Arkansas Best gains require union wage cuts, pension reform

The good news is that the most recent analyst report says Fort Smith-based Arkansas Best Corp. may have hit bottom and could see positive earnings in fiscal 2011. But even with that, the economic future of Arkansas Best depends largely on the company’s success in gaining wage and pension relief from Teamsters and Congress, respectively.

Arkansas Best is the parent company of ABF Freight System, a less-than-truckload carrier that is the second-largest in an estimated $29 billion LTL market in the U.S. The company employs about 9,500 nationwide, which includes about 7,000 unionized drivers. Full Story......

ABF Earns Fifth Consecutive Listing on InformationWeek 500

ABF Freight System, Inc., has been cited as an innovator in information technology by InformationWeek magazine, which lists ABF on the 2010 InformationWeek 500. The InformationWeek 500 companies were revealed on September 14, 2010, at a gala awards ceremony during the InformationWeek 500 Conference at the St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach, Calif.

ABF earned a spot on the 2010 listing for its ongoing efforts to facilitate supply chain management processes through IT innovation. The carrier's Reports Portal, an internal, intranet-based system, was cited as an example.

InformationWeek has identified and honored the nation's most innovative users of information technology with its annual listing, and has tracked the technology, strategies, investments and administrative practices of America's best-known companies. The list is unique among corporate rankings because it spotlights the power of innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest IT spenders.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that ABF has earned a place on the list. "In collaboration with our customers, ABF has developed the best shipping tools in the transportation industry. We are proud to see our efforts again validated by this recognition for IT innovation," said Roy Slagle, ABF senior vice president, sales and marketing. "ABF customers expect time and money-saving applications through IT-based innovation, and ABF consistently meets their needs by developing innovative, user-centric applications."

Working Toward Comprehensive YRCW Restructuring That Protects Teamsters

The Teamsters Union is reviewing cost savings presented by YRCW to make sure they are necessary to address business needs.

Those cost savings will only be submitted for ratification if certain conditions are met that help protect the interests of Teamsters and if the effort supports a comprehensive restructuring that will give the company the best opportunity to survive over the long term.

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ABF Celebrates Teamwork During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

ABF Freight System, Inc., is celebrating the 15th Annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 19-25, 2010, with a system-wide campaign focusing on teamwork. The campaign underscores the fundamental role of transportation industry employees in supporting the North American economy.

"This campaign celebrates the hard work and dedication of all ABF employees to uphold the highest standards of integrity and performance," said Wes Kemp, ABF's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Each of ABF's employees contributes to the success of our company by working together as a team and it doesn't go unnoticed. In fact, their commitment specifically to safety, cargo handling, and customer service are particularly exemplary, strengthening the confidence customers hold for our company with each passing day."

During the campaign, each ABF employee receives a special letter of appreciation and ABF service centers host special events in celebration of the week. ABF also recognizes outstanding performance by its employees, particularly professional drivers, throughout the year. Ongoing training, orientation, and incentive programs are aimed at ABF drivers maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and becoming ambassadors for promoting safety and increasing public appreciation for the trucking industry.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reports that the trucking industry includes 3.4 million professional truck drivers with one out of every 19 Americans employed in the industry. Trucking is a $660 billion industry, representing 83.1 percent of the nation's freight bill. "Trucks are the sole supplier to 80 percent of U.S. communities," says the ATA. "We deliver food, clothing and medical supplies - and we do it safely."