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     <!-- Control Number: 024343                                                           -->
     <!-- Rev Number:     1.0                                                              -->
     <!-- Client Name:    Transport Corporation of America, Inc.                           -->
     <!-- Project Name:   Form S-8                                                         -->
     <!-- Firm Name:      Prepared by AFPI EDGAR Plus                                      -->
     <TITLE>Transport Corporation of America, Inc. Form S-8</TITLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2"><B>As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on September 6, 2002</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="2">Registration No. 33-_______</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="3"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE="2"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="3"><B>FORM S-8<BR>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="3"><B>TRANSPORT CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC.</B></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE="2">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></P>

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     <TD WIDTH="58%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2"><B>Minnesota</B></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="3%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2"><B>41-1386925</B></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="2%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">(State or other jurisdiction of</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">(I.R.S. employer</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">identification no.)</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD WIDTH="58%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2"><B>1715 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan, Minnesota</B></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="3%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2"><B>55121</B></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="2%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">(Address of principal executive offices)</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">(Zip Code)</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2"><B>CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER STOCK OPTION PLAN<BR></B> (Full title of the plan)</FONT></P>

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     <TD WIDTH="58%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">Michael J. Paxton</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="3%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">Copy to:</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="2%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">President and Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">John R. Houston, Esq.</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">Transport Corporation of America, Inc.</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">Robins, Kaplan, Miller &amp; Ciresi L.L.P.</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">1715 Yankee Doodle Road</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">2800 LaSalle Plaza</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">Eagan, Minnesota 55121</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">800 LaSalle Avenue</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">(Name and address of agent for service)</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2"><B>(651) 686-2500</B><BR>
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)</FONT></P>

