10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

☐Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from   to  

Commission file number 000-19969

ARCBEST CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) 71-0673405 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3801 Old Greenwood Road

Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903

(479) 785-6000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including

area code, of the registrant’s principal executive offices)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   ☒ Yes  ☐No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   ☒ Yes  ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   ☐ Yes  ☒ No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class	Outstanding at November 3, 2016
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	25,622,506 shares

ARCBEST CORPORATION

INDEX

		Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets — September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015	3
	Consolidated Statements of Operations — For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income — For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015	5
	Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity — For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016	6
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015	7
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	51
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	51
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	52
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	52
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	52
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	52
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	52
Item 5.	Other Information	52
Item 6.	Exhibits	53
SIGNATURES		54

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ARCBEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(Unaudited)
	(in thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	130,395	$	164,973
Short-term investments		59,346		61,597
Restricted cash		962		1,384
Accounts receivable, less allowances (2016 – $5,118; 2015 – $4,825)		256,316		236,097
Other accounts receivable, less allowances (2016 – $830; 2015 – $1,029)		8,927		6,718
Prepaid expenses		19,622		20,801
Deferred income taxes		39,097		38,443
Prepaid and refundable income taxes		13,934		18,134
Other		4,275		3,936
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		532,874		552,083
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land and structures		296,324		273,839
Revenue equipment		738,350		699,844
Service, office, and other equipment		156,536		145,286
Software		134,312		127,010
Leasehold improvements		27,040		25,419
		1,352,562		1,271,398
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization		822,623		788,351
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net		529,939		483,047
GOODWILL		110,487		96,465
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		82,068		76,787
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS		65,500		54,527
TOTAL ASSETS	$	1,320,868	$	1,262,909
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	$	149,971	$	130,869
Income taxes payable		—		91
Accrued expenses		187,822		188,727
Current portion of long-term debt		61,251		44,910
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES		399,044		364,597
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion		176,363		167,599
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT LIABILITIES		42,520		51,241
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES		15,159		12,689
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		92,629		78,055
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued 2016: 28,122,385 shares; 2015: 27,938,319 shares		281		279
Additional paid-in capital		313,794		309,653
Retained earnings		387,646		376,827
Treasury stock, at cost, 2016: 2,499,879 shares; 2015: 2,080,187 shares		(78,129)		(70,535)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(28,439)		(27,496)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		595,153		588,728
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	1,320,868	$	1,262,909

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

ARCBEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(Unaudited)
	(in thousands, except share and per share data)
REVENUES	$	713,923	$	709,380	$	2,012,005	$	2,018,771
OPERATING EXPENSES		693,553		675,942		1,984,246		1,950,588
OPERATING INCOME		20,370		33,438		27,759		68,183
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income		390		378		1,178		882
Interest and other related financing costs		(1,296)		(1,157)		(3,774)		(3,183)
Other, net		1,091		(613)		2,028		(15)
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (COSTS)		185		(1,392)		(568)		(2,316)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		20,555		32,046		27,191		65,867
INCOME TAX PROVISION		7,615		12,892		10,123		26,001
NET INCOME	$	12,940	$	19,154	$	17,068	$	39,866
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic	$	0.50	$	0.73	$	0.66	$	1.52
Diluted	$	0.49	$	0.72	$	0.64	$	1.48
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic		25,724,550		26,009,344		25,779,166		26,033,467
Diluted		26,211,524		26,508,482		26,263,732		26,569,800
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.08	$	0.06	$	0.24	$	0.18

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

ARCBEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
NET INCOME	$	12,940	$	19,154	$	17,068	$	39,866
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of: (2016 – Three-month period $822, Nine-month period $2,637; 2015 – Three-month period $4,317, Nine-month period $3,968)		1,294		(6,780)		(4,141)		(6,232)
Pension settlement expense, net of tax of: (2016 – Three-month period $313, Nine-month period $882; 2015 – Three-month period $296, Nine-month period $964)		490		466		1,385		1,514
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, net of tax of: (2016 – Three-month period $496, Nine month period $1,410 ; 2015 – Three-month period $330, Nine-month period $1,126)
Net actuarial loss		807		545		2,301		1,854
Prior service credit		(29)		(29)		(87)		(87)
Interest rate swap and foreign currency translation:
Change in unrealized income (loss) on interest rate swap, net of tax of: (2016 – Three-month period $168, Nine month period $278; 2015 – Three-month period $312, Nine-month period $389)		262		(483)		(430)		(603)
Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax of: (2016 – Three-month period $127, Nine-month period $158; 2015 – Three-month period $225, Nine-month period $351)		(420)		(354)		29		(552)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax		2,404		(6,635)		(943)		(4,106)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	15,344	$	12,519	$	16,125	$	35,760

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

ARCBEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

											Accumulated
				Additional							Other
	Common Stock			Paid-In		Retained		Treasury Stock			Comprehensive		Total
	Shares	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Shares	Amount		Loss		Equity
	(Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	27,938	$	279	$	309,653	$	376,827	2,080	$	(70,535)	$	(27,496)	$	588,728
Net income							17,068							17,068
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax												(943)		(943)
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans	184		2		(2)									—
Tax effect of share-based compensation plans					(2,008)									(2,008)
Share-based compensation expense					6,151									6,151
Purchase of treasury stock								420		(7,594)				(7,594)
Dividends declared on common stock							(6,249)							(6,249)
Balance at September 30, 2016	28,122	$	281	$	313,794	$	387,646	2,500	$	(78,129)	$	(28,439)	$	595,153

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

ARCBEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30
	2016		2015
	(Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	17,068	$	39,866
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		73,633		65,142
Amortization of intangibles		3,059		3,079
Pension settlement expense		2,267		2,478
Share-based compensation expense		6,151		6,343
Provision for losses on accounts receivable		787		941
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)		14,199		(7,862)
Gain on sale of property and equipment		(2,581)		(1,691)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(18,906)		(14,881)
Prepaid expenses		1,108		2,353
Other assets		(3,655)		505
Income taxes		2,583		14,295
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities		(7,786)		9,006
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES		87,927		119,574
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of financings		(45,774)		(53,644)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		7,296		4,115
Purchases of short-term investments		(51,760)		(48,868)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments		54,027		25,347
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(24,805)		(5,239)
Capitalization of internally developed software		(7,660)		(6,155)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES		(68,676)		(84,444)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under credit facilities		—		70,000
Borrowings under accounts receivable securitization program		—		35,000
Payments on long-term debt		(36,579)		(92,136)
Net change in book overdrafts		(3,829)		2,179
Net change in restricted cash		422		(1)
Deferred financing costs		—		(824)
Payment of common stock dividends		(6,249)		(4,740)
Purchases of treasury stock		(7,594)		(10,004)
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES		(53,829)		(526)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(34,578)		34,604
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		164,973		157,042
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	130,395	$	191,646
NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Equipment financed	$	61,684	$	51,009
Accruals for equipment received	$	9,391	$	7,150

