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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.