History

1920s

1923

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

1935

OK Transfer acquired Arkansas Motor Freight (AMF) and assumed its name.

Became an interstate carrier with the purchase of Motor Express.

1940s

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

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.

1966

Arkansas Best Corporation is formed.

System expansion continued with the purchase of Healzer Cartage Company, Delta Motor Line and others.

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.

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.

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.

2006

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

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.