A candid conversation with the leader guiding ArcBest’s next chapter
Over nearly 20 years, Seth Runser has moved from field operations to ABF President and then ArcBest President. As he has taken on increasing responsibility, he’s remained known for his people-first approach, strong operational foundation and the genuine way he listens to employees and customers.
In his first few weeks as CEO, Seth shared what’s shaped him, what drives him and the impact he hopes to make as he leads ArcBest forward. From early mornings and family routines to what excites him about the future, get to know our new CEO.
Q&A
What’s something that might surprise people to learn about you?
I actually grew up on a dairy farm in Northeast Ohio. We had a lot of acreage, and every summer through high school and college, I baled hay and did all the chores that come with it. I learned grit, responsibility and the value of hard work at a really young age.
Another fun one is that I played high school football against LeBron James. We grew up in towns about 20 minutes apart, and I have an old VHS tape of a game where we played against each other. Watching the whole “LeBron phenomenon” unfold has been pretty surreal.
How do you start and end your day?
I’m an early bird, up at 4 a.m. I start by reviewing the previous day’s reports and metrics, then I head to the gym before getting into the office early.
Evenings are for family. My kids are active, so we’re usually shuttling between practices and activities. From the time I leave the office until they go to bed, I try to be fully present with them and my wife. Unless it’s an emergency, I don’t look at my phone or check work. That’s our time, and I do my best to protect it.
What kind of day leaves you feeling most accomplished at work and at home?
At work, it’s incredibly rewarding when I make real progress on a priority project, or when I help someone solve a problem or develop a skill.
At home, when I’ve taught my kids something new or helped them practice a skill, that feels like a great day.
What’s your go-to way to unwind or de-stress?
Since evenings are family-focused, I usually decompress in the morning at the gym or when I have the chance to go mountain biking. As a family, we enjoy taking small weekend trips when we can. Kansas City and the Branson, Mo. area are some of our current go-to spots.
What’s something you’re currently learning or curious about?
I’m currently staying close to news around AI and other emerging technologies. They’re fundamentally changing how people work and helping 14,000 people navigate that kind of change is one of my biggest responsibilities. With the pace of innovation and so many unknowns, I’m focused on understanding what’s real and what’s hype so we can make smart, grounded decisions. I’m especially interested in how you introduce new tools in a way that empowers people and creates real business value.
But at the same time, we’re not waiting on the sidelines. ArcBest is already using AI responsibly to improve accuracy, speed and connection for our teams and customers, from predictive analytics and routing to document automation, call-routing intelligence and generative AI pilots.
What excites me most is the potential for AI to enhance human capability, not replace it. My job is to stay informed and make sure we’re using technology in ways that genuinely help our people and customers.
What keeps you up at night, industry-wise?
Technology is moving faster than ever, and it can reshape entire industries overnight. There’s a reason for the saying that the front windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror. Across ArcBest, we have a legacy of innovation and incredibly sharp and talented people that I trust. We’re always looking ahead and watching out for disruptors.
I’m also thinking a lot about the evolution of the workforce. We have five generations working side by side, which brings invaluable strength and perspective but also real complexity. In one visit to a service center, I might talk to an 18-year-old on the dock and then walk over and have a conversation with someone who’s been with us 50 years. Everyone’s voice matters, and as a leader, I want to meet people where they are.
The same is true for our customers. They span generations, industries and expectations. How we show up for them has to evolve, too.
What excites you most about where ArcBest is headed?
Our Investor Day last September was a chance to tell our story — why we’re built the way we are, how our strategy positions us for the future and how we plan to execute. Hitting these goals will enable us to reinvest more back into the business, including our people, technology and network. That’s something ArcBest has always done, and we’ve seen how meaningful that reinvestment can be.
But it’s not just about financial targets. It’s about creating opportunities for our people and customers, growing our impact and building a stronger ArcBest for the next 100 years. When 14,000 people are moving in the same direction, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.
Quick Takes
Notebook & pen or digital notes? Pen and notebook for priority tasks; digital for everything else
Sports or documentaries? Sports (but I enjoy a good documentary)
Call, text, or stop by? Text by default but stop by in person when work needs to move fast
Family night in or family day out? Family day out
Music or quiet? Music (various genres but O.A.R. is a go-to)
Road-trip snack? Watermelon Sour Patch Kids
Familiar route or something new: Something new
Planning or figure it out as you go? Plan the trip; be spontaneous on the activities
Home-cooked meal or restaurant? Home-cooked because my wife is an amazing cook, but we also prioritize date nights out (and it’s nice to not worry about dishes)
Big gathering or small group? Small group; I value deeper relationships
Summer or winter? Summer
Beach or mountains? Beach now, mountains as the kids get older
Closing Thoughts
“As I step into this role, I’m excited to build on ArcBest’s incredible legacy with the people who make it special. I’m committed to our employees and customers. Together, we’ll strengthen our culture and continue to positively impact the world through solving logistics challenges.” –Seth Runser, ArcBest president and CEO
Learn more about Seth
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Arkansas Money & Politics 2025 Influencers of the Year Q&A with Seth Runser
Seth Runser and Judy McReynolds on leadership transition, company outlook