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     <TH COLSPAN="10"><FONT SIZE="-1">CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</FONT></TH></TR>
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     <TH COLSPAN="1"><FONT SIZE="-1">TITLE OF<BR>SECURITIES<BR>TO BE<BR>REGISTERED</FONT></TH><TH></TH>
     <TH COLSPAN="1"><FONT SIZE="-1">AMOUNT<BR>TO BE<BR>REGISTERED</FONT></TH><TH></TH>
     <TH COLSPAN="1"><FONT SIZE="-1">PROPOSED<BR>MAXIMUM<BR>OFFERING PRICE<BR>PER SHARE (1)</FONT></TH><TH></TH>
     <TH COLSPAN="1"><FONT SIZE="-1">PROPOSED<BR>MAXIMUM<BR>AGGREGATE<BR>OFFERING PRICE</FONT></TH><TH></TH>
     <TH COLSPAN="1"><FONT SIZE="-1">AMOUNT OF<BR>REGISTRATION<BR>FEE</FONT></TH><TH></TH></TR>
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     <TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">Common Stock,</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="3%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT></TD>
        <TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT></TD>
        <TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="22%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT></TD>
        <TD WIDTH="4%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT></TD>
        <TD WIDTH="2%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">$.01 par value</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1">128,501 shares</FONT></TD>
        <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1">$5.23</FONT></TD>
        <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1">$672,060.23</FONT></TD>
        <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1">$62.00</FONT></TD>
        <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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<P><FONT SIZE="2">(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to Rule 457(h)(1), the per share price is
the price at which the shares subject to outstanding options may be exercised.</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2"><B>PART I</B></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
permitted by and pursuant to the Note to Part I of Form S-8, the information
required by Items 1 and 2 of Part I is not filed as part of this Registration
Statement.</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2"><B>PART II</B></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2"><B>Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
following documents filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission
are incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference: </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT SIZE="2">(a) </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">The
Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT SIZE="2">(b) </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT SIZE="2">The
Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT SIZE="2">(c)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">
The description of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock as set forth under Item 1
&#147;Description of Registrant&#146;s Securities to be Registered&#148; in the
Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated September 29, 1995,
and in Amendment No.1 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on March 5,
1997, Amendment No. 2 to Form 8-A Registration Statement, filed June 29, 1998,
Amendment No. 3 to Form 8-A Registration Statement, filed January 21, 2000, and
Amendment No.&nbsp;4 to Form 8-A, filed August 1, 2002.</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
documents hereafter filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all the securities offered hereby
have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall
be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference and to be a part hereof from
the date of filing such documents.</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2"><B>Item 4. Description of Securities.</B></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not
applicable.</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2"><B>Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;John
R. Houston is a partner of Robins, Kaplan, Miller &amp; Ciresi L.L.P. which is the law firm
passing on the validity of the shares issuable pursuant to the Chief Executive Officer
Stock Option Plan. Mr. Houston holds the non-executive office of Secretary for the
Registrant.</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2"><B>Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section
302A.521 of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act provides that a corporation
shall indemnify any person made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding
by reason of acts or omissions performed in his or her official capacity as an
officer, director, employee or agent of the corporation against judgments,
penalties, fines, including without limitation, excise taxes assessed against
such person with respect to an employee benefit plan, settlements, and
reasonable expenses, including attorneys&#146; fees and disbursements, incurred
by the person in connection with the proceeding, if, with respect to the acts or
omissions of the person complained of in the proceeding, the person:</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;has not been indemnified by another organization or employee benefit plan for
the same expenses with respect to the same acts or omissions;</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;acted in good faith;</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;received no improper personal benefit and Minnesota Statutes, Section 302A.255 (regarding
conflicts of interest), if applicable, has been satisfied; </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was
unlawful; and</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;in the case of acts or omissions by persons in their official capacity for the
corporation, reasonably believed that the conduct was in the best interests of
the corporation, or in the case of acts or omissions by persons in their
capacity for other organizations, reasonably believed that the conduct was not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation.</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
addition, Section 302A.521, subd. 3, of the Minnesota Statutes requires payment
or reimbursement by the corporation, upon written request, of reasonable
expenses (including attorneys&#146; fees) incurred by a person in advance of the
final disposition of a proceeding in certain instances if a decision as to
required indemnification is made by a disinterested majority of the Board of
Directors present at a meeting at which a disinterested quorum is present, or by
a designated committee of the Board, by special legal counsel, by the
shareholders or by a court.</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
permitted by Section 302A.251 of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act, the
Registrant&#146;s Articles of Incorporation provide that a director of the
Registrant shall not be personally liable to the Registrant or its</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty
as a director except for liability (1) for
any breach of the director&#146;s duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its
shareholders; (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (3) for paying a dividend
or approving a stock repurchase in violation of Minnesota Statutes, Section
302A.559; (4) for violating the securities registration or anti-fraud provisions
of Minnesota Statutes, Section 80A.23; (5) for any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit; or (6) for acts or omissions
occurring prior to the date when the relevant provision of the Articles of
Incorporation became effective.</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Article
IX of the Registrant&#146;s Bylaws provides that the Registrant shall indemnify its
officers, directors, employees and others serving at the request of the Registrant in
accordance with, and to the extent provided by Minnesota law. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Registrant&#146;s Articles and Bylaws further provide that if the Minnesota Business
Corporation Act is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting
the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Registrant
would be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by Minnesota law. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2"><B>Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</B></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not
applicable.</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2"><B>Item 8. Exhibits.</B></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
following are filed as exhibits to this Registration Statement on Form S-8: </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT SIZE="2"><B>Exhibit<BR><U>Number </U></B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;<BR><B><U>Description</U></B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT SIZE="2">4.1 </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">Non-Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, dated as of November 12,
2001 by and between Transport Corporation of America, Inc. and Michael J. Paxton (filed
electronically herewith).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT SIZE="2">5.1 </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">Opinion of Robins, Kaplan, Miller &amp; Ciresi L.L.P. as to the legality of
the shares of Common Stock being registered (filed electronically herewith).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT SIZE="2">23.1 </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">Consent of KPMG LLP (filed electronically herewith).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT SIZE="2">23.2 </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">Consent of Robins, Kaplan, Miller &amp; Ciresi L.L.P. (included in Exhibit
5.1).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT SIZE="2">24.1 </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">Power of Attorney (included on signature page).</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE="2"><B>Item 9. Undertakings.</B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT SIZE="2">(a) </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH=5%>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=95%><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH=10%>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 (the
&#147;1933 Act&#148;);</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH=10%>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change
in the information set forth in the Registration Statement; and</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<TD WIDTH=10%>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT SIZE="2">
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to
such information in the Registration Statement.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=95%><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provided,
however, that paragraphs (i) and (ii), above, do not apply if the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the
Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 Act that are incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=95%><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=600 CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=95%><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<TABLE WIDTH=600>
<TR>
<TD>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the 1933 Act, each filing of the Registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the 1934 Act that is incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof; and</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the</FONT></P>

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<BR>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.</FONT></P>

</TD>
</TR>
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<TABLE WIDTH=600>
<TR>
<TD>
<BR>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2"><B>SIGNATURES</B></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form
S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Eagan, State of Minnesota on
September 6, 2002. </FONT></P>

