In December 1970, ABF Freight^® (then known as Arkansas-Best Freight System) announced to its employees the purchase of new cargo heaters for linehaul use. The Customer Service department added 140 new cargo heaters to the system.

In the photo, ABF Freight Regional Sales Director Walter Willard (standing), Customer Service Director Bruce Whittaker (kneeling left) and Operations Assistant Vice President Gordon Watson examine the new cargo heaters.

The propane-fired units replaced old charcoal salamander heaters that had been used for several years.

Each year, professional drivers for ArcBest carrier ABF Freight take part in the National Truck Driving Championships.

In 1999, ABF Freight drivers competing included Allen Sheppard, Tony Spero, Bill Ellis, Frank Motherhead, Bob Suck, John Cinealis and Bob Westbrook. The event was held in Tampa, Florida.

Defining Less-than-truckload: What does it mean and who is it for?

You’ve had multiple out-of-state sales this week and customers are requesting home delivery — something you don’t normally do. Everything is wrapped, boxed and ready to go, but what’s the best way to get the products to your customers? Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is designed for freight that weighs between 150 and 20,000 pounds and isn’t large enough to require a full semi-trailer.

In October 1963, ABF Freight (then known as Arkansas-Best Freight System) was one of 22 trucking companies awarded for providing free transportation to Aiding Leukemia Stricken American Children (ALSAC).

Comedian and actor Danny Thomas hosted a “Breakfast with Danny Thomas” at the Morrison Hotel in Chicago to thank trucking executives for their efforts. Bill Farnsworth, ABF Freight service center manager in Chicago, received the award on behalf of ABF Freight.

In the photo, Farnsworth is on the front row, second from the left; Thomas is fourth from the right.

The importance of shipment packaging

From raw material headed to a production plant to a finished product on its way to a customer, every item your business ships is somehow tied to revenue. And because each shipment has the potential to impact profits, it’s important to find ways to manage transportation costs while still ensuring your freight arrives damage-free. Utilizing proper packaging can accomplish both goals — especially in the less-than-truckload (LTL) environment.

In March 1961, Robert A. Young Jr. testified before the Ways and Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Young was president of ABF Freight (then known as Arkansas-Best Freight System), having bought the company in 1951. His testimony focused on a tax program proposed by President Kennedy.

Young and others in the trucking industry opposed the proposal, which increased federal taxes on diesel fuel, truck licenses, tires and retread rubber.

Why cubic feet matter for LTL freight

Due to changes in freight profile (like bulkier items) and other less-than-truckload (LTL) trends, it’s more important than ever for ArcBest^SM customers to provide accurate details about their shipments when getting a quote. While weight and freight class are still necessary pieces of information, cubic footage is now an additional pricing factor. Use the steps below to accurately measure your freight and calculate its cubic footage. 

In December 1969, employees learned about new road tractors scheduled to be delivered in 1970.

According to Harry Fink, the ABF Freight^® vice president of maintenance at the time, ABF Freight purchased 118 new Ford Model LNT 1000 tandem road tractors.

 “All will be of a short conventional design to accommodate doubles as well as 40-foot trailers, and will be equipped with NHTC 270 Cummins diesel engines,” a note to employees states. “Each tractor will be equipped with two 110-gallon fuel tanks.

When ABF Freight^® (then known as Arkansas-Best Freight System) acquired Jackson, Mississippi-based Delta Motor Line in October 1962, the purchase gave ABF Freight the authority to operate throughout the Mississippi Delta — from New Orleans and Jackson up through Memphis and into Chicago.

Delta had service centers in Mississippi, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri and Tennessee. With the acquisition, ABF Freight ranked 14^th among the nation’s truck lines.

Moving heavy loads

Oversized items such as industrial machinery and military equipment can present logistical challenges if you aren’t familiar with how to transport them. These shipments typically require special handling, optimized routing and additional permits because they may not be able to travel on all roadways due to their size and weight. Understanding what an oversize load is, what weight limitations could apply and what other requirements are needed can make the transportation process go more smoothly.