bank or other
      financial institution or (2) any other Person in a transaction in which a
      bank or other financial institution their purchases such accounts
      receivable in a transaction or transactions relating to the sale by the
      Company or such Subsidiary to such Person of such accounts receivable;


                                      -34-


<PAGE>   35


           (iii) any Subsidiary may Transfer property to the Company or another
      Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; and

           (iv) either:  (1) prior to, or contemporaneously with, such Transfer
      the Company shall have delivered to each holder of a Note an Officer's
      Certificate certifying that the Company is electing to use the Excess Net
      Proceeds from such Transfer in the manner provided in this clause (1)
      and, within one year after the date of such Transfer, the Company or the
      Subsidiary making such Transfer shall have used such Excess Net Proceeds
      to acquire other property useful and intended to be used in the operation
      of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as described in
      SECTION 9.6 and having a fair market value at least equal to the Value of
      the property Transferred, provided that such acquired property shall not
      be subject to any Lien to any greater extent than the Liens to which the
      property transferred was subject or (2) the Company shall not less than
      30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the date of such Transfer offer
      pursuant to a written notice (the "Asset Disposition Prepayment Notice")
      to apply on a pro rata basis the Excess Net Proceeds to which such assets
      relate towards the prepayment of all outstanding Senior Funded Debt of
      the Company (including, without limitation, the Notes, together with
      accrued interest thereon, but without premium).  Such Asset Disposition
      Prepayment Notice shall specify (A) a date (the "Asset Disposition
      Prepayment Date"), which shall be not less than 120 days nor more than
      180 days following the date of such Asset Disposition Prepayment Notice,
      on which the Company will apply such Excess Net Proceeds to the
      prepayment on a pro rata basis of all of the outstanding Senior Funded
      Debt of the Company held by any Person which accepts such offer of
      prepayment and (B) a date, which shall be not more than 60 days nor less
      than 30 days prior to such Asset Disposition Prepayment Date, on which
      each holder of Senior Funded Debt of the Company must accept or decline
      such offer of prepayment.  Without limiting the foregoing, the Company
      shall, not more than 15 days nor less than 10 days prior to such Asset
      Disposition Prepayment Date, send a second written notice (the "Secondary
      Asset Disposition Prepayment Notice") to all holders of outstanding
      Senior Funded Debt of the Company notifying each such holder of the
      decision of each other holder of Senior Funded Debt of the Company to
      accept or reject such offer of prepayment and in such Secondary Asset
      Disposition Prepayment Notice offer to each holder of outstanding Senior
      Funded Debt to apply on a pro rata basis the amount of such Excess Net
      Proceeds which will not be applied to such prepayment by virtue of any
      such holder of Senior Funded Debt having declined the original offer of
      prepayment.  On such Asset Disposition Prepayment Date, the Company shall
      apply the amount of such Excess Net Proceeds which has been agreed or
      deemed to be agreed by holders of Senior Funded Debt of the Company
      pursuant to any agreement pursuant to which any such Senior Funded Debt
      is outstanding shall be applied to the prepayment of Senior Funded Debt
      held by each holder thereof which has accepted or been so deemed to
      accept such initial

                                      -35-


<PAGE>   36


      offer of prepayment or such initial offer and such secondary offer of
      prepayment, as the case may be, to the prepayment of Senior Funded Debt
      as and to the extent herein contemplated.  It is understood and agreed by
      the Company and each holder of the Notes by its acceptance thereof that
      any such holder may decline any such offer of prepayment, that the
      failure of any such holder to accept or decline any such offer of
      prepayment shall be deemed to be an election by such holder to decline
      such prepayment and that if any such offer is so accepted, the Excess Net
      Proceeds so offered towards the prepayment of the Notes and accepted
      shall be prepaid without premium pursuant to SECTION 8.2, notwithstanding
      that the terms and provisions of said SECTION 8.2 contemplate that any
      prepayment pursuant thereto shall be with a premium.

     Section 10.6. Transactions with Affiliates.  The Company will not and will
not permit any Subsidiary to enter into directly or indirectly any transaction
or Material group of related transactions (including without limitation the
purchase, lease, sale or exchange of properties of any kind or the rendering of
any service) with any Affiliate (other than the Company or another Subsidiary),
except in the ordinary course and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of
the Company's or such Subsidiary's business and upon fair and reasonable terms
no less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary than would be obtainable in
a comparable arm's-length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate.

SECTION 11. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

     An "Event of Default" shall exist if any of the following conditions or
events shall occur and be continuing:

           (a) the Company defaults in the payment of any principal or
      Make-Whole Amount, if any, on any Note when the same becomes due and
      payable, whether at maturity or at a date fixed for prepayment or by
      declaration or otherwise; or

           (b) the Company defaults in the payment of any interest on any Note
      for more than five Business Days after the same becomes due and payable;
      or

           (c) the Company defaults in the performance of or compliance with
      any term contained in SECTIONS 7.1(D) or 10.1 through 10.5; or

           (d) the Company defaults in the performance of or compliance with
      any term contained herein (other than those referred to in paragraphs
      (a), (b) and (c) of this SECTION 11) and such default is not remedied
      within 30 days after the earlier of (i) a Responsible Officer obtaining
      actual knowledge of such default and (ii) the Company receiving written
      notice of such default from any holder of a Note; or


                                      -36-


<PAGE>   37


           (e) any representation or warranty made in writing by or on behalf
      of the Company or by any officer of the Company in this Agreement or in
      any writing furnished in connection with the transactions contemplated
      hereby proves to have been false or incorrect in any material respect on
      the date as of which made; or

           (f) (i) the Company or any Subsidiary is in default (as principal or
      as guarantor or other surety) in the payment of any principal of or
      premium or make-whole amount or interest on any Indebtedness that is
      outstanding in an aggregate principal amount of at least $2,000,000
      beyond any period of grace provided with respect thereto, or (ii) the
      Company or any Subsidiary is in default in the performance of or
      compliance with any term of any evidence of any Indebtedness in an
      aggregate outstanding principal amount of at least $2,000,000 or of any
      mortgage, indenture or other agreement relating thereto or any other
      condition exists, and as a consequence of such default or condition such
      Indebtedness has become, or has been declared (or one or more Persons are
      entitled to declare such Indebtedness to be), due and payable before its
      stated maturity or before its regularly scheduled dates of payment, or
      (iii) as a consequence of the occurrence or continuation of any event or
      condition (other than the passage of time or the right of the holder of
      Indebtedness to convert such Indebtedness into equity interests), (x) the
      Company or any Subsidiary has become obligated to purchase or repay
      Indebtedness before its regular maturity or before its regularly
      scheduled dates of payment in an aggregate outstanding principal amount
      of at least $2,000,000, or (y) one or more Persons have the right to
      require the Company or any Subsidiary so to purchase or repay such
      Indebtedness; or

           (g) the Company or any Subsidiary (i) is generally not paying, or
      admits in writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become due,
      (ii) files, or consents by answer or otherwise to the filing against it
      of, a petition for relief or reorganization or arrangement or any other
      petition in bankruptcy, for liquidation or to take advantage of any
      bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar law
      of any jurisdiction, (iii) makes an assignment for the benefit of its
      creditors, (iv) consents to the appointment of a custodian, receiver,
      trustee or other officer with similar powers with respect to it or with
      respect to any substantial part of its property, (v) is adjudicated as
      insolvent or to be liquidated, or (vi) takes corporate action for the
      purpose of any of the foregoing; or

           (h) a court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction
      enters an order appointing, without consent by the Company or any of its
      Subsidiaries, a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with
      similar powers with respect to it or with respect to any substantial part
      of its property, or constituting an order for relief or approving a
      petition for relief or reorganization or any other petition in bankruptcy
      or for liquidation

                                      -37-


<PAGE>   38


      or to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any
      jurisdiction, or ordering the dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of
      the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any such petition shall be
      filed against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and such petition
      shall not be dismissed within 60 days; or

           (i) a final judgment or judgments for the payment of money
      aggregating in excess of $1,000,000 are rendered against one or more of
      the Company and its Subsidiaries and which judgments are not, within 60
      days after entry thereof, bonded, discharged or stayed pending appeal, or
      are not discharged within 60 days after the expiration of such stay; or

           (j) if (i) any Plan shall fail to satisfy the minimum funding
      standards of ERISA or the Code for any plan year or part thereof or a
      waiver of such standards or extension of any amortization period is
      sought or granted under section 412 of the Code, (ii) a notice of intent
      to terminate any Plan shall have been or is reasonably expected to be
      filed with the PBGC or the PBGC shall have instituted proceedings under
      ERISA section 4042 to terminate or appoint a trustee to administer any
      Plan or the PBGC shall have notified the Company or any ERISA Affiliate
      that a Plan may become a subject of any such proceedings, (iii) the
      aggregate "amount of unfunded benefit liabilities" (within the meaning of
      section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA) under all Plans, determined in accordance
      with Title IV of ERISA, shall exceed $1,000,000, (iv) the Company or any
      ERISA Affiliate shall have incurred or is reasonably expected to incur
      any liability pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or the penalty or excise
      tax provisions of the Code relating to employee benefit plans, (v) the
      Company or any ERISA Affiliate withdraws from any Multiemployer Plan, or
      (vi) the Company or any Subsidiary establishes or amends any employee
      welfare benefit plan that provides post-employment welfare benefits in a
      manner that would increase the liability of the Company or any Subsidiary
      thereunder; and any such event or events described in clauses (i) through
      (vi) above, either individually or together with any other such event or
      events, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

As used in SECTION 11(J), the terms "employee benefit plan" and "employee
welfare benefit plan" shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms
in Section 3 of ERISA.

SECTION 12. REMEDIES ON DEFAULT, ETC.

     Section 12.1. Acceleration.  (a) If an Event of Default with respect to
the Company described in paragraph (g) or (h) of SECTION 11 (other than an
Event of Default described in clause (i) of paragraph (g) or described in
clause (vi) of paragraph (g) by virtue of the fact that

                                      -38-


<PAGE>   39


such clause encompasses clause (i) of paragraph (g)) has occurred, all the
Notes then outstanding shall automatically become immediately due and payable.

     (b) If any other Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any
holder or holders of more than 35% in principal amount of the Notes at the time
outstanding may at any time at its or their option, by notice or notices to the
Company, declare all the Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and
payable.

     (c) If any Event of Default described in paragraph (a) or (b) of SECTION
11 has occurred and is continuing, any holder or holders of Notes at the time
outstanding affected by such Event of Default may at any time, at its or their
option, by notice or notices to the Company, declare all the Notes held by it
or them to be immediately due and payable.

