<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the registrant [X]
Filed by a party other than the registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary proxy statement. [ ] Confidential, for use of the
Commission only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2).
[X] Definitive proxy statement.
[ ] Definitive additional materials.
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12.
U.S. Freightways Corporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE> 2
USFREIGHTWAYS CORPORATION LOGO
USFREIGHTWAYS CORPORATION
8550 WEST BRYN MAWR, 7TH FLOOR
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60631
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held on April 28, 2000
To the Stockholders of USFreightways Corporation:
The 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of USFreightways Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), will be held in the Regency Ballroom at
The Rosewood Restaurant, 9421 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018, on
April 28, 2000 at 10:00 A.M. for the following purposes, as more fully described
in the accompanying Proxy Statement:
1. To elect two directors to serve a term of 3 years or until their
respective successors are elected and qualified; and
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Stockholders of record of the Company's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, at the close of business on March 8, 2000, the record date fixed by the
Board of Directors, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting, as
more fully described in the Proxy Statement.
The Company's Annual Report to Stockholders is being mailed concurrently
with this Notice and Proxy Statement to all stockholders of record. The
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may be obtained by any
stockholder upon written request to the Secretary of the Company at the address
set forth above.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting. Those who
cannot attend are urged to sign, date and otherwise complete the enclosed proxy
and return it promptly in the envelope provided. Any stockholder giving a proxy
has the right to revoke it at any time before it is voted.
By order of the Board of Directors
RICHARD C. PAGANO
Secretary
Chicago, Illinois
March 24, 2000
<PAGE> 3
USFREIGHTWAYS CORPORATION
8550 WEST BRYN MAWR, 7TH FLOOR
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60631
PROXY STATEMENT
-------------------------
Approximate date proxy material
first sent to stockholders:
March 24, 2000
-------------------------
The following information is provided in connection with the solicitation
of proxies for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of USFreightways Corporation,
a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), to be held on April 28, 2000, and
adjournments thereof (the "Meeting"), for the purposes stated in the Notice of
Annual Meeting of Stockholders preceding this Proxy Statement.
GENERAL INFORMATION
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
A form of proxy is being furnished herewith by the Company to each
stockholder and, in each case, such proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of
Directors of the Company for use at the Meeting. The entire cost of soliciting
these proxies will be borne by the Company. Solicitation will be made by mail,
and may also be made by telephone, telegraph or facsimile transmission by
directors, officers and regular employees of the Company, but these persons will
not be separately compensated for such solicitation services. The Company may
pay persons holding shares in their names or the names of their nominees for the
benefit of others, such as brokerage firms, banks, depositories and other
fiduciaries, for costs incurred in forwarding proxy solicitation material to
their principals.
AUTHORITY CONFERRED BY PROXIES
Each proxy duly executed and returned by stockholders and received by the
Company before the Meeting will be voted FOR the election of each of the two
nominee directors specified herein, unless a contrary choice is specified in the
proxy. Where a contrary specification is indicated as provided in the proxy, the
shares represented by the proxy will be voted in accordance with the
specification made. As to other matters, if any, to be voted upon at the
Meeting, the persons designated as proxies in the accompanying form of proxy
will take such action as they, in their discretion, may deem advisable. The
persons named as proxies were selected by the Board of Directors and each of
them is a director or an officer of the Company.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Execution of the enclosed proxy will not affect your right as a stockholder
to attend the Meeting and to vote in person. Any stockholder giving a proxy has
the right to revoke it at any time by: (i) a later dated proxy, duly executed
and delivered or presented at the Meeting; (ii) a written revocation sent to and
received by the Secretary of the Company prior to the Meeting; or (iii)
attendance at the Meeting and voting in person.