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

7

ARCBEST CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE A – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

ArcBest Corporation® (the “Company”) is the parent holding company of businesses providing freight transportation services and logistics solutions. The Company’s principal operations are conducted through its Freight Transportation (ABF Freight®) segment, which consists of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries. The Company’s other reportable operating segments are the following asset-light logistics businesses: Premium Logistics (Panther), Transportation Management (ABF Logistics®), Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet), and Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving®). References to the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are primarily to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

ABF Freight represented approximately 70% of the Company’s total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. As of September 2016, approximately 77% of ABF Freight’s employees were covered under a collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “ABF NMFA”), with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”), which extends through March 31, 2018. The ABF NMFA included a 7% wage rate reduction upon the November 3, 2013 implementation date, followed by wage rate increases of 2% on July 1 in each of the next three years, which began in 2014, and a 2.5% increase on July 1, 2017; a one-week reduction in annual compensated vacation effective for employee anniversary dates on or after April 1, 2013; the option to expand the use of purchased transportation; and increased flexibility in labor work rules. The ABF NMFA and the related supplemental agreements provide for continued contributions to various multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans maintained for the benefit of ABF Freight’s employees who are members of the IBT. The estimated net effect of the November 3, 2013 wage rate reduction and the benefit rate increase which was applied retroactively to August 1, 2013 was an initial reduction of approximately 4% to the combined total contractual wage and benefit rate under the ABF NMFA. Following the initial reduction, the combined contractual wage and benefit contribution rate under the ABF NMFA is estimated to increase approximately 2.5% on a compounded annual basis throughout the contract period which extends through March 31, 2018.

On September 2, 2016, ABF Logistics acquired Logistics & Distribution Services, LLC (“LDS”), a private logistics and distribution company, in a transaction valued at $25.0 million (subject to post-closing adjustments), reflecting net cash consideration of $17.0 million paid at closing and an additional $8.0 million of contingent consideration to be paid over the next two years upon the achievement of certain financial targets. On December 1, 2015, ABF Logistics acquired Bear Transportation Services, L.P. (“Bear”), a private, non-asset truckload brokerage firm, for net cash consideration of $24.4 million (subject to post-closing adjustments). On January 2, 2015, ABF Logistics acquired Smart Lines Transportation Group, LLC, a privately-owned truckload brokerage firm, for net cash consideration of $5.2 million. As these acquired businesses are not significant to the Company’s consolidated operating results and financial condition, pro forma financial information and the purchase price allocations of acquired assets and liabilities have not been presented. The results of the acquired operations subsequent to the acquisition dates have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.The Company is in the process of making a final determination of the value of acquired assets and liabilities for the LDS and Bear transactions and the provisional measurements are subject to change during the measurement periods.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pertaining to interim financial information. Accordingly, these interim financial statements do not include all information or footnote disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other current filings with the Commission. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which are of a normal and recurring nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

8

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates.

Accounting Policies

The Company’s accounting policies are described in Note B to the audited financial statements included in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following policy became effective for the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Contingent Consideration: The Company records the estimated fair value of contingent consideration at the acquisition date as part of the purchase price consideration for an acquisition. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability was determined by assessing Level 3 inputs with a discounted cash flow approach using various probability-weighted scenarios. As of September 30, 2016, the fair value of the outstanding contingent consideration of $6.8 million related to the acquisition of LDS was recorded in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, based on when expected payouts become due, and the $8.0 million held in escrow for the contingent consideration at the acquisition date was recorded in other long-term assets. The liability for contingent consideration is remeasured at each quarterly reporting period and any change in fair value as a result of the recurring assessments is recognized in operating income.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) which amended Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 835, Interest – Imputation of Interest, and addresses the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet. The Company’s debt issuance costs related to its revolving credit agreements continue to be presented as an asset, as permitted, and amortized over the term of the agreements within interest expense. The new guidance did not result in retrospective adjustments to the consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

During first quarter 2016, the Company adopted amended ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, issued by the FASB. The amendment eliminated the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively and instead recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustments, including the effect on earnings of any amounts it would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendment was prospectively adopted and did not result in significant adjustments to financial statements or disclosure presentation.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

ASC Topic 740 was amended with the addition of Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017. The update will result in all deferred tax assets and liabilities being classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheets.

An amendment to ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, was issued to simplify the accounting for share-based compensation, which will require the income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the statement of operations when awards vest or are settled and will allow employers to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact this update will have on the consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

ASC Topic 606, which amends the guidance in former ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and contains principles to apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company is evaluating the impact of the new standard on the consolidated financial statements.

9

An amendment to ASC Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, which provides classification guidance for certain cash payments and receipts presented in the statement of cash flows, is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. The Company is currently assessing the impact this update will have on the consolidated financial statements.

ASC Topic 842, Leases, which is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, will require leases with a term greater than twelve months to be reflected as liabilities with associated right-of-use assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company is evaluating the impact of the new standard on the consolidated financial statements.

An amendment to ASC Topic 326, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020. The Company is currently assessing the impact this update will have on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures.

Management believes that there is no other new accounting guidance issued but not yet effective that is relevant to the Company’s current financial statements. However, there are new proposals under development by the standard setting bodies which, if and when enacted, may have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures, including changes in disclosure requirements for income taxes and defined benefit plans.

NOTE B – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial Instruments

The following table presents the components of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and restricted funds:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash deposits(1)	$	102,598	$	110,279
Variable rate demand notes(1)(2)		19,994		29,790
Money market funds(3)		7,803		24,904
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	130,395	$	164,973
Short-term investments
Certificates of deposit(1)	$	59,346	$	61,597
Restricted cash(4)
Cash deposits(1)	$	962	$	1,384

⁽¹⁾ Recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.

⁽²⁾ Amounts may be redeemed on a daily basis with the original issuer.

⁽³⁾ Recorded at fair value as determined by quoted market prices (see amounts presented in the table of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value within this Note).

⁽⁴⁾ Amounts restricted for use are subject to change based on the requirements of the Company’s collateralized facilities (see Note E).

The Company’s long-term investment financial instruments are presented in the table of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value within this Note.