     Upon any Notes becoming due and payable under this SECTION 12.1, whether
automatically or by declaration, such Notes will forthwith mature and the
entire unpaid principal amount of such Notes, plus (x) all accrued and unpaid
interest thereon and (y) the Make-Whole Amount determined in respect of such
principal amount (to the full extent permitted by applicable law), shall all be
immediately due and payable, in each and every case without presentment,
demand, protest or further notice, all of which are hereby waived.  The Company
acknowledges, and the parties hereto agree, that each holder of a Note has the
right to maintain its investment in the Notes free from repayment by the
Company (except as herein specifically provided for), and that the provision
for payment of a Make-Whole Amount by the Company in the event that the Notes
are prepaid or are accelerated as a result of an Event of Default, is intended
to provide compensation for the deprivation of such right under such
circumstances.

     Section 12.2. Other Remedies.  If any Default or Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing, and irrespective of whether any Notes have become
or have been declared immediately due and payable under SECTION 12.1, the
holder of any Note at the time outstanding may proceed to protect and enforce
the rights of such holder by an action at law, suit in equity or other
appropriate proceeding, whether for the specific performance of any agreement
contained herein or in any Note, or for an injunction against a violation of
any of the terms hereof or thereof, or in aid of the exercise of any power
granted hereby or thereby or by law or otherwise.

     Section 12.3. Rescission.  At any time after any Notes have been declared
due and payable pursuant to clause (b) or (c) of SECTION 12.1, the holders of
not less than 66-2/3% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, by
written notice to the Company, may rescind and annul any such declaration and
its consequences if (a) the Company has paid all overdue interest on the Notes,
all principal of and Make-Whole Amount, if any, on any Notes that are due and
payable and are unpaid other than by reason of such declaration, and all
interest on such overdue principal and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the
extent permitted by applicable

                                      -39-


<PAGE>   40


law) any overdue interest in respect of the Notes, at the Default Rate, (b) all
Events of Default and Defaults, other than non-payment of amounts that have
become due solely by reason of such declaration, have been cured or have been
waived pursuant to SECTION 17, and (c) no judgment or decree has been entered
for the payment of any monies due pursuant hereto or to the Notes.  No
rescission and annulment under this SECTION 12.3 will extend to or affect any
subsequent Event of Default or Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

     Section 12.4. No Waivers or Election of Remedies, Expenses, etc.  No
course of dealing and no delay on the part of any holder of any Note in
exercising any right, power or remedy shall operate as a waiver thereof or
otherwise prejudice such holder's rights, powers or remedies.  No right, power
or remedy conferred by this Agreement or by any Note upon any holder thereof
shall be exclusive of any other right, power or remedy referred to herein or
therein or now or hereafter available at law, in equity, by statute or
otherwise.  Without limiting the obligations of the Company under SECTION 15,
the Company will pay to the holder of each Note on demand such further amount
as shall be sufficient to cover all costs and expenses of such holder incurred
in any enforcement or collection under this SECTION 12, including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, expenses and disbursements.

SECTION 13. REGISTRATION; EXCHANGE; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES.

     Section 13.1. Registration of Notes.  The Company shall keep at its
principal executive office a register for the registration and registration of
transfers of Notes.  The name and address of each holder of one or more Notes,
each transfer thereof and  the name and address of each transferee of one or
more Notes shall be registered in such register.  Prior to due presentment for
registration of transfer, the Person in whose name any Note shall be registered
shall be deemed and treated as the owner and holder thereof for all purposes
hereof, and the Company shall not be affected by any notice or knowledge to the
contrary.  The Company shall give to any holder of a Note that is an
Institutional Investor promptly upon request therefor, a complete and correct
copy of the names and addresses of all registered holders of Notes.

     Section 13.2. Transfer and Exchange of Notes.  Upon surrender of any Note
at the principal executive office of the Company for registration of transfer
or exchange (and in the case of a surrender for registration of transfer, duly
endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by
the registered holder of such Note or its attorney duly authorized in writing
and accompanied by the address for notices of each transferee of such Note or
part thereof), the Company shall execute and deliver, at the Company's expense
(except as provided below), one or more new Notes (as requested by the holder
thereof) in exchange therefor, of the same series and in an aggregate principal
amount equal to the unpaid principal amount of the surrendered Note.  Each such
new Note shall be payable to such Person as such holder may request and shall
be substantially in the form of EXHIBIT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, as the

                                      -40-


<PAGE>   41


case may be.  Each such new Note shall be dated and bear interest from the date
to which interest shall have been paid on the surrendered Note or dated the
date of the surrendered Note if no interest shall have been paid thereon.  The
Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp tax or
governmental charge imposed in respect of any such transfer of Notes.  Notes
shall not be transferred in denominations of less than $100,000, provided that
if necessary to enable the registration of transfer by a holder of its entire
holding of Notes, one Note may be in a denomination of less than $100,000.  Any
transferee, by its acceptance of a Note registered in its name (or the name of
its nominee), shall be deemed to have made the representation set forth in
SECTION 6.2.

     Section 13.3. Replacement of Notes.  Upon receipt by the Company of
evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the ownership of and the loss, theft,
destruction or mutilation of any Note (which evidence shall be, in the case of
an Institutional Investor, notice from such Institutional Investor of such
ownership and such loss, theft, destruction or mutilation), and

           (a) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity
      reasonably satisfactory to it (provided that if the holder of such Note
      is, or is a nominee for, (i) an Institutional Investor or (ii) another
      holder of a Note which has a minimum net worth of at least $50,000,000,
      such Person's own unsecured agreement of indemnity shall be deemed to be
      satisfactory), or

           (b) in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation
      thereof,

the Company at its own expense shall execute and deliver, in lieu thereof, a
new Note, dated and bearing interest from the date to which interest shall have
been paid on such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note or dated the date
of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note if no interest shall have
been paid thereon.

SECTION 14. PAYMENTS ON NOTES.

     Section 14.1. Place of Payment.  Subject to SECTION 14.2, payments of
principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest becoming due and payable on
the Notes shall be made in Chicago, Illinois at the principal office of a bank
or trust company in such jurisdiction which the Company agrees to designate at
any time when there is any holder of any Note not entitled to the benefits of
SECTION 14.2.  The Company may at any time,  by notice to each holder of a
Note, change the place of payment of the Notes so long as such place of payment
shall be either the principal office of the Company in such jurisdiction or the
principal office of a bank or trust company in such jurisdiction.


                                      -41-


<PAGE>   42


     Section 14.2. Home Office Payment.  So long as you or your nominee shall
be the holder of any Note, and notwithstanding anything contained in SECTION
14.1 or in such Note to the contrary, the Company will pay all sums becoming
due on such Note for principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest by the
method and at the address specified for such purpose below your name in
SCHEDULE A, or by such other method or at such other address as you shall have
from time to time specified to the Company in writing for such purpose, without
the presentation or surrender of such Note or the making of any notation
thereon, except that upon written request of the Company made concurrently with
or reasonably promptly after payment or prepayment in full of any Note, you
shall surrender such Note for cancellation, reasonably promptly after any such
request, to the Company at its principal executive office or at the place of
payment most recently designated by the Company pursuant to SECTION 14.1.
Prior to any sale or other disposition of any Note held by you or your nominee
you will, at your election, either endorse thereon the amount of principal paid
thereon and the last date to which interest has been paid thereon or surrender
such Note to the Company in exchange for a new Note or Notes pursuant to
SECTION 13.2.  The Company will afford the benefits of this SECTION 14.2 to any
Institutional Investor that is the direct or indirect transferee of any Note
purchased by you under this Agreement and that has made the same agreement
relating to such Note as you have made in this SECTION 14.2.

SECTION 15. EXPENSES, ETC.

     Section 15.1. Transaction Expenses.  Whether or not the transactions
contemplated hereby are consummated, the Company will pay all out-of-pocket
costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees of a special counsel
and, if reasonably required, local or other counsel) incurred by you and each
Other Purchaser or holder of a Note in connection with such transactions and in
connection with any amendments, waivers or consents under or in respect of this
Agreement or the Notes (whether or not such amendment, waiver or consent
becomes effective), including, without limitation: (a) the costs and expenses
incurred in enforcing or defending (or determining whether or how to enforce or
defend) any rights under this Agreement or the Notes or in responding to any
subpoena or other legal process or informal investigative demand issued in
connection with this Agreement or the Notes, or by reason of being a holder of
any Note, and (b) the costs and expenses, including financial advisors' fees,
incurred in connection with the insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company or any
Subsidiary or in connection with any work-out or restructuring of the
transactions contemplated hereby and by the Notes.  The Company will pay, and
will save you and each other holder of a Note harmless from, all claims in
respect of any fees, costs or expenses, if any, of brokers and finders (other
than those retained by you).


                                      -42-


<PAGE>   43


     Section 15.2. Survival.  The obligations of the Company under this SECTION
15 will survive the payment or transfer of any Note, the enforcement, amendment
or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the Notes, and the termination
of this Agreement.

SECTION 16. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

     All representations and warranties contained herein shall survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Notes, the purchase or
transfer by you of any Note or portion thereof or interest therein and the
payment of any Note, and may be relied upon by any subsequent holder of a Note,
regardless of any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of you or any
other holder of a Note.  All statements contained in any certificate or other
instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Company pursuant to this Agreement
shall be deemed representations and warranties of the Company under this
Agreement.  Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement and the Notes
embody the entire agreement and understanding between you and the Company and
supersede all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject
matter hereof.

SECTION 17. AMENDMENT AND WAIVER.

     Section 17.1. Requirements.  This Agreement and the Notes may be amended,
and the observance of any term hereof or of the Notes may be waived (either
retroactively or prospectively), with (and only with) the written consent of
the Company and the Required Holders, provided that (a) no amendment or waiver
of any of the provisions of SECTION 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 21 hereof, or any
defined term (as it is used therein), will be effective as to you unless
consented to by you in writing, and (b) no such amendment or waiver may,
without the written consent of the holder of each Note at the time outstanding
affected thereby, (i) subject to the provisions of SECTION 12 relating to
acceleration or rescission, change the amount or time of any prepayment or
payment of principal of, or reduce the rate or change the time of payment or
method of computation of interest or of the Make-Whole Amount on, the Notes,
(ii) change the percentage of the principal amount of the Notes the holders of
which are required to consent to any such amendment or waiver, or (iii) amend
any of SECTIONS 8, 11(a), 11(b), 12, 17 or 20; and provided further that,
anything contained in this SECTION 17 to the contrary notwithstanding, if for
any reason whatsoever it becomes necessary or appropriate to enter into any
amendment of this Agreement or any waiver with respect to compliance herewith
by the Company during the period from and including the date of the first
Closing through and including the earlier of the date of the third Closing and
March 31, 1997 (the "Series C and Series E Note Cut-Off Date"):  (1)  Principal
Mutual Life Insurance Company shall be deemed to be the holder of $24,000,000
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes and Great-West Life & Annuity
Insurance Company shall be deemed to be the holder of $13,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of outstanding Notes (i) for purposes of any determination of
the percentage of holders of the Notes

                                      -43-


<PAGE>   44


required to grant or deny such requested amendment or waiver and (ii)  for
purposes of any determination of any payment of remuneration, whether by way of
supplemental or additional interest, fee or otherwise pursuant to SECTION
17.2(B), notwithstanding that the issuance, sale and delivery of the Notes on
the date of the third Closing has not been consummated at the time such
amendment or waiver is requested or such payment of remuneration is determined
pursuant to SECTION 17.2(B), and (2) if for any reason whatsoever, the Notes to
be issued to Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company or to Great-West Life &
Annuity Insurance Company are not issued on or prior to the Series C and Series
E Note Cut-Off Date, any such amendment or waiver entered into as contemplated
by the foregoing clause (1)(i) of this SECTION 17.1 shall, at the option of the
Required Holders, be deemed null and void.

