ABF Freight (ArcBest) Driver Pay
Above Average — #10 of 40$60,000 - $95,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
ABF Freight (ArcBest) Pay Overview
ABF Freight drivers are Teamsters union members with pay set by the national master freight agreement. ABF is the LTL arm of ArcBest Corporation and has been in operation since 1923, making it one of the oldest continuously operating carriers. The Teamsters pension is a standout benefit, providing guaranteed retirement income. ABF linehaul runs tend to be efficient relay-style routes.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $25 - $28/hr |
| 1-3 years | $28 - $32/hr |
| 3-5 years | $32 - $36/hr |
| 5-10 years | $36 - $40/hr |
| 10+ years | $40 - $45/hr |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| City P&D (LTL) | $25 - $42/hr |
| Linehaul (LTL) | $0.56 - $0.74/mi |
Pay by Job Type
Local (City P&D)
$60,000 - $88,000
per year
Regional (Linehaul)
$68,000 - $95,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Limited — union contract governs compensation
Safety Bonus
Union-negotiated safety incentives
Referral Bonus
Referral programs vary by terminal
Fuel Efficiency
Not standard — union pay structure
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Teamsters Health & Welfare fund coverage |
| Dental | Dental through Teamsters plan |
| Vision | Vision through Teamsters plan |
| Retirement | Teamsters pension plan (defined benefit) |
| Paid Time Off | Union-negotiated vacation, holidays, personal days |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Limited — per local agreement |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit (union pay schedule)
Home Time
City: Home daily | Linehaul: Home nightly or next morning
Per Diem
Not applicable — LTL home-daily operations
How ABF Freight (ArcBest) Pay Compares
ABF Freight (ArcBest) ranks #10 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Above Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ABF Freight (ArcBest) (this carrier) | $60,000 - $95,000 |
| Werner Enterprises | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| Schneider National | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation | $50,000 - $85,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ABF Freight drivers make?
ABF Freight drivers earn $60,000-$95,000 annually. City P&D drivers earn $25-$45/hr under the Teamsters contract, while linehaul drivers earn $0.56-$0.74/mi. Union pay scales increase with seniority.
Is ABF Freight a union company?
Yes, ABF Freight drivers are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Pay, benefits, and working conditions follow the national master freight agreement with local supplements. This provides strong job protections and guaranteed pension.
Does ABF have a pension?
Yes, ABF Freight drivers receive a Teamsters pension (defined benefit plan). This provides a guaranteed monthly retirement income based on years of service. Combined with optional 401(k) savings, it makes for strong retirement planning.
Do ABF Freight drivers go home daily?
City P&D drivers go home daily. Linehaul drivers run overnight relay routes and typically return home the same night or next morning. ABF's terminal network keeps relay distances manageable.
How does ABF compare to other union LTL carriers?
ABF (Teamsters) offers pay and benefits comparable to TForce Freight (also Teamsters). Both provide union wages, pension, and health coverage. ABF is under ArcBest Corporation, which also offers non-union logistics services. The union benefits make both strong long-term career choices.
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