VOTING SECURITIES AND RECORD DATE
The Company's voting securities currently issued and outstanding consist of
one class of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"). The
Company has outstanding 26,515,448 shares of Common Stock as of the close of
business on March 8, 2000 (the "Record Date"). Only stockholders of record on
the books of the Company at the close of business on the Record Date will be
entitled to vote at the Meeting. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one
vote. Representation at the Meeting by the holders of a majority of the shares
of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date, either by personal attendance
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or by proxy, will constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes are
counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the
transaction of business. Abstentions are counted in tabulations of the votes
cast on proposals presented to stockholders, whereas broker non-votes are not
counted for purposes of determining whether a proposal has been approved.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL HOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 1999, with
respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company's outstanding Common Stock by
each stockholder known to the best of the Company's knowledge and belief to be
the beneficial owner of more than 5% of its Common Stock, each director, nominee
and named executive officer and all the directors and named executive officers
as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table below
have sole voting and investment power with respect to shares beneficially owned
by them.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP(1) CLASS
------------------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Wellington Management Company, LLP
75 State Street
Boston, MA 02109.......................................... 2,620,700 9.9
Fidelity Management & Research Company
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109.......................................... 1,973,250 7.5
William Blair & Company, L. L. C.
222 West Adams Street
Chicago, IL 60606......................................... 1,908,890 7.2
J. Campbell Carruth......................................... 158,064(2,3,4,6) *
Robert V. Delaney........................................... 16,250 *
Morley Koffman.............................................. 47,000 *
Robert P. Neuschel.......................................... 36,250(5) *
John W. Puth................................................ 22,250 *
Neil A. Springer............................................ 33,250 *
William N. Weaver, Jr....................................... 26,750(7) *
Anthony J. Paoni............................................ 17,500 *
Samuel K. Skinner........................................... 0 *
Christopher L. Ellis........................................ 77,276(2,3,4,5) *
Robert V. Fasso............................................. 69,162(3,4) *
All directors and executive officers as a group (11
persons).................................................. 503,752 1.9%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Includes options to acquire the following shares which could be exercisable
within 60 days of December 31, 1999 as follows: Mr. Carruth, 70,000 shares;
Mr. Delaney, 15,750 shares; Mr. Koffman, 30,750 shares; Mr. Neuschel, 30,750
shares; Mr. Puth, 20,750 shares; Mr. Springer, 30,750 shares; Mr. Weaver,
26,750 shares; Mr. Paoni, 17,500 shares; Mr. Fasso, 65,000 shares and Mr.
Ellis, 64,000 shares.
(2) Includes shares held by the trustee of the USF Employees' 401K Retirement
Plan for the benefit of each individual as follows: Mr. Carruth, 734 shares
and Mr. Ellis, 653 shares.
(3) Includes shares held by the agent of the USF Employees' Stock Purchase Plan
as follows: Mr. Carruth, 7,408 shares, Mr. Fasso, 1,162 shares and Mr.
Ellis, 3,172 shares.
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<PAGE> 5
(4) Includes 44,610 restricted shares for Mr. Carruth and 1,000 restricted
shares each for Messrs. Fasso and Ellis.
(5) Includes 150 and 2,500 shares owned by the spouses of Mr. Ellis and Mr.
Neuschel, respectively.
(6) Includes 3,000 shares held by Mr. Carruth's spouse as custodian under the
Uniform Gift to Minors Act. Mr. Carruth disclaims beneficial ownership of
these shares.
(7) All 26,750 unissued shares of the Company's common stock are subject to a
currently exercisable option held by Sachnoff & Weaver, Ltd., of which Mr.
Weaver is a member. Mr. Weaver disclaims beneficial ownership of all but his
allocated portion of the shares covered by the option.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company has adopted By-Laws that provide that the Board of Directors
shall consist of not less than three and not more than twenty-one directors,
with the exact number to be determined from time to time by the Board of
Directors, and that the Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes,
equal in number to the extent possible, and, if not all classes can be equal in
number, that the Board of Directors shall decide which class is to have the
unequal number.
The Board of Directors has set the current number of directors at eight,
and, as required by the By-Laws, divided into three classes with each class
serving a three year term.
Unless authority to do so is withheld as provided in the proxy, the proxies
solicited by and on behalf of the Board of Directors will be voted FOR the
election of Messrs. Robert V. Delaney and Samuel K. Skinner to serve a three
year term, both of whom have been nominated by the Board of Directors to fill
the position of those directors whose term expires as of the eighth annual
meeting of the Company. If for any reason one or all of the nominees should be
unable to serve or refuse to serve as a director (an event which is not
anticipated), the persons named as proxies will vote for another candidate or
candidates nominated by the Board of Directors, and discretionary authority to
cast such votes is included in the proxy. The nominees receiving the highest
number of votes of shares of Common Stock, up to the number of directors to be
elected, shall be elected.