     Section 17.2. Solicitation of Holders of Notes.

     (a) Solicitation.  The Company will provide each holder of the Notes
(irrespective of the amount or series of Notes then owned by it) with
sufficient information, sufficiently far in advance of the date a decision is
required, to enable such holder to make an informed and considered decision
with respect to any proposed amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of
the provisions hereof or of the Notes.  The Company will deliver executed or
true and correct copies of each amendment, waiver or consent effected pursuant
to the provisions of this SECTION 17 to each holder of outstanding Notes
promptly following the date on which it is executed and delivered by, or
receives the consent or approval of, the requisite holders of Notes.

     (b) Payment.  The Company will not directly or indirectly pay or cause to
be paid any remuneration, whether by way of supplemental or additional
interest, fee or otherwise, or grant any security, to any holder of any series
of the Notes as consideration for or as an inducement to the entering into by
such holder of Notes or any waiver or amendment of any of the terms and
provisions hereof unless such remuneration is concurrently paid, or security is
concurrently granted, on the same terms, ratably to each holder of each series
of Notes then outstanding even if such holder did not consent to such waiver or
amendment.

     Section 17.3. Binding Effect, etc.  Any amendment or waiver consented to
as provided in this SECTION 17 applies equally to all holders of each series of
Notes and is binding upon them and upon each future holder of any Note of any
series and upon the Company without regard to whether such Note has been marked
to indicate such amendment or waiver.  No such amendment or waiver will extend
to or affect any obligation, covenant, agreement, Default or Event of Default
not expressly amended or waived or impair any right consequent thereon.  No
course of dealing between the Company and the holder of any Note of any series
nor any delay in exercising any rights hereunder or under any Note of any
series shall operate as a waiver of any rights of any holder of such Note.  As
used herein, the term "this Agreement" and references thereto shall mean this
Agreement as it may from time to time be amended or supplemented.


                                      -44-


<PAGE>   45


     Section 17.4. Notes Held by Company, etc.  Solely for the purpose of
determining whether the holders of the requisite percentage of the aggregate
principal amount of Notes then outstanding approved or consented to any
amendment, waiver or consent to be given under this Agreement or the Notes, or
have directed the taking of any action provided herein or in the Notes to be
taken upon the direction of the holders of a specified percentage of the
aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding, Notes of any series
directly or indirectly owned by the Company or any of its Affiliates shall be
deemed not to be outstanding.

SECTION 18. NOTICES.

     All notices and communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing
and sent (a) by telefacsimile if the sender on the same day sends a confirming
copy of such notice by a recognized overnight delivery service (charges
prepaid), or (b) by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested
(postage prepaid), or (c) by a recognized overnight delivery service (with
charges prepaid).  Any such notice must be sent:

           (i) if to you or your nominee, to you or it at the address specified
      for such communications in SCHEDULE A, or at such other address as you or
      it shall have specified to the Company in writing,

           (ii) if to any other holder of any Note, to such holder at such
      address as such other holder shall have specified to the Company in
      writing, or

           (iii) if to the Company, to the Company at its address set forth at
      the beginning hereof to the attention of the Chief Financial Officer, or
      at such other address as the Company shall have specified to the holder
      of each Note in writing.

Notices under this SECTION 18 will be deemed given only when actually received.

SECTION 19. REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS.


     This Agreement and all documents relating thereto, including, without
limitation, (a) consents, waivers and modifications that may hereafter be
executed, (b) documents received by you at the Closing (except the Notes
themselves), and (c) financial statements, certificates and other information
previously or hereafter furnished to you, may be reproduced by you by any
photographic, photostatic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic or
other similar process and you may destroy any original document so reproduced.
The Company agrees and stipulates that, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original
itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding (whether or not the
original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by you
in the regular

                                      -45-


<PAGE>   46


course of business) and any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of
such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.  This SECTION 19
shall not prohibit the Company or any other holder of Notes from contesting any
such reproduction to the same extent that it could contest the original, or
from introducing evidence to demonstrate the inaccuracy of any such
reproduction.

SECTION 20. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

     For the purposes of this SECTION 20, "Confidential Information" means
information delivered to you by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary
in connection with the transactions contemplated by or otherwise pursuant to
this Agreement that is proprietary in nature and that was clearly marked or
labeled or otherwise adequately identified in writing when received by you as
being confidential information of the Company or such Subsidiary, provided that
such term does not include information that (a) was publicly known or otherwise
known to you prior to the time of such disclosure, (b) subsequently becomes
publicly known through no act or omission by you or any Person acting on your
behalf, (c) otherwise becomes known to you other than through disclosure by the
Company or any Subsidiary or (d) constitutes financial statements delivered to
you under SECTION 7.1 that are otherwise publicly available.  You will maintain
the confidentiality of such Confidential Information in accordance with
procedures adopted by you in good faith to protect confidential information of
third parties delivered to you, provided that you may deliver or disclose
Confidential Information to (i) your directors, trustees, officers, employees,
agents, attorneys and affiliates (to the extent such disclosure reasonably
relates to the administration of the investment represented by your Notes),
(ii) your financial advisors and other professional advisors who agree to hold
confidential the Confidential Information substantially in accordance with the
terms of this SECTION 20, (iii) any other holder of any Note, (iv) any
Institutional Investor to which you sell or offer to sell such Note or any part
thereof or any participation therein (if such Person has agreed in writing
prior to its receipt of such Confidential Information to be bound by the
provisions of this SECTION 20), (v) any Person from which you offer to purchase
any security of the Company (if such Person has agreed in writing prior to its
receipt of such Confidential Information to be bound by the provisions of this
SECTION 20), (vi) any federal or state regulatory authority having jurisdiction
over you, (vii) the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any
similar organization, or any nationally recognized rating agency that requires
access to information about your investment portfolio or (viii) any other
Person to which such delivery or disclosure may be necessary or appropriate (w)
to effect compliance with any law, rule, regulation or order applicable to you,
(x) in response to any subpoena or other legal process, (y) in connection with
any litigation to which you are a party or (z) if an Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing, to the extent you may reasonably determine such
delivery and disclosure to be necessary or appropriate in the enforcement or
for the protection of the rights and remedies under your Notes and this
Agreement.  Each holder of a Note, by its acceptance of a Note, will be deemed
to have agreed to

                                      -46-


<PAGE>   47


be bound by and to be entitled to the benefits of this SECTION 20 as though it
were a party to this Agreement.  On reasonable request by the Company in
connection with the delivery to any holder of a Note of information required to
be delivered to such holder under this Agreement or requested by such holder
(other than a holder that is a party to this Agreement or its nominee), such
holder will enter into an agreement with the Company embodying the provisions
of this SECTION 20.

SECTION 21. SUBSTITUTION OF PURCHASER.

     You shall have the right to substitute any one of your Affiliates as the
purchaser of the Notes that you have agreed to purchase hereunder, by written
notice to the Company, which notice shall be signed by both you and such
Affiliate, shall contain such Affiliate's agreement to be bound by this
Agreement and shall contain a confirmation by such Affiliate of the accuracy
with respect to it of the representations set forth in SECTION 6.  Upon receipt
of such notice, wherever the word "you" is used in this Agreement (other than
in this SECTION 21), such word shall be deemed to refer to such Affiliate in
lieu of you.  In the event that such Affiliate is so substituted as a purchaser
hereunder and such Affiliate thereafter transfers to you all of the Notes then
held by such Affiliate, upon receipt by the Company of notice of such transfer,
wherever the word "you" is used in this Agreement (other than in this SECTION
21), such word shall no longer be deemed to refer to such Affiliate, but shall
refer to you, and you shall have all the rights of an original holder of the
Notes under this Agreement.

SECTION 22. MISCELLANEOUS.

     Section 22.1. Successors and Assigns.  All covenants and other agreements
contained in this Agreement by or on behalf of any of the parties hereto bind
and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns (including,
without limitation, any subsequent holder of a Note) whether so expressed or
not.

     Section 22.2. Payments Due on Non-Business Days.  Anything in this
Agreement or the Notes to the contrary notwithstanding, any payment of
principal of or Make-Whole Amount or interest on any Note that is due on a date
other than a Business Day shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day
without including the additional days elapsed in the computation of the
interest payable on such next succeeding Business Day.

     Section 22.3. Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement that is
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall (to the full extent permitted by
law) not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other
jurisdiction.


                                      -47-


<PAGE>   48


     Section 22.4. Construction.  Each covenant contained herein shall be
construed (absent express provision to the contrary) as being independent of
each other covenant contained herein, so that compliance with any one covenant
shall not (absent such an express contrary provision) be deemed to excuse
compliance with any other covenant.  Where any provision herein refers to
action to be taken by any Person, or which such Person is prohibited from
taking, such provision shall be applicable whether such action is taken
directly or indirectly by such Person.

     Section 22.5. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, each of which shall be an original but all of which together
shall constitute one instrument.  Each counterpart may consist of a number of
copies hereof, each signed by less than all, but together signed by all, of the
parties hereto.

     Section 22.6. Governing Law.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND
ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, AND THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES SHALL BE GOVERNED
BY, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PRINCIPLES OF THE
LAW OF SUCH STATE THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A
JURISDICTION OTHER THAN SUCH STATE.

                           *     *     *     *     *

     If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement on the accompanying counterpart of this Agreement and return it to
the Company, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding agreement between
you and the Company.