</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE><BR>

<TABLE WIDTH=600 CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" BORDER="0">
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TH COLSPAN="2"><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT></TH>
     <TH COLSPAN="2"><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT></TH></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD WIDTH="40%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="3%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="55%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1"><B>TRANSPORT CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC.</B></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="2%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">By:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>/s/ Michael J. Paxton&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael J. Paxton</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;President and Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<TABLE WIDTH=600>
<TR>
<TD>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="2"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY</B></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We,
the undersigned officers and directors of Transport Corporation of America, Inc. hereby
constitute and appoint Michael J. Paxton and Keith R. Klein, or either of them, with
power to act one without the other, our true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for us and in our stead, in any and all
capacities to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this
Registration Statement and all documents relating thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or advisable to be
done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and
agent, or his or her substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated. </FONT></P>

</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE><BR>

<TABLE WIDTH=600 CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" BORDER="0">
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">SIGNATURE</FONT></TD>
     <TD COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">TITLE</FONT></TD>
     <TD COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">DATE</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD WIDTH="24%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>/s/ Michael J. Paxton</U></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="3%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="40%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">President and Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="3%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="18%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">September 6, 2002</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="2%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">Michael J. Paxton</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">(Principal Executive Officer) and Director</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>/s/ Keith R. Klein</U></FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">Chief Financial Officer and Chief</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">September 6, 2002</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">Keith R. Klein</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">Information Officer (Principal Financial</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">and Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>/s/ Anton J. Christianson</U></FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">Director</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">September 6, 2002</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">Anton J. Christianson</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>/s/ William P. Murnane</U></FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">Director</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">September 6, 2002</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">William P. Murnane</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>/s/ Kenneth J. Roering</U></FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">Director</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">September 6, 2002</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">Kenneth J. Roering</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>/s/ William D. Slattery</U></FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">Director</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">September 6, 2002</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">William D. Slattery</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE="-1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "TRANSPORT CORPORATION OF AMERICA INC", "cik": "0000809246", "assigned-sic": "4213", "irs-number": "411386925", "state-of-incorporation": "MN", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-99235", "film-number": "02758116"}, "business-address": {"street1": "1715 YANKEE DOODLE ROAD", "city": "EAGAN", "state": "MN", "zip": "55121", "phone": "651-686-2500"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "1715 YANKEE DOODLE RD", "city": "EAGAN", "state": "MN", "zip": "55121"}}
Transport Corporation of America, Inc. Form S-8
As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on September 6, 2002
Registration No. 33-_______
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
TRANSPORT CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Minnesota
41-1386925
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)
identification no.)
1715 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan, Minnesota
55121
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER STOCK OPTION PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
Michael J. Paxton
Copy to:
President and Chief Executive Officer
John R. Houston, Esq.
Transport Corporation of America, Inc.
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P.
1715 Yankee Doodle Road
2800 LaSalle Plaza
Eagan, Minnesota 55121
800 LaSalle Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
(Name and address of agent for service)
(651) 686-2500
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
TITLE OF
SECURITIES
TO BE
REGISTERED
AMOUNT
TO BE
REGISTERED
PROPOSED
MAXIMUM
OFFERING PRICE
PER SHARE (1)
PROPOSED
MAXIMUM
AGGREGATE
OFFERING PRICE
AMOUNT OF
REGISTRATION
FEE
Common Stock,
$.01 par value
128,501 shares
$5.23
$672,060.23
$62.00
(1)     Pursuant to Rule 457(h)(1), the per share price is
the price at which the shares subject to outstanding options may be exercised.
PART I
As
permitted by and pursuant to the Note to Part I of Form S-8, the information
required by Items 1 and 2 of Part I is not filed as part of this Registration
Statement.
PART II
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The
following documents filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission
are incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference:
(a)
The
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.
(b)
(1)     
The Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002.
(2)
The
Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002
(c)
The description of the Registrant's Common Stock as set forth under Item 1
"Description of Registrant's Securities to be Registered" in the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated September 29, 1995,
and in Amendment No.1 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on March 5,
1997, Amendment No. 2 to Form 8-A Registration Statement, filed June 29, 1998,
Amendment No. 3 to Form 8-A Registration Statement, filed January 21, 2000, and
Amendment No. 4 to Form 8-A, filed August 1, 2002.