NOMINEES AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors has nominated for election the following two
individuals to serve a three year term:
ROBERT V. DELANEY, age 64, has been a director of the Company since
December 1991. Mr. Delaney has been an Executive Vice President of Cass
Information Systems since January 1990.
SAMUEL K. SKINNER, age 60, became a director in December 1999. Since
October 1, 1998, Mr. Skinner has been a partner and Co-Chairman of the law firm
of Hopkins & Sutter. Until his retirement, he was President and a director of
Commonwealth Edison Company from February 1, 1993 to April 1, 1998. Prior
thereto, he served as Chief of Staff to the President of the United States.
Prior to his White House service, Mr. Skinner served as U.S. Secretary of
Transportation for nearly three years. Prior to February 1989, he practiced law
as a Senior Partner in the Chicago law firm of Sidley & Austin, where he served
on the firm's executive committee. He is also a director of ANTEC Corporation,
Union Pacific Resources Group Inc., The LTV Corporation, Navigant Consulting
Inc. and Midwest Express Holdings, Inc.
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<PAGE> 6
The Company's other directors, each of whom the Company expects to continue
to serve as a director following the Meeting, are as follows:
Class of 2001
J. CAMPBELL CARRUTH, age 69, was appointed as the Company's Chief Executive
Officer and President in June 1991 and has been a director of the Company since
December 1991. He was elected Chairman of the Board in January 1998.
NEIL A. SPRINGER, age 61, has been a director of the Company since December
1991. He has been Managing Director of Springer & Associates since June 1994. He
was Senior Vice President of Slayton International Inc. from September 1992 to
May 1994. Mr. Springer is a director of Idex Corporation.
WILLIAM N. WEAVER, JR., age 65, is a member of the law firm of Sachnoff &
Weaver, Ltd., an Illinois professional corporation, which is outside counsel to
the Company. Mr. Weaver has practiced law in the State of Illinois since 1964
and serves as a director of System Software Associates, Inc. as well as several
privately-held corporations. He holds an A. B. degree from Oberlin College and a
J. D. from John Marshall Law School. He has been the Company's Assistant
Secretary since March 1992.
Class of 2002
MORLEY KOFFMAN, age 70, has been a director of the Company since December
1991 and was Chairman of the Board until January 1998. Since April 1, 1993, Mr.
Koffman has been a member of Koffman Kalef. Mr. Koffman is a director of
Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd., Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation and Anthem
Properties Corporation.
ANTHONY J. PAONI, age 55, has been a director of the Company since July
1997. Mr. Paoni has been a professor at the J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of
Management since September 1996. Prior to that he was an officer of several
private software development companies.
JOHN W. PUTH, age 71, has been a director of the Company since January
1992. Mr. Puth has been Managing Member of J. W. Puth Associates, LLC since
December 1987, General Partner of BVCF III and BVCF IV institutional venture
capital funds since October 1998, and was Chairman of VJ Growers from January
1996 until December 1999. Mr. Puth is a director of A. M. Castle & Co., Brockway
Standard Holdings Corporation, L. B. Foster Inc. and several private
manufacturing companies.
COMMITTEES AND ATTENDANCE
The Board of Directors met six times during 1999. The Audit Committee,
currently consisting of directors Neil A. Springer (Chairman), Morley Koffman,
Robert P. Neuschel and Robert V. Delaney, met three times during 1999. The Audit
Committee oversees the activities of the Company's independent auditors. The
Compensation Committee, currently consisting of directors John W. Puth
(Chairman), Anthony J. Paoni, William N. Weaver, Jr. and Samuel K. Skinner, met
twice during 1999. The Compensation Committee reviews and makes recommendations
to the Board of Directors with regard to the salaries, incentive compensation
and related benefits of corporate officers and other employees.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Each director who is not an employee of the Company is paid for his
services as a director $25,000 per annum, plus $1,500 for each meeting of the
Board of Directors he attends. The chairman of the Audit Committee and the
chairman of the Compensation Committee receive an additional annual payment of
$3,500 and $2,500, respectively. Members of the Audit Committee are paid $1,000
for each meeting they attend if the meeting is not held on the same day as a
meeting of the Board of Directors. Members of the Compensation Committee are
paid $750 for each meeting they attend if the meeting is not held on the same
day as a meeting of the Board of Directors. Members of the committees who attend
committee meetings that are held on the same day as meetings of the Board of
Directors receive a $250 payment for each such meeting
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<PAGE> 7
they attend. Directors who are employees of the Company are not separately
compensated for their services as a director.
MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION
The following table discloses the compensation awarded by the Company for
services rendered during the Company's last three years to the chief executive
officer and to the other named executive officers as of December 31, 1999.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION AWARDS
---------------------------- -----------------------
SECURITIES
RESTRICTED UNDERLYING
NAME AND PRINCIPAL STOCK OPTIONS ALL OTHER
POSITION YEAR SALARY ($)(1) BONUS ($)(1) AWARDS ($) (#) COMPENSATION ($)
------------------ ---- ------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. Campbell Carruth................ 1999 600,000 600,000 0 0 18,000(3)
Chairman of the Board & 1998 600,000 482,400 2,000,015(2) 250,000 18,000(3)
Chief Executive Officer 1997 600,000 500,000 0 100,000 5,575(3)
Robert V. Fasso(6)................. 1999 280,000 280,000 0 25,000 28,234(4)
President-Regional 1998 280,000 280,000 0 150,000 28,655(4)
Carrier Group 1997 239,520 274,520 0 25,000 6,293(4)
Christopher L. Ellis............... 1999 280,000 196,000 0 25,000 45,354(5)
Senior Vice President, 1998 280,000 124,500 0 150,000 49,015(5)
Finance & Chief Financial Officer 1997 270,000 108,000 0 35,000 40,295(5)
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Amounts shown include cash compensation earned and received by executive
officers as well as amounts earned but deferred at the election of those
officers.
(2) The shares represented by the restricted stock award are subject to a
forfeiture restriction if Mr. Carruth terminates employment with the Company
for cause. This restriction lapses with respect to 25% of the shares on each
of the first four anniversary dates of the award. Dividends are paid on all
restricted shares to the same extent as any other shares of the Company's
common stock. The number of restricted shares for Mr. Carruth held at the
end of 1999 was 44,610 and the value of such shares at the end of the last
year was $2,135,704.
(3) Consists in 1997 of an employer contribution to Mr. Carruth's 401(k) plan
maintained by the Company. Consists in 1998 of an employer contribution of
$5,600 to Mr. Carruth's 401(k) plan maintained by the Company and an
employer contribution of $12,400 to Mr. Carruth's non-qualified deferred
compensation plan maintained by the Company. Consists in 1999 of an employer
contribution of $5,600 to Mr. Carruth's 401(k) plan maintained by the
Company and an employer contribution of $12,400 to Mr. Carruth's non-
qualified deferred compensation plan maintained by the Company.
(4) Consists in 1997 of an employer contribution of $2,375 to Mr. Fasso's 401(k)
plan maintained by the Company and the payment by a subsidiary of the
Company of $3,918 in whole life insurance premiums on Mr. Fasso's behalf.
Consists in 1998 of an employer contribution of $4,789 to Mr. Fasso's 401(k)
plan maintained by the Company, the Company's payment of $6,170 in term life
insurance premiums, the payment by a subsidiary of the Company of $3,918 in
whole life insurance premiums and $1,778 in term life insurance premiums on
Mr. Fasso's behalf, and an employer contribution of $12,000 to Mr. Fasso's
non-qualified deferred compensation plan maintained by the Company. Consists
in 1999 of an employer contribution of $4,800 to Mr. Fasso's 401(k) plan
maintained by the Company, the Company's payment of $6,170 in term life
insurance premiums, the payment by a subsidiary of the Company of $3,918 in
whole life insurance premiums and $1,346 in term life insurance premiums on
Mr. Fasso's behalf, and an employer
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<PAGE> 8
contribution of $12,000 to Mr. Fasso's non-qualified deferred compensation plan
maintained by the Company.
(5) Consists of an employer contribution of $5,575 in 1997 to Mr. Ellis' 401(k)
plan maintained by the Company and of the Company's payment of $34,720 in
split-dollar life insurance premiums on Mr. Ellis' behalf. Consists in 1998
of an employer contribution of $5,600 to Mr. Ellis' 401(k) plan maintained
by the Company, the Company's payment of $2,160 in term life insurance
premiums on Mr. Ellis' behalf, $34,720 in split-dollar life insurance
premiums on Mr. Ellis' behalf and an employer contribution of $6,535 to Mr.