                                             Very truly yours,

                                             WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION


                                             By
                                                [Title]

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

[VARIATION]

By _______________________________
                                   
                                     -48-


<PAGE>   49


     [Title]



                                      -49-


<PAGE>   50




                                 DEFINED TERMS

     As used herein, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth
below or set forth in the SECTION hereof following such term:

     "Affiliate" means, at any time, and with respect to any Person, (a) any
other Person that at such time directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with,
such first Person, and (b) any Person beneficially owning or holding, directly
or indirectly, 10% or more of any class of voting or equity interests of the
Company or any Subsidiary or any corporation of which the Company and its
Subsidiaries beneficially own or hold, in the aggregate, directly or
indirectly, 10% or more of any class of voting or equity interests.  As used in
this definition, "Control" means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.  Unless the context otherwise clearly requires, any reference to an
"Affiliate" is a reference to an Affiliate of the Company.

     "Asset Disposition Prepayment Date" is defined in SECTION 10.5(B)(IV).

     "Asset Disposition Prepayment Notice" is defined in SECTION 10.5(B)(IV).

     "Business Day" means (a) for the purposes of SECTION 8.6 only, any day
other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in New York
City are required or authorized to be closed, and (b) for the purposes of any
other provision of this Agreement, any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a
day on which commercial banks in Indianapolis, Indiana are required or
authorized to be closed.

     "Capitalized Lease" shall mean any lease the obligation for Rentals with
respect to which is required to be capitalized on a consolidated balance sheet
of the lessee and its subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

     "Capitalized Rentals" of any Person shall mean as of the date of any
determination thereof the amount at which the aggregate Rentals due and to
become due under all Capitalized Leases under which such Person is a lessee
would be reflected as a liability on a consolidated balance sheet of such
Person.

     "Closing" and "Closings" are defined in SECTION 3.


                                   SCHEDULE B
                          (to Note Purchase Agreement)


<PAGE>   51


     "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to
time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time.

     "Company" means Wabash National Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

     "Confidential Information" is defined in SECTION 20.

     "Consolidated Funded Debt" means Funded Debt of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis eliminating intercompany
items.

     "Consolidated Net Income" means, with reference to any period, the net
income (or loss) of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such period (taken as
a cumulative whole), as determined in accordance with GAAP, after eliminating
all offsetting debits and credits between the Company and its Subsidiaries and
all other items required to be eliminated in the course of the preparation of
consolidated financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries in
accordance with GAAP.

     "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" means as of the date of any
determination thereof, the arithmetic sum of:

           (a) the amount of the capital stock accounts (net of treasury stock,
      at cost) plus (or minus in the case of deficit) the surplus and retained
      earnings of the Company and its Subsidiaries,

     PLUS

           (b) minority interests and deferred taxes of the Company and its
      Subsidiaries,

     MINUS

           (c) the net book value, after deducting any reserves applicable
      thereto, of all items of the following character which are included in
      the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to wit:

                 (i) the incremental increase in an asset resulting from any
            reappraisal, revaluation or write-up of assets (other than any
            revaluation or write-up of assets in accordance with GAAP); and

                 (ii) goodwill, patents, patent applications, permits,
            trademarks, trade names, copyrights, licenses, franchises,
            experimental expense, organizational

                                      B-51



<PAGE>   52


            expense, unamortized debt discount and expense, the excess of cost
            of shares acquired over book value of related assets and such other
            assets as are properly classified as "intangible assets" acquired
            by the Company or any Subsidiary after the date of the first
            Closing to the extent and in the amount by which the fair market
            value thereof is in excess of 10% of Consolidated Total Assets as
            of any date of determination of Consolidated Total Assets;

      all determined in accordance with GAAP.

     "Consolidated Total Assets" means as of the date of any determination
thereof, total assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

     "Consolidated Total Capitalization" means as of the date of any
determination thereof, the sum of (a) Consolidated Funded Debt plus (b)
Consolidated Tangible Net Worth.

     "Default" means an event or condition the occurrence or existence of which
would, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both, become an Event
of Default.

     "Default Rate" means that rate of interest that is the greater of (i)
8.99% per annum in the case of the Series B Notes, the Series C Designated Rate
plus 2% per annum in the case of the Series C Notes, 9.31% per annum in the
case of the Series D Notes, the Series E Designated Rate plus 2% per annum in
the case of the Series E Notes, 9.47% per annum in the case of the Series F
Notes, 9.53% per annum in the case of the Series G Notes and 9.55% per annum in
the case of the Series H Notes or (ii) 2% over the rate of interest publicly
announced by Morgan Guaranty Bank of New York in New York City, New York as its
"base" or "prime" rate.

     "Designated Rate" is defined in SECTION 1(b).

     "Environmental Laws" means any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign
statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees,
permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental
restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the
release of any materials into the environment, including but not limited to
those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges
to waste or public systems.

     "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder
from time to time in effect.


                                      B-52



<PAGE>   53


     "ERISA Affiliate" means any trade or business (whether or not
incorporated) that is treated as a single employer together with the Company
under section 414 of the Code.

     "Event of Default" is defined in SECTION 11.

     "Excess Net Proceeds" means, with respect to any Transfer of property, the
Net Proceeds from such Transfer to the extent attributable to property
Transferred in excess of the limitation imposed by the provisions of the
introductory portion of SECTION 10.5(B).

     "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     "Funded Debt" of any Person means all Indebtedness of such Person which
would, in accordance with GAAP, constitute long-term Indebtedness, including,
without limitation (a) all Indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money or
which has been incurred in connection with the acquisition of assets in each
case having a final maturity of more than one year from the date of origin
thereof (or which is renewable or extendible at the option of the obligor for a
period or periods more than one year from the date of origin), including in any
event all payments in respect thereof that are required to be made within one
year from the date of any determination of Funded Debt, whether or not the
obligation to make such payments shall constitute a current liability of the
obligor under GAAP, and all Indebtedness of such Person outstanding under any
revolving credit, line of credit, commercial extension of credit or similar
agreement between such Person and an Institutional Investor which is classified
as long-term in accordance with GAAP, (b) all Capitalized Rentals of such
Person, (c) all Guaranties by such Person of Funded Debt of others, and (d) all
Indebtedness of such Person outstanding under any revolving credit, line of
credit, commercial extension of credit or similar agreement between such Person
and an Institutional Investor, whether or not classified as long-term or
short-term Indebtedness, if, during the 365-day period immediately preceding
the date of any determination of Funded Debt of such Person, there shall not
have been a period of at least 30 consecutive days during which Indebtedness of
such Person outstanding under such revolving credit, line of credit, commercial
extension of credit or similar agreement is equal to zero, in which event there
shall be included in such determination of Funded Debt an amount equal to the
highest aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness outstanding during any period
of 30 consecutive days selected by such Person during such preceding 365-day
period.

     "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from
time to time in the United States of America.

     "Governmental Authority" means

           (a) the government of


                                      B-53



<PAGE>   54


                 (i) the United States of America or any State or other
            political subdivision thereof, or

                 (ii) any jurisdiction in which the Company or any Subsidiary
            conducts all or any part of its business, or which asserts
            jurisdiction over any properties of the Company or any Subsidiary,
            or

           (b) any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial,
      regulatory or administrative functions of, or pertaining to, any such
      government.

     "Guaranty" means, with respect to any Person, any obligation (except the
endorsement in the ordinary course of business of negotiable instruments for
deposit or collection) of such Person guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing
any Indebtedness, dividend or other obligation of any other Person in any
manner, whether directly or indirectly, including (without limitation)
obligations incurred through an agreement, contingent or otherwise, by such
Person:

           (a) to purchase such Indebtedness or obligation or any property
      constituting security therefor;

           (b) to advance or supply funds (i) for the purchase or payment of
      such Indebtedness or obligation, or (ii) to maintain any working capital
      or other balance sheet condition or any income statement condition of any
      other Person or otherwise to advance or make available funds for the
      purchase or payment of such Indebtedness or obligation;

           (c) to lease properties or to purchase properties or services
      primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or
      obligation of the ability of any other Person to make payment of the
      Indebtedness or obligation; or

           (d) otherwise to assure the owner of such Indebtedness or obligation
      against loss in respect thereof.

In any computation of the Indebtedness or other liabilities of the obligor
under any Guaranty, the Indebtedness or other obligations that are the subject
of such Guaranty shall be assumed to be direct obligations of such obligor.

     "Hazardous Material" means any and all pollutants, toxic or hazardous
wastes or any other substances that might pose a hazard to health or safety,
the removal of which may be required or the generation, manufacture, refining,
production, processing, treatment, storage, handling, transportation, transfer,
use, disposal, release, discharge, spillage, seepage, or filtration

                                      B-54



<PAGE>   55


of which is or shall be restricted, prohibited or penalized by any applicable
law (including, without limitation, asbestos, urea formaldehyde foam insulation
and polychlorinated biphenyls).

     "holder" means, with respect to any Note, the Person in whose name such
Note is registered in the register maintained by the Company pursuant to
SECTION 13.1.

     "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, without duplication,

           (a) its liabilities for borrowed money;

           (b) its liabilities for the deferred purchase price of property
      acquired by such Person (excluding accounts payable arising in the
      ordinary course of business but including, without limitation, all
      liabilities created or arising under any conditional sale or other title
      retention agreement with respect to any such property);

           (c) its Capitalized Rentals;

           (d) all liabilities for borrowed money secured by any Lien with
      respect to any property owned by such Person (whether or not it has
      assumed or otherwise become liable for such liabilities);

           (e) any Guaranty of such Person with respect to liabilities of a
      type described in any of clauses (a) through (d) hereof.

Indebtedness of any Person shall include all obligations of such Person of the
character described in clauses (a) through (e) to the extent such Person
remains legally liable in respect thereof notwithstanding that any such
obligation is deemed to be extinguished under GAAP.  In no event shall
Indebtedness include Unfunded Pension Liability of any Plan of the Company and
its Subsidiaries, which amount, as of December 31, 1995, was zero.

     "Institutional Investor" means (a) any original purchaser of a Note, (b)
any holder of a Note holding more than 5% of the aggregate principal amount of
the Notes then outstanding, and (c) any bank, trust company, savings and loan
association or other financial institution, any pension plan, any investment
company, any insurance company, any broker or dealer, or any other similar
financial institution or entity, regardless of legal form.

     "Investments" means all investments in cash or by delivery of property,
made directly or indirectly in any property or assets or any Person, whether by
acquisition of shares of capital stock, Indebtedness or other obligations or
securities or by loan, advance or capital contribution

                                      B-55



<PAGE>   56


or otherwise; provided "Investments" shall not mean or include routine
investments and property to be used or consumed in the ordinary course of
business.

     "Lien" means, with respect to any Person, any mortgage, lien, pledge,
charge, security interest or other encumbrance, or any interest or title of any
vendor, lessor, lender or other secured party to or of such Person under any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement or Capital Lease, upon or
with respect to any property or asset of such Person (including in the case of
stock, stockholder agreements, voting trust agreements and all similar
arrangements).

     "Make-Whole Amount" is defined in SECTION 8.6.

