##  [History](/about-arcbest/history) 

   

 #  ArcBest History 

  

 



   

 ## 1920s

 

 

 

      **1923** Founded as a local freight hauler, the company operated in and around Fort Smith, Arkansas, as OK Transfer.    

 

 

  

 

   

 ## 1930s

 

 

 

      **1935** OK Transfer acquired Arkansas Motor Freight (AMF) and assumed its name.  
  
 Became an interstate carrier with the purchase of Motor Express.    

 

 

  

 

   

 ## 1940s

 

 

 

      **1940s** Operated as a regional carrier in Arkansas, Missouri and Louisiana.    

 

 

  

 

   

 ## 1950s

 

 

 

      **1951** Robert A. Young Jr. purchased AMF and made other key acquisitions.   **1956** AMF acquired Best Motor Freight and became Arkansas Best Freight System Inc. the next year – later renamed ABF.    

 

 

  

 

   

 ## 1960s

 

 

 

      **1966** Arkansas Best Corporation is formed.  
   
 System expansion continued with the purchase of Healzer Cartage Company, Delta Motor Line and others.    

 

 

  

 

   

 ## 1970s

 

 

 

      **1972** Arkansas Best Corporation becomes a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.   **1978** With the purchase of Navajo Freight Lines, ABF becomes one of 12 transcontinental motor carriers.    

 

 

  

 

   

 ## 1980s

 

 

 

      **1980** The Motor Carrier Act of 1980 is introduced, and the trucking industry is deregulated.   **1988** Arkansas Best Corporation endures a hostile takeover attempt. A leveraged buyout is executed and Arkansas Best becomes a private company.    

 

 

  

 

   

 ## 1990s

 

 

 

      **1992** Arkansas Best Corporation once again becomes a public company, now traded on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange.   **1994** Arkansas Best expands its global capabilities through its own non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) operation.   **1995** Worldway acquisition, which includes the purchase of FleetNet America.    

 

 

  

 

   

 ## 2000s

 

 

 

      **2006** Robert A. Young III retires as CEO after a 42-year career. He remains as Chairman of the Arkansas Best Corporation Board.    

 

 

  

 

   

 ## 2010s

 

 

 

      **2010** Judy R. McReynolds is named President and CEO of Arkansas Best Corporation.   **2011** Arkansas Best completes the purchase of Albert Moving.   **2012** Arkansas Best purchases Panther Expedited.   **2013** Arkansas Best expands its portfolio of transportation solutions with the formation of ABF Logistics.   **2014** Arkansas Best is renamed ArcBest Corporation.   **2015** ABF Logistics acquires Smart Lines Transportation Group.  
   
 ABF Logistics acquires Bear Transportation Services.   **2016** Robert A. Young III retires as Chairman of the ArcBest Corporation Board of Directors after serving as a director since 1970 and Board Chairman since 2004. President and CEO Judy R. McReynolds is elected as Chairman of the Board.  
   
 ABF Logistics acquires Logistics & Distribution Services.  
   
 ArcBest announces organizational realignment, offering most logistics services under the ArcBest brand.