ABF Freight (ArcBest) Review 2026

Pay, Benefits, Home Time & Driver Ratings

Founded 1923Fort Smith, ARFleet: 4,000+ tractors

Driver Rating

3.7/5 — Good

Annual Pay

$60,000 - $95,000

Solo CPM

Hourly: $25 - $32/hour (city); mileage-based for linehaul

Sign-On Bonus

Limited (union wage scale)

Driver Rating

3.7/5 — Good

ABF Freight (ArcBest) Overview

ABF Freight, the LTL division of ArcBest Corporation, is one of the oldest and most established LTL carriers in the United States. Founded in 1923 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, ABF Freight has operated continuously for over a century. ArcBest Corporation is publicly traded on NASDAQ and provides a range of transportation and logistics services beyond ABF's LTL operations.

ABF Freight's defining characteristic is its Teamsters union representation. Most ABF drivers are covered under the National Master Freight Agreement, providing negotiated wages, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, and pension contributions. This union contract provides some of the strongest job protections and benefit packages in the LTL industry.

The company operates approximately 4,000 tractors from over 240 service centers nationwide. ABF is known for reliable service and a strong safety record. The union workforce tends to be experienced and long-tenured, creating a stable operating environment. ABF's parent company, ArcBest, provides additional career opportunities in asset-light logistics and managed transportation.

Pay & Benefits

Solo CPM

Hourly: $25 - $32/hour (city); mileage-based for linehaul

Team CPM

N/A (LTL operations)

Annual Earnings

$60,000 - $95,000

Sign-On Bonus

Limited (union wage scale)

Benefits Package

  • Teamsters union health and welfare
  • Pension plan contributions
  • Overtime pay provisions
  • Paid holidays and vacation per contract
  • Union grievance protections
View full pay breakdown →

Equipment Used

Freightliner CascadiaVarious day cabs28' LTL pup trailers53' trailers

Home Time Policy

ABF city drivers are home daily. Linehaul drivers work overnight shifts and are home at the end of their run. The union contract includes scheduling protections and maximum hours provisions. Home time is generally consistent and predictable.

Training Program

ABF Freight requires 1 year CDL-A experience and does not operate a CDL school. Some terminals offer dock-to-driver programs for existing ABF dockworkers. Union apprenticeship paths may be available at select locations.

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age

21 years old

Minimum Experience

1 year CDL-A experience

CDL Required

Yes — CDL-A

Clean MVR Required

Yes

Endorsements

  • Doubles/triples endorsement preferred

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Teamsters union representation with negotiated wages and full benefit protections
  • Pension plan through Teamsters fund provides guaranteed retirement income
  • Over 100 years of operating history provides exceptional job stability
  • Comprehensive health and welfare benefits with low out-of-pocket costs
  • ArcBest parent company offers career diversification options beyond LTL

Cons

  • Union dues reduce take-home pay
  • Seniority system means new drivers start with less desirable routes and shifts
  • Equipment modernization has lagged some competitors
  • Some terminals have reduced in size as ABF focuses on profitability over volume

Best For

ABF Freight (ArcBest) is recommended for:

  • Drivers wanting Teamsters union representation and protections
  • Those seeking pension plan retirement benefits
  • Experienced LTL drivers valuing job security

Overall Driver Rating

3.7/5

Based on compiled driver feedback, industry reputation, and compensation analysis. Rating last updated March 2026.

ABF Freight (ArcBest) FAQs

Is ABF Freight a union company?
Yes, ABF Freight drivers are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters under the National Master Freight Agreement. This provides negotiated wage scales, health and welfare benefits, pension contributions, overtime protections, and a formal grievance process. Union dues are required for all covered employees.
What is ArcBest and how does it relate to ABF?
ArcBest Corporation is the parent company of ABF Freight. ArcBest is a publicly traded transportation and logistics holding company that includes ABF Freight (LTL), ABF Logistics (freight brokerage), FleetNet America (roadside assistance), and other subsidiaries. When you drive for ABF Freight, you are employed by ArcBest but working in the ABF Freight LTL division.
How much do ABF Freight drivers make?
ABF city drivers earn $25-$32/hour under the union wage scale, with annual earnings of $60,000-$80,000 depending on overtime. Linehaul drivers can earn $75,000-$95,000 through mileage-based pay. The union contract includes annual wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments. Total compensation including pension and health benefits adds significant value beyond base pay.
Does ABF Freight offer a pension?
Yes, ABF Freight contributes to the Teamsters pension fund on behalf of covered employees. This defined benefit pension provides guaranteed monthly retirement income based on years of service and contributions. The pension is in addition to any personal retirement savings and is one of the primary financial benefits of working at a Teamsters-represented carrier.
How does ABF compare to TForce Freight?
Both ABF and TForce Freight are Teamsters-represented LTL carriers, so they share similar wage scales, health benefits, and pension provisions under the National Master Freight Agreement. The main differences are ownership (ABF is under ArcBest, TForce is under TFI International), terminal network coverage, and local management culture. ABF has a longer operating history and some drivers find the culture more stable, while TForce has a larger terminal network in some regions.

More About ABF Freight (ArcBest)

ABF Freight (ArcBest) Company Profile

Jobs, fleet size, and key info

ABF Freight (ArcBest) Pay Breakdown

Full salary, CPM, and benefits details

ABF Freight (ArcBest) Jobs in Arkansas

Openings and hiring info by state

ABF Freight (ArcBest) Jobs in Texas

Openings and hiring info by state

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