     "Material" means material in relation to the business, operations,
affairs, financial condition, assets, properties, or prospects of the Company
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

     "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on (a) the
business, operations, affairs, financial condition, assets or properties of the
Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (b) the ability of the
Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Notes, or (c)
the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the Notes.

     "Memorandum" is defined in SECTION 5.3.

     "Multiemployer Plan" means any Plan that is a "multiemployer plan" (as
such term is defined in section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA).

     "Net Proceeds" means, with respect to any Transfer of any property by any
Person, an amount equal to the excess of (a) the aggregate amount of all
consideration (valued at the fair market value of such consideration at the
time of consummation of such Transfer) received by such Person in respect of
such Transfer, over (b) the ordinary and reasonable out-of-pocket costs and
expenses actually incurred by such Person in connection with such Transfer.

     "Notes" is defined in SECTION 1.

     "Officer's Certificate" means a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer
or of any other officer of the Company whose responsibilities extend to the
subject matter of such certificate.

     "Other Agreements" is defined in SECTION 2.

     "Other Purchasers" is defined in SECTION 2.


                                      B-56



<PAGE>   57


     "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and
defined in ERISA or any successor thereto.

     "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability
company, association, trust, unincorporated organization, or a government or
agency or political subdivision thereof.

     "Plan" means an "employee benefit plan" (as defined in section 3(3) of
ERISA) that is or, within the preceding five years, has been established or
maintained, or to which contributions are or, within the preceding five years,
have been made or required to be made, by the Company or any ERISA Affiliate or
with respect to which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate may have any
liability.

     "Priority Debt" means (i) all Indebtedness of the Company or any
Subsidiary secured by a Lien on any property of the Company or any Subsidiary,
excluding Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted by clauses (a), (c), (d),
(e), (f) or (g) of SECTION 10.4, but including Indebtedness secured by Liens
permitted by clauses (b) or (h) of SECTION 10.4, and (ii) all Indebtedness of
Subsidiaries.

     "property" or "properties" means, unless otherwise specifically limited,
real or personal property of any kind, tangible or intangible, choate or
inchoate.

     "QPAM Exemption" means Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 84-14 issued
by the United States Department of Labor.

     "Required Holders" means, at any time, the holders of at least 66-2/3% in
principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding (exclusive of Notes then
owned by the Company or any of its Affiliates).

     "Responsible Officer" means any Senior Financial Officer and any other
officer of the Company with responsibility for the administration of the
relevant portion of this agreement.

     "Secondary Asset Disposition Prepayment Notice" is defined in SECTION
10.5(B)(IV).

     "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to
time.

     "Senior Financial Officer" means the chief financial officer, principal
accounting officer, treasurer or comptroller of the Company.


                                      B-57



<PAGE>   58


     "Senior Funded Debt" of any Person means Funded Debt of such Person which
is not expressed to be subordinate or junior in rank to any other Funded Debt
of such Person.

     "Series B Notes" is defined in SECTION 1.

     "Series C Notes" is defined in SECTION 1.

     "Series D Notes" is defined in SECTION 1.

     "Series E Notes" is defined in SECTION 1.

     "Series F Notes" is defined in SECTION 1.

     "Series G Notes" is defined in SECTION 1.

     "Series H Notes" is defined in SECTION 1.

     "Series C Note and Series E Note Cut-Off Date" is defined in SECTION 17.1

     "Series C Designated Rate" is defined in SECTION 1(B).

     "Series E Designated Rate" is defined in SECTION 1(B).

     "Series C Institutional Investors" is defined in SECTION 1(B).

     "Series E Institutional Investors" is defined in SECTION 1(B).

     "Subsidiary" means, as to any Person, any corporation, association or
other business entity in which such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries
or such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries owns sufficient equity or
voting interests to enable it or them (as a group) ordinarily, in the absence
of contingencies, to elect a majority of the directors (or Persons performing
similar functions) of such entity, and any partnership or joint venture if more
than a 50% interest in the profits or capital thereof is owned by such Person
or one or more of its Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of its
Subsidiaries (unless such partnership can and does ordinarily take major
business actions without the prior approval of such Person or one or more of
its Subsidiaries).  Unless the context otherwise clearly requires, any
reference to a "Subsidiary" is a reference to a Subsidiary of the Company.

     "Transfer" means, with respect to any property, the sale, exchange,
conveyance, lease, transfer or other disposition of such property.


                                      B-58



<PAGE>   59


     "Unfunded Pension Liability" of any Plan means the amount, if any, by
which the actuarial present value of the accumulated plan benefits under the
Plan as of the close of its most recent plan year, determined in accordance
with statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 35, based upon the
actuarial assumptions used by the Plan's actuary in the most recent annual
valuation of the Plan, exceeds the fair market value of the assets allocable
thereto, determined in accordance with Section 412 of the Code.

     "Value" means, with respect to any property on any date, the greater of
the book value of such property on such date or the fair market value of such
property on such date.

     "Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" means, at any time, any Subsidiary one hundred
percent (100%) of all of the equity interests (except directors' qualifying
shares) and voting interests of which are owned by any one or more of the
Company and the Company's other Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries at such time.



                                      B-59



<PAGE>   60





                                 EXHIBIT 4.4(c)
                          (to Note Purchase Agreement)









<PAGE>   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.29

                       MASTER EQUIPMENT LEASE AGREEMENT


                                                                     No.  07008
                                                                        -------

This is a MASTER EQUIPMENT LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN NATIONAL CITY LEASING
CORPORATION, a Kentucky corporation, whose principal office is located at 101
South Fifth Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 ("NATIONAL CITY") and WABASH
NATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION, an Indiana corporation, whose principal office
is located at 9 North Vail Avenue, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005
("LESSEE").

1.      LEASE.  National City agrees to lease to Lessee and Lessee agrees to
        lease from National City, subject to the terms and conditions set forth
        herein, the items of personal property (the "Equipment") described in
        each Equipment Schedule (a "SCHEDULE") executed and delivered by the
        parties hereto and incorporating the terms of this Master Equipment
        Lease Agreement by reference therein (the "LEASE").  The terms
        "AGREEMENT", "HEREOF", "HEREIN", and "HEREUNDER", when used in this
        Lease, shall mean this Lease, each Schedule and any schedule thereto. 
        This Agreement constitutes an agreement of lease and nothing herein
        contained shall be construed as conveying to Lessee any right, title,
        or interest in the Equipment except as lessee only.  The parties agree
        that this Lease is a "FINANCE LEASE" as defined in Section 2A-103(g) of
        the Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC").  Lessee acknowledges either

        (a)     that Lessee has reviewed and approved any written Supply
                Contract (as defined in UCC Section 2A-103(y)) covering the
                Equipment purchased from the Supplier (as defined in UCC
                Section 2A-103(x)) thereof for lease to Lessee or
        
        (b)     that National City has informed or advised Lessee, in writing,
                either previously or by this Lease of the following:
        
                (i)     the identity of the Supplier;

                (ii)    that Lessee may have rights under the Supply Contract
                        and

                (iii)   that Lessee may contact the Supplier for a description
                        of any such rights Lessee may have under the Supply 
                        Contract.

2.      TERM:  ACCEPTANCE: RENT: RETURN.  The term of lease of each Item of
        Equipment shall commence on the date the Lessee accepts the Equipment
        (the "COMMENCEMENT DATE") as evidenced by the Certificate of Delivery
        and Acceptance pertaining to such Equipment and, unless earlier
        terminated pursuant to the provisions hereof, shall continue for the
        term specified in each Schedule.  Lessee's execution and delivery of a
        Certificate of Delivery and Acceptance shall constitute Lessee's
        Irrevocable acceptance of the Equipment covered thereby for all
        purposes of this Agreement.  Lessee shall pay to National City (at
        National City's office specified above, or as National City may
        otherwise designate), rent as specified in each Schedule.  Each date on
        which an installment of rent is payable is hereinafter called a "RENT
        PAYMENT DATE".  As to each Schedule, the first Rent Payment Date shall
        be the Rent Payment Date set forth therein, with the succeeding Rent 
        Payment Dates as set forth therein.  In addition, if applicable, 
        Lessee shall pay interim rent for the period between the Commencement 
        Date and the first Rent Payment Date, based on a 30-day month and the 
        number of days between the Commencement Date and the first Rent 
        Payment Date.  Lessee shall also pay to National City, on demand, a 
        late payment charge of 5% of each installment of rent and any other 
        amount owing hereunder which is not paid when due.  Upon the expiration
        or earlier termination of the term of lease of each item of Equipment 
        leased hereunder, Lessee shall at its expense return such item to 
        National City at such location as National City may designate, in the 
        condition required to be maintained by Section 7 hereof,
        
<PAGE>   2
        provided that Lessee may elect an alternative disposition of the
        Equipment pursuant to Section 20 hereof.


3.      NO WARRANTIES.  Lessee acknowledges that:  National City is not the
        manufacturer of the Equipment nor the manufacturer's agent nor a dealer
        therein; and NATIONAL CITY HAS NOT MADE AND DOES NOT MAKE ANY
        REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO
        THE MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS, CONDITION, DESIGN OR OPERATION OF THE
        EQUIPMENT, ITS FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, THE QUALITY OR
        CAPACITY OF THE MATERIALS IN THE EQUIPMENT OR WORKMANSHIP IN THE
        EQUIPMENT, NOR ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND
        WHATSOEVER.  Lessee confirms that it has made (or will make) the
        selection of each item of Equipment on the basis of its own judgment and
        expressly disclaims reliance upon any statements, representations or
        warranties made by National City.  National City shall not be liable
        to Lessee for any matter relating to the ordering, manufacture,
        purchase, delivery, assembly, installation, testing, operation or
        expense of any kind caused by the Equipment.  National city shall not
        be liable for any consequential damages as that term is used in UCC
        Section 2-719(3).  National City hereby assigns to Lessee all rights
        which National City has or may acquire against any manufacturer,
        supplier, or contractor with respect to any warranty and representation
        relating to the Equipment leased hereunder.  Lessee acknowledges that
        Lessee has reviewed and approved the Purchase Order, Supply Contract or
        Purchase Agreement covering the Equipment purchase from the vendor or
        Supplier thereof for lease to Lessee.
        

4.      EQUIPMENT TO REMAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY; LOCATION; IDENTIFICATION;        
        INSPECTION.  Lessee represents that the Equipment shall be and at all
        times remain separately identifiable personal property.  Lessee shall,
        at its expense, take such action as may be necessary to prevent any
        third party from acquiring any right to or interest in the Equipment
        by virtue of the Equipment being deemed to be real property or a part
        of other personal property and shall indemnify National City against
        any loss which it may sustain by reason of Lessee's failure to do so. 
        Except for maintenance or repairs permitted or required in Section 7 
        hereof, the Equipment may not be removed from the location specified
        in the Schedule pertaining thereto without National City's prior
        written consent and Lessee's provision of reasonable documentation as
        requested by National City. If requested by National City, Lessee shall
        attach to and maintain on the Equipment a conspicuous plate or marking 
        disclosing ownership therein. National City or its representatives may,
        at reasonable times, inspect the Equipment.