Concentrations of Credit Risk of Financial Instruments

The Company is potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk related to its cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The Company reduces credit risk by maintaining its cash deposits primarily in FDIC-insured accounts and placing its unrestricted short-term investments primarily in FDIC-insured certificates of deposit. However, certain cash deposits and certificates of deposit may exceed federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents totaling $39.0 million and $69.9 million were not FDIC insured at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

10

Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments

Fair value disclosures are made in accordance with the following hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs of market data and market assumptions used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable:

· Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

· Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

· Level 3 — Unobservable inputs (Company’s market assumptions) that are significant to the valuation model.

Fair value and carrying value disclosures of financial instruments are presented in the following table:

	September 30				December 31
	2016				2015
	(in thousands)
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
Credit Facility(1)	$	70,000	$	70,000	$	70,000	$	70,000
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings(2)		35,000		35,000		35,000		35,000
Notes payable(3)		131,882		131,822		106,703		106,495
	$	236,882	$	236,822	$	211,703	$	211,495

⁽¹⁾ The revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) under the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement carries a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin. The Credit Facility is considered to be priced at market for debt instruments having similar terms and collateral requirements (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

⁽²⁾ Borrowings under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization program carry a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin. The borrowings are considered to be priced at market for debt instruments having similar terms and collateral requirements (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

⁽³⁾ Fair value of the notes payable was determined using a present value income approach based on quoted interest rates from lending institutions with which the Company would enter into similar transactions (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

11

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis

The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

	September 30, 2016
			Fair Value Measurements Using
			Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
			In Active		Observable		Unobservable
			Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Money market funds(1)(3)	$	7,803	$	7,803	$	—	$	—
Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)(3)		2,072		2,072		—		—
	$	9,875	$	9,875	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration(4)	$	6,775	$	—	$	—	$	6,775
Interest rate swap(5)		1,605		—		1,605		—
	$	8,380	$	—	$	1,605	$	6,775

	December 31, 2015
			Fair Value Measurements Using
			Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
			In Active		Observable		Unobservable
			Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Money market funds(1)(3)	$	24,904	$	24,904	$	—	$	—
Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)(3)		2,127		2,127		—		—
	$	27,031	$	27,031	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap(5)	$	897	$	—	$	897	$	—

⁽¹⁾ Included in cash and cash equivalents.

⁽²⁾ Nonqualified deferred compensation plan investments consist of U.S. and international equity mutual funds, government and corporate bond mutual funds, and money market funds which are held in a trust with a third-party brokerage firm. Quoted market prices are used to determine fair values of the investments which are included in other long-term assets, with a corresponding liability reported in other long-term liabilities.

⁽³⁾ Fair value measured using quoted prices of identical assets in active markets.

⁽⁴⁾ Included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, based on when expected payouts become due. The estimated fair value of contingent consideration for an earn-out agreement related to the September 2016 acquisition of LDS was determined by assessing Level 3 inputs with a discounted cash flow approach using various probability-weighted scenarios. The Level 3 inputs include scenarios of estimated revenues and gross margins to be achieved for the applicable performance periods, probability weightings assigned to the performance scenarios, and the discount rate applied, which was 11.5% as of September 30, 2016. Subsequent changes to the fair value as a result of recurring assessments will be recognized in operating income.

⁽⁵⁾ Included in other long-term liabilities. The interest rate swap fair value was determined by discounting future cash flows and receipts based on expected interest rates observed in market interest rate curves adjusted for estimated credit valuation considerations reflecting nonperformance risk of the Company and the counterparty, which are considered to be in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company assessed Level 3 inputs as insignificant to the valuation at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and considers the interest rate swap valuation in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

12

The following table provides the changes in fair value of the liabilities measured at fair value using inputs categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

	Contingent Consideration
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	—
Contingent consideration liability recorded at fair value for business acquisition		6,711
Change in fair value included in operating income		64
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	6,775

NOTE C – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill by reportable operating segment consisted of the following:

					ABF				ABF
	Total		Panther		Logistics		FleetNet		Moving
	(in thousands)
Balances at December 31, 2015	$	96,465	$	71,096	$	19,387	$	630	$	5,352
Goodwill acquired(1)		13,584		—		13,584		—		—
Purchase accounting adjustments		438		—		438		—		—
Balances September 30, 2016	$	110,487	$	71,096	$	33,409	$	630	$	5,352

⁽¹⁾ Goodwill related to the September 2, 2016 acquisition of LDS is based on preliminary information as of September 30, 2016.

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

		September 30, 2016						December 31, 2015
	Weighted-Average			Accumulated		Net				Accumulated		Net
	Amortization Period	Cost		Amortization		Value			Cost	Amortization		Value
	(in years)	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Finite-lived intangible assets
Customer relationships(1)	14	$	60,021	$	14,248	$	45,773	$	52,221	$	11,331	$	40,890
Driver network	3		3,200		3,200		—		3,200		3,200		—
Other	6		1,572		399		1,173		1,032		257		775
	13		64,793		17,847		46,946		56,453		14,788		41,665
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Trade name	N/A		32,300		N/A		32,300		32,300		N/A		32,300
Other	N/A		2,822		N/A		2,822		2,822		N/A		2,822
			35,122				35,122		35,122				35,122
Total intangible assets	N/A	$	99,915	$	17,847	$	82,068	$	91,575	$	14,788	$	76,787

⁽¹⁾ Customer relationships of $7.3 million related to the September 2, 2016 acquisition of LDS is based on preliminary information as of September 30, 2016.

Amortization expense on intangible assets totaled $1.1 million and $3.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and $0.9 million and $3.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, amortization expense on intangible assets (excluding acquired software which is reported within property, plant and equipment) is anticipated to range between $4.3 million and $4.9 million per year for the years ended December 31, 2016 through 2020.

13

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES

The Company’s statutory federal tax rate is 35%. State tax rates vary among states and average approximately 6.0% to 6.5%, although some state rates are higher and a small number of states do not impose an income tax. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was 37.0% and 37.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was 40.2% and 39.5%, respectively.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate primarily results from state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, and changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance. The three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 were also impacted by the alternative fuel tax credit.

As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s deferred tax liabilities, which will reverse in future years, exceeded the deferred tax assets. The Company evaluated the total deferred tax assets at September 30, 2016 and concluded that, other than for certain deferred tax assets related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards, the assets did not exceed the amount for which realization is more likely than not. In making this determination, the Company considered the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, future taxable income, and tax planning strategies.