Ellis' non-qualified deferred compensation plan maintained by the Company.
Consists in 1999 of an employer contribution of $5,600 to Mr. Ellis' 401(k)
plan maintained by the Company, the Company's payment of $1,598 in term life
insurance premiums on Mr. Ellis' behalf, $29,476 in split-dollar life
insurance premiums on Mr. Ellis' behalf and an employer contribution of
$8,680 to Mr. Ellis' non-qualified deferred compensation plan maintained by
the Company.
(6) Mr. Fasso was named an executive officer of the Company on September 12,
1997.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
The Company has entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Ellis and
Fasso. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Ellis is entitled to receive at a
minimum, a base salary of $200,000 as well as a discretionary annual bonus that
is not guaranteed. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Fasso is entitled to
receive at a minimum, a base salary of $235,000 as well as a discretionary
annual bonus that is not guaranteed. Under the terms of each agreement, in the
event that the individual's employment is terminated by the Company for any
reason other than death, disability, retirement or cause, that individual is
entitled to either two years notice or, if the Company wishes to terminate his
employment without such notice, to be paid his then prevailing salary for a two
year period following the termination of his employment.
OPTION GRANTS FOR 1999
The following table provides further information on individual stock option
grants made for 1999 to the named executive officers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
------------------------------------------------- POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
NUMBER OF VALUE AT ASSUMED
SHARES % OF TOTAL ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
UNDERLYING OPTIONS PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
OPTIONS GRANTED TO EXERCISE OPTION TERM(1)
GRANTED EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATION -----------------------
NAME (#) FISCAL 1999 ($/SH.) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($)
---- ---------- ------------ -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Christopher L. Ellis.............. 25,000(2) 3.8% 42.875 12/10/09 674,096 1,708,293
Robert V. Fasso................... 25,000(2) 3.8% 42.875 12/10/09 674,096 1,708,293
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The potential realizable value columns of the table illustrate values that
might be realized upon exercise of the options immediately prior to their
expiration, assuming the Company's Common Stock appreciates at the
compounded rates specified over the term of the options. These numbers do
not take into account provisions of certain options providing for
termination of the option following termination of employment or
nontransferability of the options and do not make any provision for taxes
associated with exercise. Because actual gains will depend, among other
things, on future performance of the Common Stock, the amount reflected in
this table may not necessarily be achieved.
(2) Options are at the market price on the grant date and vest 20% per year
after the first anniversary date of the grant date.
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AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1999 AND DECEMBER 31, 1999 OPTION VALUES
The following table provides information on the value of the named
executive officers' unexercised stock options as of December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
SHARES UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
ACQUIRED OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
ON VALUE DECEMBER 31, 1999 (#) DECEMBER 31, 1999 ($)(1)
EXERCISE REALIZED ---------------------------- ----------------------------
NAME (#) ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- -------- --------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. Campbell Carruth.......... 50,000 1,781,315 60,000 340,000 1,119,980 7,414,220
Christopher L. Ellis......... 0 0 64,000 201,000 1,907,313 4,071,675
Robert V. Fasso.............. 0 0 65,000 210,000 1,655,625 4,391,175
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Based on the fair market value of $47.875 per share as of December 31, 1999
(the last trading day before year close), the closing sale price of the
Company's common stock on that date as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market.
BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company monitors salaries paid to comparably situated senior management
at other transportation companies and sets salaries for its executive officers
accordingly. These companies include the seven publicly traded transportation
services companies included in the "Peer Group" used for the stock performance
graph below (see page 9) as well as others. Base salaries are set to ensure that
the Company is competitively positioned to retain and attract outstanding senior
management. Based on available information, the Company believes that total
executive compensation is competitive with the companies in the "Peer Group".
Compensation of Executive Officers Generally
In general, the Company sets initial base salaries for its executive
officers in light of this competitive analysis to ensure that the Company is
competitively positioned to retain and attract outstanding senior management.
Subsequent raises in base salary are determined in light of experience,
individual job performance and the Company's overall performance.