5.      TAXES; INDEMNITY. Lessee agrees to pay, and to indemnify and hold
        National City harmless from, all license fees, assessments, and sales,
        use, property, excise and other taxes and charges (other than federal
        income taxes and taxes imposed by any other jurisdiction which are 
        based on, or measured by, the net income of National City for reasons
        other than the ownership or leasing of the Equipment in that
        jurisdiction) imposed upon or with respect to

        (a)  the Equipment or any part thereof arising out of or in connection
             with the shipment of Equipment or the possession, ownership, use
             or operation thereof, or

        (b)  this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions herein
             contemplated.

        National City shall prepare and file any and all returns required in
        connection with the obligations which Lessee has assumed under this
        section, except such filings as National City may, at its option,
        direct Lessee to make. Each party shall upon request furnish the other
        a copy of any such filing made or governmental invoice received 
        covering such obligations. Lessee further agrees to assume liability
        for, and to indemnify and hold National City harmless against, all 
        claims, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities arising from or
        pertaining to the manufacture, assembly, installation, ownership, use,
        possession and operation of the Equipment, including, without
        limitation, latent and other defects, whether or not discoverable by
        Lessee or any other person,



                                      2
                
<PAGE>   3
     any expense, liability or loss directly or indirectly related to or
     arising out of any injury to any person or tangible or intangible
     property, whether arising from negligence or under any theory of strict or
     absolute liability or any other cause, or any claim for patent or
     copyright infringement, together with all legal fees and expenses
     reasonably incurred by National City in connection with any liability
     asserted against it, whether groundless or otherwise. Lessee shall, and
     shall cause all other persons, if any, operating or in possession of the
     Equipment, to comply at all times and in all respects with all laws and
     regulations (whether federal, state, or local and whether statutory,
     administrative, judicial, or other) and with every lawful governmental
     order (whether administrative or judicial) pertaining to the operation and
     use of the Equipment and, without limiting the generality of the
     foregoing, will, and will cause each such person to,

     (i)  operate, and use the Equipment in compliance with all
          Environmental Laws and handle all Hazardous Materials in compliance
          therewith, and

     (ii) comply with and keep in full effect each approval,
          certification, license, permit, or other authorization required by
          any Environmental Law for the conduct of any activity upon or within
          the Equipment, 

     and will indemnify National City from and against any and all liabilities
     and any and all fees, costs and expenses arising out of use of the 
     Equipment.

     "ENVIRONMENTAL LAW" means the Clean Air Act (42 USC Section 7401 et seq.),
     Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42
     USC Section 9601 et seq.), the Hazardous Material Transportation Act (49
     USC Section 1801 et seq.), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42
     USC Section 6901 et seq.), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 USC
     Section 1251 et seq.), the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 USC
     Section 2601 et seq.) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 USC
     Section 651 et seq.), as such laws have been or hereafter may be amended,
     and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, and any and all similar
     present or future federal, state, or local laws and the regulations
     promulgated pursuant thereto and "HAZARDOUS MATERIAL" means any chemical,
     material, or substance which could be detrimental to animal health, human
     health, vegetation, the environment or the Equipment which is, or the
     disposal, manufacture, release, storage or transport of which is, or
     exposure to which is, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise regulated under
     any Environmental Law;

     The agreements and indemnities contained in this section shall survive the
     expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

6.   ASSIGNMENTS: SUBLETTING; ENCUMBRANCES.

     (a)  LESSEE WILL NOT WITHOUT NATIONAL CITY'S PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT,
          ASSIGN OR TRANSFER THIS LEASE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN, OR SUBLEASE OR
          RELINQUISH POSSESSION OF, OR CREATE OR SUFFER TO EXIST ANY LIEN,
          MORTGAGE, SECURITY INTEREST OR ENCUMBRANCE UPON THE EQUIPMENT.

     (b)  National City may assign or transfer this Lease or National
          City's interest in the Equipment without notice to Lessee. Any
          assignee of National City shall have all of the rights, but none of
          the obligations, of National City under this Lease and Lessee agrees
          that it will not assert against any assignee of National City any
          defense, counterclaim, or offset that Lessee may have against
          National City. Lessee acknowledges that any assignment or transfer by
          National City shall not materially change Lessee's duties or
          obligations under this Lease nor materially increase the burdens or
          risks imposed on Lessee.



                                      3

<PAGE>   4

7.   USE: REPAIRS; ETC. Lessee will cause the Equipment to be operated in
     accordance with the manufacturer's or supplier's instructions or manuals
     by competent and duly qualified personnel only and in compliance with all
     laws and regulations and the insurance policies required to be maintained
     hereunder. Lessee shall, at its own cost and expense, enter into and keep
     in force during the term hereof a maintenance agreement with the
     manufacturer of the Equipment or such other maintenance vendor as may be
     approved in writing, by National City, to maintain, service and repair the
     Equipment so as to keep it in as good operating condition as it was when
     it first became subject to this Lease, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
     National City shall have the right to approve such maintenance agreement
     (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) and shall be furnished
     with an executed copy thereof. Lessee shall, at its own cost and expense,
     to the extent not covered by the aforesaid maintenance agreement, maintain
     the Equipment in good operating condition. Replacement parts shall be free
     and clear of any mortgage, lien, charge, or encumbrance (and title thereto
     shall vest in National City immediately upon installation, attachment or
     incorporation of the same in, on or into such Unit). Upon termination of
     this Lease, at the expiration of the Lease Term or otherwise, the
     Equipment shall be returned to National City in as good operating condition
     as when it became subject to this Lease, ordinary wear and tear excepted,
     and in such condition as to be acceptable to the manufacturer for regular
     maintenance without any remedial maintenance. Lessee will not alter or add
     to the Equipment without National City's prior written consent. Lessee
     will remove any attachments, alterations or accessories and return the
     Equipment to its original condition, normal wear and tear excepted, at the
     termination of this Lease if National City shall so demand. In the absence
     of such demand, all attachments, alterations or accessories shall become
     part of the Equipment at the time of their attachment thereto.

8.   LOSS: DAMAGE. If National City determines that any Equipment is lost,
     stolen, destroyed, damaged beyond repair or rendered permanently unfit for
     normal use for any reason, or in the event of any condemnation,
     confiscation, seizure, or requisition of title to or use of such Equipment
     (a "Casualty Occurrence"), Lessee will, at the option of National City,
     either

     (a)  replace the same with Equipment in good repair or

     (b)  promptly pay to National City an amount equal to the Rent in
          respect of the Equipment suffering a Casualty Occurrence due and
          payable on the first of the month following the date of the Casualty
          Occurrence, plus a sum equal to the Stipulated Loss Value of such
          Equipment determined as of the Rent Payment Date next following the
          date of the Casualty Occurrence as set out in the appropriate
          Schedule, less any physical damage insurance proceeds paid to
          National City as a result of said Casualty Occurrence.

     As of the Rent Payment Date next following the Casualty Occurrence, the
     Rent for such Equipment shall cease to accrue and the term of this Lease
     as to such Equipment shall terminate and (except in the case of loss,
     theft or complete destruction of the Equipment) National City shall be
     entitled to recover possession of the Equipment. National City hereby
     appoints Lessee its agent to dispose of any Equipment suffering a Casualty
     Occurrence at the best price obtainable on an "AS IS, WHERE IS" basis
     without recourse or warranties of any kind. Provided that National City
     has been paid the Stipulated Loss Value and all Rent and other sums due
     and owing as to such Equipment, Lessee shall be entitled to the net
     proceeds of such sale to the extent such proceeds do not exceed the
     Stipulated Loss Value of such Equipment. Any excess shall be paid to
     National City .

9.   INSURANCE. Lessee shall maintain at all times on the Equipment, at
     Lessee's expense, property damage, direct damage and public liability
     insurance in such amounts, against such risks and in such form and with
     such insurers as shall be satisfactory to National City. The required
     insurance shall be specified in the applicable Schedule; provided, that
     the amount of direct damage insurance shall not on any date be less than
     the full replacement value of the Equipment as of

                                       4




<PAGE>   5


     such date. Each public liability insurance policy will name National City
     as additional named insured as its interests may appear and each damage
     insurance policy will name National City as loss payee, and each insurance
     policy shall contain a clause requiring the insurer to give to National
     City at least 30-days prior written notice of any alteration of the terms
     or cancellation of such policy. Lessee shall furnish to National City a
     certificate or other evidence satisfactory to National City that such
     insurance coverage is in effect, provided, however, that National City
     shall be under no duty to ascertain as to the existence or adequacy of
     such insurance. National City makes no representation that the minimum
     insurance coverage requirements in a Schedule will be adequate at all
     times to satisfy Lessee's obligations hereunder. Lessee has the
     responsibility to provide additional insurance coverage to maintain
     coverage hereunder in an amount adequate to fulfill its obligation
     hereunder and is consistent with insurance coverage for similar risks in
     Lessee's industry or line of business.

10.  NONCANCELLABLE AGREEMENT: LESSEE'S OBLIGATIONS UNCONDITIONAL. This
     Agreement cannot be canceled or terminated except as expressly provided
     herein. Lessee agrees that its obligation to pay all rent and other
     amounts payable hereunder and to perform its duties with respect hereto
     shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances,
     including, without limitation, the following:

     (a)  any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right
          which Lessee may have against National City, the manufacturer, or
          supplier of any Equipment or anyone else for any reason whatsoever;

     (b)  any defect in the condition, design, title, operation or
          fitness for use, or any damage to or loss of any Equipment;

     (c)  any insolvency, reorganization or similar proceedings by or
          against Lessee; or

     (d)  any other event or circumstances whatsoever, whether or not
          similar to the foregoing.

     Each rent or other payment made by Lessee hereunder shall be final and
     Lessee will not seek to recover all or any part of such payment from
     National City for any reason whatsoever.