The Company paid state and foreign income taxes of $2.5 million and paid federal, state, and foreign income taxes of $17.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company received refunds of $10.8 million and $0.1 million of federal and state income taxes that were paid in prior years during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

14

NOTE E – LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Long-Term Debt Obligations

Long-term debt consisted of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility and accounts receivable securitization program, both of which are further described in Financing Arrangements within this Note, and notes payable and capital lease obligations related to the financing of revenue equipment (tractors and trailers used primarily in ABF Freight’s operations), real estate, and certain other equipment as follows:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Credit Facility (interest rate of 1.8%(1) at September 30, 2016)	$	70,000	$	70,000
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings (interest rate of 1.3% at September 30, 2016)		35,000		35,000
Notes payable (weighted-average interest rate of 2.1% at September 30, 2016)		131,882		106,703
Capital lease obligations (weighted-average interest rate of 5.8% at September 30, 2016)		732		806
		237,614		212,509
Less current portion		61,251		44,910
Long-term debt, less current portion	$	176,363	$	167,599

⁽¹⁾ The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.10% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2016.

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt obligations as of September 30, 2016 were as follows:

					Accounts
					Receivable
			Credit		Securitization		Notes		Capital Lease
	Total		Facility(1)		Program(1)		Payable		Obligations(2)
	(in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	65,493	$	1,514	$	532	$	63,177	$	270
Due after one year through two years		82,514		1,683		35,149		45,457		225
Due after two years through three years		21,005		1,768		—		19,007		230
Due after three years through four years		74,909		70,466		—		4,365		78
Due after four years through five years		3,632		—		—		3,632		—
Due after five years		24		—		—		24		—
Total payments		247,577		75,431		35,681		135,662		803
Less amounts representing interest		9,963		5,431		681		3,780		71
Long-term debt	$	237,614	$	70,000	$	35,000	$	131,882	$	732

⁽¹⁾ The future interest payments included in the scheduled maturities due are calculated using variable interest rates based on the LIBOR swap curve, plus the anticipated applicable margin.

⁽²⁾ Minimum payments of capital lease obligations include maximum amounts due under rental adjustment clauses contained in the capital lease agreements.

15

Assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases were included in property, plant and equipment as follows:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Revenue equipment	$	198,741	$	136,698
Land and structures (terminals)		1,794		1,794
Service, office, and other equipment		7		—
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases		200,542		138,492
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)		50,819		25,120
Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	$	149,723	$	113,372

⁽¹⁾ Amortization of assets under capital leases and depreciation of assets securing notes payable are included in depreciation expense.

Financing Arrangements

Credit Facility

On January 2, 2015, the Company and its lenders entered into an agreement to amend and restate its credit agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement refinanced a $70.0 million term loan, which was outstanding under the credit agreement at December 31, 2014, with a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility, which matures on January 2, 2020, has an initial maximum credit amount of $150.0 million, including a swing line facility and a letter of credit sub-facility providing for the issuance of letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $20.0 million. The Credit Facility allows the Company to request additional revolving commitments or incremental term loans thereunder up to an aggregate additional amount of $75.0 million, subject to certain additional conditions as provided in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Principal payments under the Credit Facility are due upon maturity; however, borrowings may be repaid, at the Company’s discretion, in whole or in part at any time, without penalty, subject to required notice periods and compliance with minimum prepayment amounts. Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement can either be, at the Company’s election: (i) at an alternate base rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a spread; or (ii) at a Eurodollar rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a spread. The applicable spread is dependent upon the Company’s adjusted leverage ratio (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains conditions, representations and warranties, events of default, and indemnification provisions that are customary for financings of this type, including, but not limited to, a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum adjusted leverage ratio, and limitations on incurrence of debt, investments, liens on assets, certain sale and leaseback transactions, transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, purchases and sales of assets, and certain restricted payments. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement at September 30, 2016.

Interest Rate Swap

In November 2014, in contemplation of the Credit Facility, the Company entered into a five-year forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount maturing on January 2, 2020. Effective January 2, 2015, the Company began receiving floating-rate interest amounts based on one-month LIBOR in exchange for fixed-rate interest payments of 1.85% over the life of the interest rate swap agreement. The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.10% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2016. The fair value of the interest rate swap of $1.6 million and $0.9 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. At September 30, 2016, the unrealized loss on the interest rate swap instrument was reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in stockholders’ equity, and the change in the unrealized loss on the interest rate swap for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was reported in other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The interest rate swap is subject to certain customary provisions that could allow the counterparty to request immediate payment of the fair value liability upon violation of any or all of the provisions. The Company was in compliance with all provisions of the interest rate swap agreement at September 30, 2016.

16

Accounts Receivable Securitization Program

On January 2, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to extend the maturity date of its accounts receivable securitization program until January 2, 2018. On February 1, 2015, the Company amended and restated the accounts receivable securitization program to increase the amount of cash proceeds provided under the facility from $75.0 million to $100.0 million, with an accordion feature allowing the Company to request additional borrowings up to $25.0 million, subject to certain conditions. Under this program, certain subsidiaries of the Company continuously sell a designated pool of trade accounts receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary which, in turn, may borrow funds on a revolving basis. This wholly owned consolidated subsidiary is a separate bankruptcy-remote entity, and its assets would be available only to satisfy the claims related to the lender’s interest in the trade accounts receivables. Borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization program bear interest based upon LIBOR, plus a margin, and an annual facility fee. The securitization agreement contains representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default that are customary for financings of this type, including a maximum adjusted leverage ratio covenant. As of September 30, 2016, $35.0 million was borrowed under the accounts receivable securitization program. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the accounts receivable securitization program as of September 30, 2016.

The accounts receivable securitization program includes a provision under which the Company may request and the letter of credit issuer may issue standby letters of credit, primarily in support of workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims liabilities in various states in which the Company is self-insured. The outstanding standby letters of credit reduce the availability of borrowings under the program. As of September 30, 2016, standby letters of credit of $18.3 million have been issued under the program, which reduced the available borrowing capacity to $46.7 million.

Letter of Credit Agreements and Surety Bond Programs

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had letters of credit outstanding of $19.8 million (including $18.3 million issued under the accounts receivable securitization program), of which $1.0 million were collateralized by restricted cash. The Company has programs in place with multiple surety companies for the issuance of surety bonds in support of its self-insurance program. As of September 30, 2016, surety bonds outstanding related to the self-insurance program totaled $56.3 million.

Notes Payable and Capital Leases

ABF Freight has financed the purchase of certain revenue equipment through promissory note arrangements, including $25.9 million and $61.7 million of revenue equipment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. ABF Logistics acquired assets held under capital lease arrangements for certain revenue equipment and other equipment totaling less than $0.1 million. The Company did not enter into any other capital lease agreements during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

ABF Freight financed the purchase of an additional $3.0 million of revenue equipment through promissory note arrangements as of November 1, 2016.