Senior managers, including the executive officers, also are eligible for an
annual bonus. Executive officers of the Company are eligible for a bonus based
on a formula plan using the Company's consolidated operating ratio. The Company
operates through a number of distinct operating subsidiaries. The bonus plan for
the chief executive officer of each subsidiary is based on a formula plan using
that subsidiary's operating ratio. The bonus for executive officers of the
Company and for the chief executive officer of each subsidiary is capped at
between 75% to 130% of base salary.
To encourage management to maximize stockholder value over the long term,
the Company grants to selected senior managers an equity interest in the Company
in the form of restricted stock awards or stock options granted pursuant to its
stock option plan. The options are granted with an exercise price equal to the
market price at the time of grant, and become exercisable in stages over a
five-year period or at the end of a three-year period. The restricted stock
awards vest as to 25% of the shares on each anniversary date of the award. Both
the stock options and restricted stock awards provide senior managers with an
incentive to remain with the Company over a substantial period of time and
closely ally the long-term interests of management with those of the
stockholders.
Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Carruth's salary for 1999 included in the Summary Compensation Table
was set by the Compensation Committee and memorialized in a summary memo. Mr.
Carruth, as Chief Executive Officer, was awarded a bonus of $600,000 for 1999
under a formula plan based on the Company's consolidated operating ratio and
capped at 100% of base salary.
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<PAGE> 10
The Compensation Committee endorses the position that stock ownership by
management and stock-based performance compensation arrangements are beneficial
in aligning management's and shareholders' interest in enhancing shareholder
value. It is the Committee's view that Mr. Carruth's total 1999 compensation
package was based on an appropriate balance of (1) the Company's performance in
1999 and (2) his own performance level.
Changes made to the Internal Revenue Code in 1993 limit the Company's
ability to deduct, for federal income tax purposes, certain compensation in
excess of $1 million per year paid to individuals named in the Summary
Compensation Table. This limitation was effective beginning in 1994. Based on
its review of the facts and circumstances, the Committee has considered the
provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code which, except in the case of
"performance-based compensation" and certain other types of compensation
(including compensation received under a stock option plan approved in
accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code), limits to $1,000,000 the amount of
the Corporation's federal income tax deduction for compensation paid to any of
the chief executive officer and the other four most highly paid executive
officers. The Committee believes that the Company's current compensation
arrangements, which are primarily based on performance measures expected to be
reflected in increasing stockholder value over time, are appropriate and in the
best interests of the Company and its stockholders, without regard to tax
considerations. Thus, in the event of changes in the tax laws or their
interpretation or other circumstances which might render some portion of the
executive compensation paid by the Company non-deductible for federal tax
purposes, the Committee would not anticipate making significant changes in the
basic philosophy and practices reflected in the Company's executive compensation
program.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
John W. Puth, Chairman
Anthony J. Paoni
Samuel K. Skinner
William N. Weaver, Jr.
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<PAGE> 11
COMPARISON OF TOTAL CUMULATIVE SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the
Company's Common Stock for the last five years with the cumulative total return
of The NASDAQ Stock Market and an index prepared for the Company of the stock
price performance on a cumulative total return basis of 7 transportation
services companies whose stock is currently publicly traded (the "Peer Group
Index"). The graph assumes that $100 was invested on January 1, 1995 in the
Company's common stock, the stock of the companies comprising The NASDAQ Stock
Market and the Peer Group companies (allocated among the Peer Group companies
pro rata according to their relative market capitalizations). Note: The
Company's stock price performance shown below is not necessarily indicative of
future price performance.
COMPARISON FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1995 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1999 OF THE
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS OF USFREIGHTWAYS CORPORATION COMMON STOCK, THE
NASDAQ STOCK MARKET, AND THE "PEER GROUP" INDEX.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
USFREIGHTWAYS CORP. NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (US SELF-DETERMINED PEER
(USFC) COMPANIES) GROUP
------------------- ----------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1/1/1995 100.00 100.00 100.00
12/29/1995 80.00 141.33 90.45
12/31/1996 110.90 173.89 99.28
12/31/1997 133.09 213.07 132.10
12/31/1998 120.89 300.25 125.11
12/31/1999 200.54 542.43 155.83
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The "Peer Group" Index consists of the following seven publicly traded
transportation services companies: Arkansas Best Corporation; American
Freightways Corporation; Arnold Industries Inc.; Circle International Group,
Inc.; CNF Transportation, Inc.; Eagle USA Airfreight, Inc.; and Old Dominion
Freight Line, Inc.