11.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES. An Event of Default shall occur hereunder
     if Lessee:

     (a)  shall fail to make any payment of rent or other amount owing
          hereunder when due and such failure shall continue for a period of 10
          days;

     (b)  shall fail to perform or observe any other covenant, agreement
          or condition hereunder within 30 days of written notice thereof being
          given by National City to Lessee, or if more than 30 days are
          reasonably required, Lessee fails to commence to diligently perform
          such obligations within such 30 days;

     (c)  shall make any representation or warranty to National City
          herein or in any document or certificate furnished National City in
          connection herewith which shall prove to be incorrect at any time;

     (d)  shall become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of
          creditors or consent to the appointment of a trustee or receiver,

     (e)  after 60 days if a trustee or receiver shall be appointed for
          Lessee or for a substantial part of its property or for the
          Equipment, or reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, dissolution or
          liquidation proceedings shall be instituted by or against Lessee and
          such appointment or proceedings are not terminated within such time;



                                      5

<PAGE>   6
  (f) shall suffer an adverse material change in its financial condition
      from the date hereof, and as a result thereof National City deems itself
      or any of its Equipment to be insecure; or

  (g) shall be in default under any other agreement at any time executed with
      National City or any affiliate or subsidiary of National City Corporation

then National City may declare this Agreement to be in default and may do one
or more of the following with respect to any or all of the Equipment as
National City in its sole discretion may elect, to the extent permitted by, and
subject to compliance with any mandatory requirements of applicable law then in
effect:

(i)   terminate this Lease effective immediately; or

(ii)  demand that Lessee, and Lessee shall at its expense upon such demand,
      return the Equipment promptly to National City in the manner and
      condition required by and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of
      Section 2 hereof, as if the Equipment were being returned at the
      expiration of its term of lease hereunder, or National City, at its
      option, may enter upon the premises where the Equipment is located and
      take possession of and remove the same by summary proceedings or
      otherwise, all without liability to Lessee for damage to property or
      otherwise; or

(iii) take possession of any or all Equipment and remove the same without
      liability for injuries suffered through or loss caused by such
      repossession.  LESSEE WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO NOTICE AND JUDICIAL
      HEARING WITH RESPECT TO THE REPOSSESSION OR ATTACHMENT OF THE EQUIPMENT
      BY NATIONAL CITY IN THE EVENT OF DEFAULT HEREUNDER BY LESSEE.  In the
      event National City proceeds pursuant to this subsection (iii), National
      City may sell any or all Equipment at public or private sale as is
      commercially reasonable given the existing conditions on an "AS IS, WHERE
      IS" basis without recourse or warranties of any kind, or otherwise hold,
      use, operate, or keep idle such Equipment, as National City in its sole
      discretion determines is commercially reasonable free and clear of all
      rights of Lessee; or

(iv)  whether or not National City has exercised any other right hereunder,
      by written notice to Lessee, cause Lessee to pay National City (as
      liquidated damages for loss of a bargain and not as a penalty) on the date
      specified in such notice an amount equal to the Rent due and payable on
      the first day of the calendar month following the date of the notice of 
      Lease termination plus a sum equal to the appropriate Stipulated Loss 
      Value determined as of the Rent Payment Date next following the date of 
      the notice of Lease termination as set out in the applicable Schedule or;

(v)   National City may exercise any other right or remedy which may be
      available to it under applicable law or proceed by appropriate court
      action to enforce the terms hereof or to recover damages for the breach
      hereof.

In addition, Lessee shall pay National City all costs and expenses incurred by
National City as a result of Lessee's default hereunder or the termination
hereof, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and costs
arising out of repossession and disposal of the Equipment.

Provided Lessee has previously paid to National City the sum of the Stipulated
Loss Value, Rent due and owing and other costs and expenses incurred pursuant
hereto, Lessee shall be entitled to the net proceeds of any such sale,
disposition or re-lease of the Equipment to the extent they do not exceed the
Stipulated Loss Value.  Any excess shall be retained by National City.  To the
extent the Equipment is re-leased by National City, Lessee shall be credited
the present value of

                                      6
<PAGE>   7
the lease rental stream at the discount rate of National City Prime as of the
date the re-lease is agreed to between the parties.  Furthermore, to the extent
the parties to this Lease need to determine the present value of any moneys due
under the Lease, the parties agree that the discount rate shall be National
City Prime.

"NATIONAL CITY PRIME" means the fluctating rate of interest which is publicly
announced from time to time by National City Bank, Clevalnd Ohio, at its
principal place of business as being its "prime rate" or "base rate" thereafter
in effect, with each change in the Prime Rate automatically, immediately and
without notice changing the fluctuating interest rate thereafter applicable
hereunder.  The Prime Rate is not necessarily the lowest rate of interest then
available from National City Bank on fluctating rate loans.

In addition, Lessee shall continue to be liable for all indemnities under this
Lease and for all reasonable attorney fees and other costs and expenses
resulting from the termination hereof and/or the exercise of National City's
remedies, including placing any Equipment in the condition required by Section
7 hereof.  Except as expressly provided above, no remedy referred to in this
section is exclusive, but each shall be cumulative and in addition to any other
remedy referred to herein or otherwise available to National City at law or
equity; and the exercise or beginning of exercise by National City or any one
or more of such remedies shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise
by National City of any other remedies.  No express or implied waiver by
National City of an Event of Default shall constitute a waiver of any
other subsequent Event of Default.  To the extent permitted by law, Lessee
waives any rights now or hereafter conferred by statute or otherwise which may
require National City to sell, re-lease or otherwise use the Equipment in
mitigation of National City's damages or which may otherwise limit or modify
any of National City's rights or remedies.

12.  INDEMNIFICATION FOR TAX BENEFITS.

     (a)  National City, as the owner of the Equipment, shall be entitled to
          such deductions, credits and other benefits as are provided by the
          Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (hereinafter called the
          "CODE") to an owner of property.   

     (b)  Lessee agrees that neither it nor any entity controlled by it, in
          control of it, or under common control with it, directly or
          indirectly, will at any time take any action or file any returns or
          other documents inconsistent with the foregoing and that each of such
          corporations will file such returns, take such action and execute
          such documents as may be reasonable and necessary to facilitate
          accomplishment of the intent thereof.  Lessee agrees to copy or make
          available for inspection and copying by National City such records as
          will enable National City to determine whether it is entitled to the
          benefit of any amortization or depreciation deduction which may be
          available from time to time with respect to the Equipment.

     (c)  If National City, under any circumstances or for any reason
          whatsoever, except for acts of National City or future changes in the
          Code, shall lose, shall not have or shall lose the right to claim, or
          there shall be disallowed or recaptured all or any portion of the
          federal tax depreciation deductions with respect to any item of
          Equipment based on depreciation or National City's full cost of such
          item of Equipment and computed on the basis of a method of
          depreciation provided by the Code as National City in its complete
          discretion may select, then Lessee agrees to pay National City upon
          demand an amount which, after deduction of all taxes required to be
          paid by National City in respect to the receipt thereof under the
          laws of any federal, state or local government or taxing authority of
          the United States or of any taxing authority or governmental
          authority of any foreign country, shall be equal to the sum of 

                                      7
<PAGE>   8

            (i) an amount equal to the additional income taxes paid or
                payable by National City in consequence of the failure to
                obtain the benefit of a depreciation deduction, and

           (ii) any interest and/or penalty which may be assessed
                in connection with any of the foregoing.

     (d)  The provisions of this Section 12 shall survive the expiration
          or earlier termination of this Agreement.

13.  NATIONAL CITY'S RIGHTS TO PERFORM. If Lessee fails to make any payment
     required to be made hereunder or fails to comply with any other agreements
     contained herein, National City may make such payment or comply with such
     agreement, and the amount of such payment and the reasonable expenses of
     National City incurred in connection with such payment or compliance,
     shall be payable by Lessee on demand.

14.  FURTHER ASSURANCES. Lessee will, at its expense, promptly and duly
     execute and deliver to National City such further documents and assurances
     and take such further action as National City may from time to time
     request in order to more effectively carry out the intent and purpose of
     this Agreement so as to establish and protect the rights, interest and
     remedies intended to be created in favor of National City hereunder,
     including, without limitation, the execution and filing of financing
     statements and continuation statements with respect to the Equipment and
     this Agreement. Lessee authorizes National City to effect any such filing
     (including the filing of any financing statements without the signature of
     Lessee) and National City's expenses with respect thereto shall be payable
     by Lessee on demand.

15.  NOTICES. All notices and other communications required to be given to any
     party hereunder shall be in writing and delivered or mailed by regular
     mail to such party at the address set forth above or at such other address
     as it may designate to other parties.

16.  MISCELLANEOUS. Any provision of this Agreement which is unenforceable in
     any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the
     extent of such unenforceability without invalidating the remaining
     provisions hereof, and any such unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall
     not render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. To the
     extent permitted by applicable law, Lessee waives

     (a)  any provision of law which renders any provision hereof
          unenforceable in any respect;

     (b)  any and all rights conferred upon a Lessee by Article 2A of the
          UCC, including but not limited to Lessee's rights to

           (i)  cancel this Agreement;


          (ii)  repudiate this Agreement;

         (iii)  revoke acceptance of the Equipment;

          (iv)  recover damages from National City for any breaches of warranty
                or for any other reason;

           (v)  claim a security interest in the Equipment in Lessee's 
                possession or control for any reason;


                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                (vi)    deduct all or any part of any claimed damages resulting
                        from National City's default, if any, under this Lease;

                (Vii)   accept partial delivery of this Equipment;

                (viii)  recover any general, special, incidental or
                        consequential damages, for any reason whatsoever;

                (ix)    specific performance, replevin, detinue, sequestration,
                        claim and delivery of the like for any Equipment
                        identified to the Lease, or any substitutions or 
                        replacements thereof; and

        (c)     any rights now or hereafter conferred by statute or otherwise
                which may require National City to sell, lease or otherwise use
                any Equipment in mitigation of Lessee's damages.

        Provided the Lessee is not in default under any provision of this 
        Lease, National City shall not interfere with Lessee's quiet enjoyment
        of the use of the Equipment pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and
        National City shall defend and protect such quiet enjoyment against all
        persons claiming by, through or under National City.  This Agreement
        and the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of National City 
        and its successors and assigns, and shall be binding on and inure to 
        the benefit of Lessee and its successors and assigns.

17.     CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.  The obligation of National City contained in
        Section 1 hereof shall be subject to the following conditions precedent.


        (a)   there shall have occurred no material adverse change in the
              business or the financial condition of Lessee from the date 
              hereof until the Commencement Date of any Schedule;

        (b)   Lessee shall have furnished National City with a certificate
              or other evidence satisfactory to National City that insurance
              coverage as required by Section 9 hereof is in effect as to
              the item of Equipment desired to be leased;

        (c)   upon the request of National City, Lessee shall furnish National
              City opinions of counsel in form and substance acceptable to 
              National City;

        (d)   unless specifically waived by National City, Lessee shall have
              furnished National City waivers, in form and substance 
              acceptable to National City, of all rights in or to Equipment
              of any landlord or mortgagee of any real property upon which the
              Equipment is or is to be situated; and

        (e)  all other instruments and legal and corporate proceedings in
             connection with the transactions contemplated herein shall be 
             satisfactory in form and substance to National City, and counsel
             to National City shall have received copies of all documents which
             it may have requested in connection therewith.