17

NOTE F – PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension, Supplemental Benefit, and Postretirement Health Benefit Plans

The following is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost:

	Three Months Ended September 30
	Nonunion Defined				Supplemental				Postretirement
	Benefit Pension Plan				Benefit Plan				Health Benefit Plan
	2016		2015		2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	107	$	101
Interest cost		1,057		1,356		32		31		254		228
Expected return on plan assets		(2,242)		(2,297)		—		—		—		—
Amortization of prior service credit		—		—		—		—		(47)		(47)
Pension settlement expense		803		762		—		—		—		—
Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)		1,106		640		38		40		177		213
Net periodic benefit cost	$	724	$	461	$	70	$	71	$	491	$	495

	Nine Months Ended September 30
	Nonunion Defined				Supplemental				Postretirement
	Benefit Pension Plan				Benefit Plan				Health Benefit Plan
	2016		2015		2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	321	$	304
Interest cost		3,520		3,899		97		92		763		685
Expected return on plan assets		(6,346)		(7,058)		—		—		—		—
Amortization of prior service credit		—		—		—		—		(142)		(142)
Pension settlement expense		2,267		2,478		—		—		—		—
Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)		3,123		2,276		114		120		529		639
Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,564	$	1,595	$	211	$	212	$	1,471	$	1,486

⁽¹⁾ The Company amortizes actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and does not use a corridor approach.

Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan

The Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan covers substantially all noncontractual employees hired before January 1, 2006. In June 2013, the Company amended the nonunion defined benefit pension plan to freeze the participants’ final average compensation and years of credited service as of July 1, 2013. The plan amendment did not impact the vested benefits of retirees or former employees whose benefits have not yet been paid from the plan. Effective July 1, 2013, participants of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan who were active employees of the Company became eligible for the discretionary defined contribution feature of the Company’s nonunion 401(k) and defined contribution plan in which all eligible noncontractual employees hired subsequent to December 31, 2005 also participate.

The Company recognized pension settlement expense as a component of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 of $0.8 million (pre-tax), or $0.5 million (after-tax), and $2.3 million (pre-tax), or $1.4 million (after-tax), respectively, related to lump-sum distributions which amounted to $4.3 million and $11.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Upon recognition of pension settlement expense, a corresponding reduction in the unrecognized net actuarial loss of the plan is recorded. The remaining pre-tax unrecognized net actuarial loss will continue to be amortized over the average remaining future years of service of the active plan participants. The Company will incur additional quarterly settlement expense related to lump-sum distributions from the nonunion defined benefit pension plan during the remainder of 2016. The Company recognized pension settlement expense as a component of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 of $0.8 million (pre-tax), or $0.5 million (after-tax), and $2.5 million (pre-tax), or $1.5 million (after-tax), respectively, related to the lump-sum distributions which amounted to $4.1 million and $16.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

18

The following table discloses the changes in the projected benefit obligation (the “PBO”) and plan assets of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:

	Nonunion Defined
	Benefit Pension Plan
	(in thousands)
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at December 31, 2015	$	159,607
Interest cost		3,520
Actuarial loss(1)		10,068
Benefits paid		(11,860)
Benefit obligations at September 30, 2016		161,335
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2015		136,917
Actual return on plan assets		9,637
Employer contributions		13,400
Benefits paid		(11,860)
Fair value of plan assets at September 30, 2016		148,094
Funded status at September 30, 2016(2)	$	(13,241)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	161,335

⁽¹⁾ Actuarial loss from remeasurement upon settlement was primarily impacted by the change in the discount rate since the previous remeasurement date. The discount rates used to remeasure the PBO upon settlement were 2.7%, 2.7%, 3.0%, and 3.5% at the September 30, 2016, June 30, 2016, March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015 measurement date, respectively.

⁽²⁾ Noncurrent liability recognized within pension and postretirement liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2016.

Based upon current actuarial information, the Company does not have a minimum cash contribution requirement to its nonunion defined benefit pension plan for 2016. However, the Company made a voluntary contribution to the plan during the second quarter of 2016. The contribution reduced the unfunded vested benefits of the plan and eliminated the variable-rate premiums which would have otherwise been due to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the “PBGC”). The contribution and the lower PBGC premiums resulted in a decrease in net periodic benefit cost for the second and third quarters and will result in a net periodic pension credit, before settlement expense, to be recorded for the fourth quarter of 2016.

The plan’s actuary has certified the adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) to be 107.8% as of the January 1, 2016 valuation date. The AFTAP is determined by measurements prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code, which differ from the funding measurements for financial statement reporting purposes.

Multiemployer Plans

ABF Freight contributes to multiemployer pension and health and welfare plans, which have been established pursuant to the Taft-Hartley Act, to provide benefits for its contractual employees. ABF Freight’s contributions generally are based on the time worked by its contractual employees, in accordance with the ABF NMFA and other related supplemental agreements. ABF Freight recognizes as expense the contractually required contributions for each period and recognizes as a liability any contributions due and unpaid.

19

The 25 multiemployer pension plans to which ABF Freight contributes vary greatly in size and in funded status. ABF Freight’s contribution obligations to these plans are specified in the ABF NMFA, which was implemented on November 3, 2013 and will remain in effect through March 31, 2018. The funding obligations to the pension plans are intended to satisfy the requirements imposed by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “PPA”), which was permanently extended by the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (the “Reform Act”) included in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015. Provisions of the Reform Act include, among others, providing qualifying plans the ability to self-correct funding issues, subject to various requirements and restrictions, including applying to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) for the reduction of certain accrued benefits. Any actions taken by trustees of multiemployer pension plans under the Reform Act to improve funding will not reduce benefit rates ABF Freight is obligated to pay under the ABF NMFA. Through the term of its current collective bargaining agreement, ABF Freight’s contribution obligations generally will be satisfied by making the specified contributions when due. However, the Company cannot determine with any certainty the contributions that will be required under future collective bargaining agreements for its contractual employees. If ABF Freight was to completely withdraw from certain multiemployer pension plans, under current law, the Company would have material liabilities for its share of the unfunded vested liabilities of each such plan.

Approximately one half of ABF Freight’s total contributions to multiemployer pension plans are made to the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan (the “Central States Pension Plan”). ABF Freight received an Actuarial Certification of Plan Status for the Central States Pension Plan dated March 30, 2016, in which the plan’s actuary certified that, as of January 1, 2016, the plan is in critical and declining status, as defined by the Reform Act, with the funded percentage projected to be 46.9% as of the January 1, 2016 valuation date. Critical and declining status is applicable to critical status plans that are projected to become insolvent anytime in the current plan year or during the next 14 plan years, or if the plan is projected to become insolvent within the next 19 plan years and either the plan’s ratio of inactive participants to active participants exceeds two to one or the plan’s funded percentage is less than 80%.