9
<PAGE> 12
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
William N. Weaver, Jr., a director, is a member of the law firm of Sachnoff
& Weaver, Ltd., an Illinois professional corporation. Sachnoff & Weaver, Ltd.
has acted and continues to act as outside counsel to the Company with regard to
certain matters and has received legal fees for services rendered in connection
therewith.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
John W. Puth, Anthony J. Paoni, Samuel K. Skinner and William N. Weaver,
Jr., none of whom are employees of the Company, served on the Compensation
Committee. Mr. Weaver served as Assistant Secretary of the Company in a
non-employee capacity. There are no committee interlocks or insider (employee)
participation.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
By the selection of the Company's management and its Board of Directors,
the accounting firm of Arthur Andersen LLP, certified public accountants, serves
the Company as its independent public accountants. One or more representatives
of Arthur Andersen LLP are expected to be present at the Meeting, with the
opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and to be available to
respond to appropriate questions.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and NASDAQ. Officers, directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are
required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section
16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, the
Company believes that, during 1999, all filing requirements applicable to its
officers, directors, and greater than ten-percent beneficial owners were
complied with, except that two reports, covering two separate transactions
involving the disposition of the Company's Common Stock, was filed late by Mr.
William N. Weaver, Jr., a director of the Company and Robert S. Owen, an officer
of the Company. Also, a Form 4 was filed by Mr. Carruth in June 1999 to correct
technical inaccuracies in a timely filing made in March 1993 regarding shares
held by Mr. Carruth's spouse as custodian for his grandchildren.
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders accompanies this
Proxy Statement. The Company's Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange
Commission on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, as filed with the
Commission, is available without charge to any stockholder upon written request
to Christopher L. Ellis, Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial
Officer, USFreightways Corporation, 8550 Bryn Mawr, 7th Floor, Chicago, Illinois
60631. The exhibits filed with the Form 10-K are not included; however, copies
of such exhibits will be furnished, if requested, upon payment of the Company's
reasonable expenses in furnishing those materials.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals submitted for evaluation as to inclusion in the proxy
materials for the Company's next annual meeting of stockholders must be received
by the Company no later than November 17, 2000, at the Company's principal
executive office at 8550 Bryn Mawr, 7th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60631.
10
<PAGE> 13
OTHER MATTERS
Management is not aware of any other matters to be presented for action at
the Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Meeting, it is
the intention of the persons named as proxies in the accompanying form of proxy
to vote the shares represented thereby in accordance with their best judgment.
For the Board of Directors
RICHARD C. PAGANO
Secretary
Chicago, Illinois
March 24, 2000
11
<PAGE> 14
USFREIGHTWAYS CORPORATION
PLEASE MARK VOTE IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR AGAINST FOR ALL
FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. ALL ALL EXCEPT
1. Election of Directors
Nominees: (01) Robert V. Delaney and
(02) Samuel K. Skinner [ ] [ ] [ ]
____________________________________________
(Except nominee(s) written above.)
_________________________ _________________________ DATE: ________________
SIGNATURE(S)
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein
by the undersigned stockholder(s).
NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each
sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian,
please give full title as such. The signer hereby revokes all proxies
heretofore given by the signer to vote at said meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
PLEASE VOTE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY FORM PROMPTLY
USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE
[LOGO OF USFREIGHTWAYS]
<PAGE> 15
(BACKSIDE OF PROXY/VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD)
PROXY/VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD
USFREIGHTWAYS CORPORATION
8550 WEST BRYN MAWR, 7TH FLOOR, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60631
COMMON STOCK
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING ON APRIL 28, 2000.
The undersigned hereby appoints J. Campbell Carruth and Christopher L. Ellis as
proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes
them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all the shares of Common
Stock of USFreightways Corporation held of record by the undersigned on March
8, 2000, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 28, 2000 or
any adjournment thereof, and in their discretion, the proxies are authorized to
vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
PLEASE MARK THIS PROXY AS INDICATED ON THE REVERSE SIDE TO VOTE ON ANY ITEM.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED.