        If any of the above conditions is not satisfied at the time Lessee
        submits any Schedule, National City shall have no obligation under
        this Agreement to lease the items of personal property covered
        thereby to Lessee.

18.     FINANCIALS.  Lessee agrees that for so long as any item of Equipment
        shall be leased under this Agreement, Lessee will deliver or cause
        to be delivered to National City

        (a)  as soon as practicable, and in any event within sixty (60) days 
             after the end of each quarterly period (othe than the fourth 
             quarterly period) for each fiscal year of leesee, the


                                      9

<PAGE>   10
           balance sheet of Lessee as of the end of such quarterly period
           together with the related statements of income and expenses for
           such quarterly period all in reasonable detail prepared in
           accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
           consistently applied throughout the period involved and certified
           by Lessee's chief financial officer; and

      (b)  as soon as practicable, and in any event within one hundred
           twenty (120) days after the close of each fiscal year of Lessee,
           the audited balance sheet of Lessee as of the end of such fiscal
           year together with related statements of income and surplus for such
           fiscal year all in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with
           generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied
           throughout the period involved and certified by an independent pubic
           accountant acceptable to National City.

19.   REPRESENTATION, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS. Lessee represents,
      warrants and covenants that

      (a) if Lessee is a corporation, Lessee is duly organized and validly
          existing in good standing under the laws of the state of its
          incorporation and is duly qualified and licensed to do business as a
          foreign corporation in good standing in those jurisdictions where
          such qualifications are necessary to authorize Lessee to carry on its
          present business and operations and to own its properties or to
          perform its obligations hereunder;

      (b) if Lessee is a partnership, Lessee is duly organized and validly
          existing under the partnership laws of its state of domicile and
          is duly authorized in any foreign jurisdiction where such
          qualification is necessary to authorize Lessee to carry on it present
          business and operations and to own its properties and to perform its
          obligations hereunder;

      (c) if Lessee is a limited liability company, Lessee is duly
          organized and validly existing under the laws of its state of
          domicile and is duly authorized in any foreign jurisdiction where such
          qualification is necessary to authorize Lessee to carry on its present
          business and operations and to own its properties and to perform its
          obligations hereunder;

      (d) Lessee has full power, authority and legal right to execute,
          deliver and carry out as Lessee the terms and provisions of
          this Agreement and any other documents in connection with this lease
          transaction;

      (e) if Lessee is a corporation, Lessee's execution, delivery and
          performance of this Agreement and the other documents and
          agreements referred to herein, and the performance of its obligations
          under this Agreement have all been authorized by all necessary
          corporate action, do not require the approval or consent of
          stockholders, or of any trustee or holders of any indebtedness or
          obligation of Lessee and will not violate any law, governmental rule,
          regulation or order binding upon Lessee or any provision of any
          indenture, mortgage, contract or other agreement to which Lessee is a
          party or by which it is bound or to which it is subject, and will not
          violate any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, By-laws or
          any preferred stock agreement of Lessee;

      (f) if Lessee is a partnership, Lessee's execution, delivery and
          performance of this Agreement and the other documents and
          agreements referred to herein, and the performance of its obligations
          under this Agreement have all been authorized by all necessary
          partnership actions;

      (9) if Lessee is a limited liability company, Lessee's execution,
          delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other documents 
          and agreements referred to herein, and the performance of its 
          obligations under this Agreement have all been authorized by all 
          necessary member action; 

                                     10




<PAGE>   11

      (h) there are no pending or threatened investigations, actions or
          proceedings before any court or administrative agency or other
          tribunal body, which seek to question or set aside any of the
          transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or which, if adversely
          determined, would materially affect the condition, business or
          operation of Lessee;

      (i) Lessee is not in default in any material manner in the payment or
          performance of any of its obligations or in the performance of
          any contract, agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or
          by which it or any of its assets may be bound;

      (j) the balance sheet of Lessee as of the end of its most recent fiscal
          year and the related profit and loss statement of Lessee for
          the fiscal year ended on said date, including the related schedules
          and notes, together with the report of an independent certified
          public accountant, heretofore delivered to National City, are all
          true and correct and present fairly

          (x) the financial position of Lessee as at the date of said
              balance sheet and

          (y) the results of the operations of Lessee for said fiscal
              year;

      (k) all proceedings required to be taken to authorize the lease of
          the Equipment from National City and to protect National City's
          interest in such Equipment, free and clear of all liens and
          encumbrances whatsoever, have been taken;

      (l) Lessee has no significant liabilities (contingent or otherwise)
          which are not disclosed by or reserved against the financial
          statements referred to in (j) above;

      (m) all the financial statements referred to in (j) above have been
          prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
          principles and practices applied on a basis consistently maintained
          throughout the period involved;

      (n) there has been no change which would have a material adverse
          effect on the business or financial condition of Lessee from that
          set forth in the balance sheet referred to in (j) above;

      (o) no authorization, consent, approval, license, exemption of or
          filing or registration with court, governmental unit or
          department, commission, board, bureau, agency, instrumentality or the
          like is required or necessary for the valid execution and delivery of
          the Agreement, any bill of sale and the other documents and
          agreements referred to herein;

      (p) this Master Lease Agreement, the Schedules and any accompanying
          documents, having been duly authorized, executed and delivered
          to National City, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of
          Lessee, enforceable against Lessee in accordance with the terms
          thereof except as such terms may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency
          or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditor's rights
          generally; and

      (q) the Equipment is personal property and neither real property nor a 
          fixture;

20. OPTIONS. National City and Lessee hereby agree that so long as no Event of
    Default shall have occurred and be continuing Lessee may have such options
    as are set forth in the applicable Schedule.



                                     11
<PAGE>   12




21. CHOICE OF LAW. The rights and liabilities of the parties under this
    Agreement and each Schedule shall be interpreted, enforced and governed
    in all respects by the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Lessee hereby
    consents and subjects itself to the jurisdiction of every local, state and
    federal court within the Commonwealth of Kentucky, agrees that except as
    otherwise required by law, Lessee shall never file or maintain any action
    or proceeding in connection with this Agreement or any Schedule in any
    court outside the Commonwealth of Kentucky, waives personal service of any
    and all process in connection therewith and consents to the service of such
    process upon Lessee in the manner provided in the Agreement for giving
    notice. LESSEE HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES JURY TRIAL IN
    RESPECT OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR
    ANY SCHEDULE.

22. ATTORNEY'S FEES. If National City commences any action to enforce or
    define any right or obligation of Lessee under this Agreement or any
    Schedule, Lessee shall pay to National City all reasonable attorney's fees
    and all other legal expenses (including for expert and other witnesses) for
    preparation, negotiation, filing, maintenance, defense, settlement and
    appeal of litigation paid or incurred by National City. 

23. HEADINGS. The headings for the various sections of this Agreement are 
    intended solely for convenience of reference and are not intended nor shall
    they be used to construe, explain, modify or place any meaning upon any
    provision hereof.

24. MODIFICATION. Neither this Agreement nor any Schedule can be modified
    or amended except by written agreement signed and currently dated by both
    signatories hereto. Lessee's Initials:___________. 

25. COUNTERPARTS; ORIGINALS. The parties may execute this Agreement and any 
    Schedule in any number of counterparts. All such counterparts of this
    Agreement shall constitute one Agreement. One copy of the Agreement and 
    each Schedule shall be designated as the "ORIGINAL" and all other copies 
    shall be "DUPLICATES". Only the "ORIGINAL" shall constitute chattel paper.

26. LESSEE'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NO EXTRINSIC PROMISES. LESSEE AGREES THAT THERE
    HAVE BEEN NO REPRESENTATIONS, AGREEMENTS, STATEMENTS, PROMISE,
    UNDERSTANDINGS OR INDUCEMENTS (COLLECTIVELY IN THIS SECTION "PROMISES")
    MADE TO LESSEE BY OR ON BEHALF OF NATIONAL CITY OR ANY THIRD PERSON IN
    CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, ANY SCHEDULE, ANY EQUIPMENT LEASED
    HEREUNDER, OR ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE TRANSACTION OF WHICH THIS AGREEMENT
    AND/OR ANY SCHEDULE IS OR BECOMES A PART OTHER THAN THOSE PROMISES, IF ANY,
    EXPRESSLY IN WORDS MADE IN THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH SCHEDULE. 

27. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT IS AN INTEGRATION AND EACH SCHEDULE IS AN
    INTEGRATION AND RESPECTIVELY THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES
    RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF EACH TRANSACTION EMBRACED THEREBY. ALL
    AGREEMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS, PROMISES, INDUCEMENTS, STATEMENTS AND
    UNDERSTANDINGS, PRIOR TO AND CONTEMPORANEOUS WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND PRIOR
    TO AND CONTEMPORANEOUS WITH EACH SCHEDULE, WRITTEN OR ORAL, BETWEEN THE
    PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF EACH SUCH TRANSACTION, IF ANY,
    ARE AND EACH IS SUPERSEDED BY THIS AGREEMENT AND BY EACH SCHEDULE AS IT IS
    EXECUTED. 

                                     12




<PAGE>   13

Executed as of the 30th day of  December, 1996.

By execution hereof, the signer hereby certifies that he/she has read this
Agreement and that he/she is duly authorized to execute this Master Equipment 
Lease Agreement on behalf of the Lessee.

WABASH NATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION
(an Indiana corporation)

      
By:      [signature]
    ------------------------------

Title: 
         Vice President
     -----------------------------

NATIONAL CITY LEASING CORPORATION


By:      [signature]
    ------------------------------

Title: 
         Vice President
     -----------------------------








                                     13


<PAGE>   1
                                                                 Exhibit 21.00


                       SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY AND
                        OWNERSHIP OF SUBSIDIARY STOCK



    Name of                       State of                 % of shares 
  Subsidiary                   Incorporation           Owned by the Company
  -----------                  -------------           --------------------

Wabash National                  
Finance Corporation              Indiana                      100%

Continental Transit              
Corporation                      Indiana                      100%

        


<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 23.01


                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our report included in this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously filed
Registration Statement File No. 33-49256 and File No. 33-65318.


                                        /s/     Arthur Andersen LLP
                                        ---------------------------
                                                ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana
February 10, 1997



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           5,514
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   72,852
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,686
<INVENTORY>                                    140,015
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               235,910
<PP&E>                                         105,035
<DEPRECIATION>                                  23,253
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 440,071
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           87,198
<BONDS>                                        151,307
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           189
<OTHER-SE>                                     178,179
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   440,071
<SALES>                                        631,492
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               631,492
<CGS>                                          602,629
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  602,629
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                13,359
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              10,257
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  6,035
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,397
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,638
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,638
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.19
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.19
        

</TABLE>


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