ArcBest Corporation Announces Groundbreaking for New Headquarters

ArcBest Corporation announced it will break ground for construction on its new corporate headquarters at a ceremony at 1:30 p.m. April 15 at Chaffee Crossing in Fort Smith. Gov. Asa Hutchinson also is scheduled to attend the ceremony.

In May 2014, ArcBest, a transportation and logistics company, announced the purchase of 40 acres off McClure Drive in east Fort Smith for the corporation's new headquarters. The approximate 200,000-square-foot building is expected to be completed in late 2016 and will help ease the company's current tight quarters as it continues to experience significant growth.

"Nearly one year ago we announced the start of a new era for our organization," said ArcBest President and Chief Executive Officer Judy R. McReynolds. "I am truly excited to take the next step toward another milestone as we break ground on a new company headquarters, which will support our plan to create 975 additional jobs in Fort Smith through 2021. We believe this region possesses a great pool of talent, and we look forward to having these exceptional employees build a career with us."

Once complete, the four-story building is anticipated to house approximately 850 employees of ArcBest corporate and ABF LogisticsSM, as well as Panther Premium Logistics® personnel who work in Fort Smith. While the building will allow for growth, the company also has an option to purchase 30 additional acres for future expansion.

"With the upcoming construction of its new corporate headquarters and plans to grow the company's local workforce, ArcBest is making a significant investment in Fort Smith," Hutchinson said. "The transportation and logistics sector is a large part of Sebastian County's economy. Tomorrow's groundbreaking further strengthens Arkansas's reputation as one of the nation's logistics hubs."

ABF FreightSM, the company's flagship subsidiary, will remain located at the current office at 3801 Old Greenwood Road, along with ArcBest Technologies, the company's IT solutions group. The relocation of ArcBest and ABF Logistics employees will create room for growth and expansion of ABF Freight and ArcBest Technologies at the existing facility.

Situated in newly developed Chaffee Crossing, the new headquarters will be east of Massard Road near the historic McClure Amphitheater. The location also will include easily accessible bike and walking trails.

ABF Freight Receives National LTL Carrier of the Year Award

For the third consecutive year, ABF Freight has earned the National LTL Carrier of the Year Award from the National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council.

ABF Freight was recognized during the NASSTRAC Annual Shippers Conference and Transportation Expo in Orlando, Florida, April 12-15. It is the fifth time the company has been recognized in the last six years — 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011 and 2010.

“Being named the 2015 National LTL Carrier of the Year is indeed an honor. Recognition from NASSTRAC is particularly rewarding since this council represents the vitally important voice of shippers,” said ABF Freight President Tim Thorne. “By giving ABF Freight this award, NASSTRAC is honoring employees whose dedication to safety, cargo handling and customer service inspires confidence among customers throughout North America. Our people have earned a reputation as the safest, most conscientious, highly innovative members of our industry, and it’s gratifying to have their efforts once again recognized as exemplary.”

Through its annual Carrier of the Year Awards Program, NASSTRAC recognizes carriers that have demonstrated excellence in transportation. The program also helps shippers to identify the best of the best in carrier performance and value. Regular members of NASSTRAC who are qualified buyers of transportation services grade all carriers that are members on a quantitative scale in five key areas: 1) customer service; 2) operational excellence; 3) pricing; 4) business relationship; and 5) leadership and technology. The NASSTRAC Carrier of the Year program is co-sponsored by Logistics Management, a leading trade magazine for buyers of logistics services.