All
documents hereafter filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all the securities offered hereby
have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall
be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference and to be a part hereof from
the date of filing such documents.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not
applicable.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
John
R. Houston is a partner of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. which is the law firm
passing on the validity of the shares issuable pursuant to the Chief Executive Officer
Stock Option Plan. Mr. Houston holds the non-executive office of Secretary for the
Registrant.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section
302A.521 of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act provides that a corporation
shall indemnify any person made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding
by reason of acts or omissions performed in his or her official capacity as an
officer, director, employee or agent of the corporation against judgments,
penalties, fines, including without limitation, excise taxes assessed against
such person with respect to an employee benefit plan, settlements, and
reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees and disbursements, incurred
by the person in connection with the proceeding, if, with respect to the acts or
omissions of the person complained of in the proceeding, the person:
(a)
     has not been indemnified by another organization or employee benefit plan for
the same expenses with respect to the same acts or omissions;
(b)
     acted in good faith;
(c)
     received no improper personal benefit and Minnesota Statutes, Section 302A.255 (regarding
conflicts of interest), if applicable, has been satisfied;
(d)
     in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was
unlawful; and
(e)
     in the case of acts or omissions by persons in their official capacity for the
corporation, reasonably believed that the conduct was in the best interests of
the corporation, or in the case of acts or omissions by persons in their
capacity for other organizations, reasonably believed that the conduct was not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation.
In
addition, Section 302A.521, subd. 3, of the Minnesota Statutes requires payment
or reimbursement by the corporation, upon written request, of reasonable
expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by a person in advance of the
final disposition of a proceeding in certain instances if a decision as to
required indemnification is made by a disinterested majority of the Board of
Directors present at a meeting at which a disinterested quorum is present, or by
a designated committee of the Board, by special legal counsel, by the
shareholders or by a court.
As
permitted by Section 302A.251 of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act, the
Registrant's Articles of Incorporation provide that a director of the
Registrant shall not be personally liable to the Registrant or its
shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty
as a director except for liability (1) for
any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its
shareholders; (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (3) for paying a dividend
or approving a stock repurchase in violation of Minnesota Statutes, Section
302A.559; (4) for violating the securities registration or anti-fraud provisions
of Minnesota Statutes, Section 80A.23; (5) for any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit; or (6) for acts or omissions
occurring prior to the date when the relevant provision of the Articles of
Incorporation became effective.
Article
IX of the Registrant's Bylaws provides that the Registrant shall indemnify its
officers, directors, employees and others serving at the request of the Registrant in
accordance with, and to the extent provided by Minnesota law.
The
Registrant's Articles and Bylaws further provide that if the Minnesota Business
Corporation Act is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting
the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Registrant
would be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by Minnesota law.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not
applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits.
The
following are filed as exhibits to this Registration Statement on Form S-8:
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.1
Non-Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, dated as of November 12,
2001 by and between Transport Corporation of America, Inc. and Michael J. Paxton (filed
electronically herewith).
5.1
Opinion of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. as to the legality of
the shares of Common Stock being registered (filed electronically herewith).
23.1
Consent of KPMG LLP (filed electronically herewith).
23.2
Consent of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. (included in Exhibit
5.1).
24.1
Power of Attorney (included on signature page).
Item 9. Undertakings.
(a)
The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)
     To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i)
     to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"1933 Act");
(ii)
     to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change
in the information set forth in the Registration Statement; and
(iii)
     to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to
such information in the Registration Statement.
Provided,
however, that paragraphs (i) and (ii), above, do not apply if the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the
Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 Act that are incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement;
(2)
     That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and
(3)
     To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;
(b)
     The Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the 1933 Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the 1934 Act that is incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof; and
(c)
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form
S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Eagan, State of Minnesota on
September 6, 2002.
TRANSPORT CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC.
By:
/s/ Michael J. Paxton
Michael J. Paxton
President and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We,
the undersigned officers and directors of Transport Corporation of America, Inc. hereby
constitute and appoint Michael J. Paxton and Keith R. Klein, or either of them, with
power to act one without the other, our true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for us and in our stead, in any and all
capacities to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this
Registration Statement and all documents relating thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or advisable to be
done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and
agent, or his or her substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
SIGNATURE
TITLE
DATE
/s/ Michael J. Paxton
President and Chief Executive Officer
September 6, 2002
Michael J. Paxton
(Principal Executive Officer) and Director
/s/ Keith R. Klein
Chief Financial Officer and Chief
September 6, 2002
Keith R. Klein
Information Officer (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Anton J. Christianson
Director
September 6, 2002
Anton J. Christianson
/s/ William P. Murnane
Director
September 6, 2002
William P. Murnane
/s/ Kenneth J. Roering
Director
September 6, 2002
Kenneth J. Roering
/s/ William D. Slattery
Director
September 6, 2002
William D. Slattery