In September 2015, the Central States Pension Plan filed an application with the Treasury seeking approval under the Reform Act for a pension rescue plan, which included benefit reductions for participants of the Central States Pension Plan in an attempt to avoid the insolvency of the plan that otherwise is projected by the plan to occur. In May 2016, the Treasury denied the Central States Pension Plan’s proposed rescue plan. The trustees of the Central States Pension Plan subsequently announced that a new rescue plan would not be submitted and stated that it is not possible to develop and implement a new rescue plan that complies with the final Reform Act regulations issued by the Treasury on April 26, 2016. Although the future of the Central States Pension Plan is impacted by a number of factors, without legislative action, the plan is currently projected to become insolvent within 10 years or less. ABF Freight’s current collective bargaining agreement with the IBT provides for contributions to the Central States Pension Plan through March 31, 2018, and it is ABF Freight’s understanding that its contribution rate is not expected to increase during this period. ABF Freight’s contribution rates are made in accordance with its collective bargaining agreements with the IBT and other related supplemental agreements. In consideration of high multiemployer contribution rates, several of the plans in addition to the Central States Pension Plan have frozen contribution rates at current levels under ABF Freight’s current collective bargaining agreement. Future contribution rates will be determined through the negotiation process for contract periods following the term of the current collective bargaining agreement. ABF Freight pays some of the highest benefit contribution rates in the industry and continues to address the effect of ABF Freight’s wage and benefit cost structure on its operating results in discussions with the IBT.

As previously disclosed in the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K, ABF Freight received a Notice of Insolvency from the Road Carriers Local 707 Pension Fund (the “707 Pension Fund”) for the plan year beginning February 1, 2016. During the second quarter of 2016, the 707 Pension Fund received notice that the Treasury denied its proposal to reduce participant benefits in an effort to remain solvent. Approximately 1% of ABF Freight’s total multiemployer pension contributions are made to the 707 Pension Fund. Based on currently available information, it is the Company’s understanding that if the 707 Pension Fund becomes insolvent, ABF Freight’s benefit contribution rates under the ABF NMFA will be frozen and ABF Freight will be required to continue making contributions at the frozen rate throughout and after the current ABF NMFA contract period, which extends to March 31, 2018; however, there can be no assurance in this regard.

The multiemployer plan administrators have provided to the Company no other significant changes in information related to multiemployer plans from the information disclosed in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

20

NOTE G – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Pre-tax amounts:
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs	$	(36,118)	$	(35,231)
Interest rate swap		(1,605)		(897)
Foreign currency translation		(2,192)		(2,379)
Total	$	(39,915)	$	(38,507)
After-tax amounts:
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs	$	(26,039)	$	(25,497)
Interest rate swap		(975)		(545)
Foreign currency translation		(1,425)		(1,454)
Total	$	(28,439)	$	(27,496)

The following is a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

			Unrecognized			Interest	Foreign
			Net Periodic			Rate	Currency
	Total		Benefit Costs			Swap	Translation
	(in thousands)
Balances at December 31, 2015	$	(27,496)	$	(25,497)	$	(545)	$	(1,454)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(4,542)		(4,141)		(430)		29
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		3,599		3,599		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(943)		(542)		(430)		29
Balances at September 30, 2016	$	(28,439)	$	(26,039)	$	(975)	$	(1,425)
Balances at December 31, 2014	$	(23,479)	$	(22,387)	$	(350)	$	(742)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(7,387)		(6,232)		(603)		(552)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		3,281		3,281		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(4,106)		(2,951)		(603)		(552)
Balances at September 30, 2015	$	(27,585)	$	(25,338)	$	(953)	$	(1,294)

21

The following is a summary of the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:

	Unrecognized Net Periodic
	Benefit Costs(1)(2)
	Nine Months Ended September 30
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	$	(3,766)	$	(3,035)
Amortization of prior service credit		142		142
Pension settlement expense		(2,267)		(2,478)
Total, pre-tax		(5,891)		(5,371)
Tax benefit		2,292		2,090
Total, net of tax	$	(3,599)	$	(3,281)

⁽¹⁾ Amounts in parentheses indicate increases in expense or loss.

⁽²⁾ These components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note F).

Dividends on Common Stock

The following table is a summary of dividends declared during the applicable quarter:

	2016				2015
	Per Share		Amount		Per Share		Amount
	(in thousands, except per share data)
First quarter	$	0.08	$	2,088	$	0.06	$	1,584
Second quarter	$	0.08	$	2,087	$	0.06	$	1,578
Third quarter	$	0.08	$	2,074	$	0.06	$	1,578

On November 1, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share to stockholders of record as of November 15, 2016, payable on November 29, 2016.

Treasury Stock

The Company has a program to repurchase its common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The program has no expiration date but may be terminated at any time at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Repurchases may be made using the Company’s cash reserves or other available sources. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $47.2 million remaining under the program for repurchases of its common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased 419,692 shares for an aggregate cost of $7.6 million, leaving $39.6 million available for repurchase of common stock under the program.

NOTE H – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Awards

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding restricted stock units granted under the 2005 Ownership Incentive Plan (“the 2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan, as amended, provides for the granting of 3.1 million shares, which may be awarded as incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, or restricted stock units (“RSUs”).

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Restricted Stock Units

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit award program is presented below:

	Units
Outstanding – January 1, 2016	1,313,550
Granted	529,240
Vested	(256,780)
Forfeited	(26,563)
Outstanding – September 30, 2016	1,559,447

The RSUs granted during the period had a weighted-average grant date fair value of $15.74 per share.

NOTE I – EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Basic
Numerator:
Net income	$	12,940	$	19,154	$	17,068	$	39,866
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards		(89)		(175)		(132)		(418)
Adjusted net income	$	12,851	$	18,979	$	16,936	$	39,448
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares		25,724,550		26,009,344		25,779,166		26,033,467
Earnings per common share	$	0.50	$	0.73	$	0.66	$	1.52
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income	$	12,940	$	19,154	$	17,068	$	39,866
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards		(87)		(172)		(131)		(410)
Adjusted net income	$	12,853	$	18,982	$	16,937	$	39,456
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares		25,724,550		26,009,344		25,779,166		26,033,467
Effect of dilutive securities		486,974		499,138		484,566		536,333
Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		26,211,524		26,508,482		26,263,732		26,569,800
Earnings per common share	$	0.49	$	0.72	$	0.64	$	1.48

Under the two-class method of calculating earnings per share, dividends paid and a portion of undistributed net income, but not losses, are allocated to unvested RSUs that receive dividends, which are considered participating securities. Beginning with 2015 grants, the RSU agreements were modified to remove dividend rights; therefore, the RSUs granted in 2015 and 2016 are not participating securities. Outstanding stock awards of 0.3 million and 0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and outstanding stock awards of 0.4 million and 0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have the effect of increasing earnings per share.

