ArcBest is celebrating its 95th anniversary. From its roots in less-than-truckload delivery, the company has transformed into a full-scale provider of end-to-end supply chain services. These photos offer highlights of its transformation, starting when it was formed in 1923 as OK Transfer & Storage Company, a local freight hauler based in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
ArcBest: 95 Years and Counting [Photos]
In the 1930s, OK Transfer bought Arkansas Motor Freight (AMF) and assumed its name. The company had 10 employees, two tractors, three trailers, and annual revenue of $50,000.
Photo courtesy ArcBest
ArcBest was formed in 1923 as OK Transfer & Storage Company, a local freight hauler based in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Photo courtesy ArcBest
In the 1990s and early 2000s, ArcBest expanded its offerings by providing household moving through the U-Pack brand, commercial vehicle maintenance and repair through FleetNet America, expedited solutions through the Panther Premium Logistics acquisition, truckload through organic growth and multiple acquisitions.
Photo courtesy ArcBest
Early 1950s ad for Best Motor Freight, which was acquired by Arkansas Motor Freight in 1957 and renamed Arkansas-Best Freight — now ABF.
Photo courtesy ABF
In 1951, local attorney Robert A. Young Jr. bought AMF. In 1957, it was renamed Arkansas-Best Freight System after its purchase of Dallas-based Best Motor Freight, which doubled the company's size.
Photo courtesy ArcBest
In 1962, the company established an IT arm now known as ArcBest Technologies. In 1966, Arkansas Best Corporation was formed as a holding company for five subsidiaries, including less-than-truckload company ABF Freight.
Photo courtesy ArcBest
ABF struggled to make it through the Great Recession, and also had legal battles with YRC and the Teamsters.
Photo courtesy ArcBest
In 2014, Arkansas Best Corp. was renamed ArcBest Corp. In 2017, it began offering most solutions under the ArcBest brand.
Photo courtesy ArcBest
"I'm very proud to be part of a company with a history full of innovation and excellence and an exciting future," says Judy R. McReynolds, ArcBest chairman, president and CEO.
Photo courtesy ArcBest
A 2004 ad for ABF
Photo: ABF