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NOTE J – OPERATING SEGMENT DATA

The Company uses the “management approach” to determine its reportable operating segments, as well as to determine the basis of reporting the operating segment information. The management approach focuses on financial information that the Company’s management uses to make operating decisions. Management uses revenues, operating expense categories, operating ratios, operating income, and key operating statistics to evaluate performance and allocate resources to the Company’s operations.

The Company’s reportable operating segments are impacted by seasonal fluctuations, as described below; therefore, operating results for the interim periods presented may not necessarily be indicative of the results for the fiscal year.

The Company’s reportable operating segments are as follows:

· Freight Transportation (ABF Freight), the Company’s principal operating segment, includes the results of operations of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries. The operations of ABF Freight include national, inter-regional, and regional transportation of general commodities through standard, expedited, and guaranteed LTL services. Revenue and expense for freight transportation related to consumer household goods self-move services provided by ABF Freight are reported in the ABF Freight segment and certain support costs related to these services are allocated to ABF Freight from the ABF Moving segment.

ABF Freight is impacted by seasonal fluctuations which affect tonnage, shipment levels, and demand for its services, and, consequently, revenues and operating results of the segment. Freight shipments and operating costs of ABF Freight are adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. The second and third calendar quarters of each year usually have the highest tonnage levels while the first quarter generally has the lowest, although other factors, including the state of the U.S. and global economies, may influence quarterly freight tonnage levels.

· Premium Logistics (Panther) provides expedited freight transportation services to commercial and government customers and offers premium logistics services that involve the rapid deployment of highly specialized equipment to meet extremely specific linehaul requirements, such as temperature control, hazardous materials, geofencing, specialized government cargo, security services, and life sciences. Through its premium logistics and global freight forwarding businesses, Panther offers domestic and international freight transportation with air, ocean, and ground service offerings. The segment provides services to the ABF Freight and ABF Logistics segments.

Panther’s operations are influenced by seasonal fluctuations that impact customers’ supply chains and the resulting demand for expedited services. Expedited shipments may decline during winter months because of post-holiday slowdowns but can be subject to short-term increases, depending on the impact of weather disruptions to customers’ supply chains. Plant shutdowns during summer months may affect shipments for Panther’s automotive and manufacturing customers, but severe weather events can result in higher demand for expedited services.

· Transportation Management (ABF Logistics) includes the results of operations of the Company’s businesses which provide freight brokerage and intermodal transportation services, worldwide ocean shipping solutions, and transportation and warehouse management services.

The industries and markets served by ABF Logistics are impacted by seasonal fluctuations which affect shipment levels and, consequently, revenues and operating results of the segment. The second and third calendar quarters of each year usually have the highest shipment levels while the first quarter generally has the lowest, although other factors, including the state of the U.S. and global economies, may impact quarterly business levels. However, seasonal fluctuations are less apparent in the operating results of ABF Logistics than in the industry as a whole because of business growth in the segment, including acquisitions.

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· Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet) includes the results of operations of FleetNet America, Inc., the subsidiary of the Company that provides roadside assistance and maintenance-related services for commercial vehicles through a network of third-party service providers. FleetNet provides services to the ABF Freight and Panther segments.

Emergency roadside service events of the FleetNet segment are favorably impacted by adverse weather conditions that affect commercial vehicle operations and the segment’s results of operations will be influenced by seasonal variations in service event volume.

· Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving) includes the results of operations of the Company’s subsidiaries that provide transportation, warehousing, and delivery services to the consumer, corporate, and military household goods moving markets. ABF Freight provides transportation services to ABF Moving. Certain costs incurred by ABF Moving in support of consumer self-move services provided by ABF Freight are allocated to the ABF Freight segment.

Operating results for ABF Moving are impacted by the state of the national economy, including housing, unemployment, and mobility of U.S. residents, as well as decisions made by the U.S. military which affect personnel moves. Operations of the segment are also impacted by seasonal fluctuations, generally resulting in higher business levels in the second and third quarters as the demand for moving services is typically stronger in the summer months.

The Company’s other business activities and operating segments that are not reportable include ArcBest Corporation and certain other subsidiaries. Certain costs incurred by the parent holding company are allocated to the reporting segments. The Company eliminates intercompany transactions in consolidation. However, the information used by the Company’s management with respect to its reportable segments is before intersegment eliminations of revenues and expenses.

Further classifications of operations or revenues by geographic location are impracticable and, therefore, are not provided. The Company’s foreign operations are not significant.

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The following tables reflect reportable operating segment information:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
REVENUES
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)	$	509,452	$	511,346	$	1,435,691	$	1,456,924
Premium Logistics (Panther)		75,365		73,583		211,148		229,146
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)(1)		72,442		49,270		207,344		147,061
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		39,073		45,181		124,417		129,685
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		31,040		43,076		74,926		93,870
Other and eliminations		(13,449)		(13,076)		(41,521)		(37,915)
Total consolidated revenues	$	713,923	$	709,380	$	2,012,005	$	2,018,771
OPERATING EXPENSES
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)
Salaries, wages, and benefits	$	312,458	$	304,865	$	912,758	$	884,875
Fuel, supplies, and expenses		71,774		77,708		210,742		236,381
Operating taxes and licenses		12,312		12,444		36,446		36,762
Insurance		8,487		8,288		22,613		20,340
Communications and utilities		4,608		3,808		13,259		11,559
Depreciation and amortization		20,753		18,841		62,056		54,528
Rents and purchased transportation		58,350		56,920		145,846		151,144
Gain on sale of property and equipment		(81)		(565)		(2,450)		(1,403)
Pension settlement expense(1)		604		572		1,705		1,860
Other		2,137		1,888		6,293		6,167
Total Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)		491,402		484,769		1,409,268		1,402,213
Premium Logistics (Panther)
Purchased transportation		54,586		54,015		155,444		168,569
Depreciation and amortization		2,860		2,773		8,565		8,636
Salaries, benefits, insurance, and other		13,946		14,062		41,808		43,174
Total Premium Logistics (Panther)		71,392		70,850		205,817		220,379
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)(1)		72,032		47,478		205,772		142,686
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		38,952		44,225		122,716		126,542
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		29,054		40,048		72,819		89,207
Other and eliminations(2)		(9,279)		(11,428)		(32,146)		(30,439)
Total consolidated operating expenses(2)	$	693,553	$	675,942	$	1,984,246	$	1,950,588

⁽¹⁾ The 2016 periods include the operations of LDS since the September 2, 2016 acquisition date and the operations of Bear, which was acquired in December 2015.

⁽²⁾ Pre-tax pension settlement expense totaled $0.8 million on a consolidated basis for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, of which $0.6 million was reported by ABF Freight, $0.2 million was reported in Other and eliminations, and less than $0.1 million was reported by the asset-light logistics operating segments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, pre-tax pension settlement expense totaled $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively, of which $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, was reported by ABF Freight, $0.5 million was reported in Other and eliminations, and $0.1 million was reported by the asset-light logistics operating segments.

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	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
OPERATING INCOME
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)	$	18,050	$	26,577	$	26,423	$	54,711
Premium Logistics (Panther)		3,973		2,733		5,331		8,767
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)(1)		410		1,792		1,572		4,375
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		121		956		1,701		3,143
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		1,986		3,028		2,107		4,663
Other and eliminations		(4,170)		(1,648)		(9,375)		(7,476)
Total consolidated operating income	$	20,370	$	33,438	$	27,759	$	68,183
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income	$	390	$	378	$	1,178	$	882
Interest and other related financing costs		(1,296)		(1,157)		(3,774)		(3,183)
Other, net(2)		1,091		(613)		2,028		(15)
Total other costs		185		(1,392)		(568)		(2,316)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$	20,555	$	32,046	$	27,191	$	65,867

⁽¹⁾ The 2016 periods include the operations of LDS since the September 2, 2016 acquisition date and the operations of Bear, which was acquired in December 2015.

⁽²⁾ Includes changes in cash surrender value of life insurance policies.

The following table presents operating expenses by category on a consolidated basis:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits	$	345,091	$	334,144	$	1,009,654	$	973,570
Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services		218,906		209,744		601,345		588,329
Fuel, supplies, and expenses		69,508		77,067		204,134		231,097
Depreciation and amortization(1)		25,793		23,373		76,692		68,221
Other		34,255		31,614		92,421		89,371
	$	693,553	$	675,942	$	1,984,246	$	1,950,588

⁽¹⁾ Includes amortization of intangible assets.

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The following table provides asset information by reportable segment:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
ASSETS
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)	$	763,385	$	694,059
Premium Logistics (Panther)		215,659		216,075
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)		113,079		75,023
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		23,563		21,958
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		26,988		28,547
Other and eliminations(1)		178,194		227,247
	$	1,320,868	$	1,262,909

⁽¹⁾ Other and eliminations includes certain assets held by the parent holding company for strategic reasons, including unrestricted and restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, as well as certain assets held for the benefit of multiple segments, including land and structures of the Company’s corporate headquarters and information systems equipment. Depreciation and amortization associated with these assets is allocated to the reporting segments.

NOTE K – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS

The Company is involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains liability insurance against certain risks arising out of the normal course of its business, subject to certain self-insured retention limits. The Company routinely establishes and reviews the adequacy of reserves for estimated legal, environmental, and self-insurance exposures. While management believes that amounts accrued in the consolidated financial statements are adequate, estimates of these liabilities may change as circumstances develop. Considering amounts recorded, routine legal matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Environmental Matters

The Company’s subsidiaries store fuel for use in tractors and trucks in 62 underground tanks located in 18 states. Maintenance of such tanks is regulated at the federal and, in most cases, state levels. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with all such regulations. The Company’s underground storage tanks are required to have leak detection systems. The Company is not aware of any leaks from such tanks that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company has received notices from the Environmental Protection Agency and others that it has been identified as a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, or other federal or state environmental statutes, at several hazardous waste sites. After investigating the Company’s involvement in waste disposal or waste generation at such sites, the Company has either agreed to de minimis settlements or determined that its obligations, other than those specifically accrued with respect to such sites, would involve immaterial monetary liability, although there can be no assurances in this regard.

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s reserve, which was reported in accrued expenses, for estimated environmental cleanup costs of properties currently or previously operated by the Company totaled $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Amounts accrued reflect management’s best estimate of the future undiscounted exposure related to identified properties based on current environmental regulations, management’s experience with similar environmental matters, and testing performed at certain sites.

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NOTE L – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On November 3, 2016, the Company announced its plan to implement a new corporate structure to better serve its customers. The new corporate structure will unify the Company’s sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, and capacity sourcing functions. ABF Logistics, ABF Moving, and Panther will be consolidated as a single asset-light logistics operation under ArcBest.  Based on the financial information that management is anticipated to use to make operating decisions and allocate resources, the Company expects to report the following operating segments for the fourth quarter of 2016: Asset-Based Operations, which consists of ABF Freight; the ArcBest segment; the FleetNet segment; and Other and eliminations.  The ArcBest and FleetNet reportable segments combined will represent the company’s Asset-Light Operations.

As a result of the restructuring, the Company expects to record restructuring charges in operating expenses, the majority of which are non-cash, for impairment of software, contract and lease terminations, severance, and relocation expenses totaling approximately $9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and an estimated $1 million in the first quarter of 2017.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONAND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

ArcBest Corporation® (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) provides a comprehensive suite of freight transportation services and logistics solutions. Our principal operations are conducted through our Freight Transportation (ABF Freight®) segment, which consists of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries. Our other reportable operating segments are the following asset-light logistics businesses: Premium Logistics (Panther); Transportation Management (ABF Logistics®); Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet); and Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving®). (See additional segment description in Note J to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.) References to the Company, including “we,” “us,” and “our,” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are primarily to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) describes the principal factors affecting our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, and critical accounting policies. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying quarterly unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K includes additional information about significant accounting policies, practices, and the transactions that underlie our financial results, as well as a detailed discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties to which our financial and operating results are subject.

On November 3, 2016, we announced our plan to implement a new corporate structure to better serve our customers. The new corporate structure will unify our sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, and capacity sourcing functions, and will allow us to operate as one logistics company under the ArcBest brand. This structure will also enable us to grow revenue and eliminate duplicative costs and inefficiencies in order to improve margins and overall profitability. While most of our logistics services will be branded simply as ArcBest starting January 1, 2017, we will continue to offer a full array of asset-based less-than-truckload services under the ABF Freight brand and best-in-class ground expedited services under the Panther brand.

Under the new organizational structure, ABF Logistics, ABF Moving, and Panther will be consolidated as a single asset-light logistics operation under ArcBest. Based on the financial information that management is anticipated to use to make operating decisions and allocate resources, we expect to report the following operating segments for the fourth quarter of 2016: Asset-Based Operations, which consists of ABF Freight; the ArcBest segment; the FleetNet segment; and Other and eliminations.  The ArcBest and FleetNet reportable segments combined will represent the company’s Asset-Light Operations.

As a result of the restructuring, we expect to record restructuring charges in operating expenses, the majority of which are non-cash, for impairment of software, contract and lease terminations, severance, and relocation expenses totaling approximately $9 million (pre-tax), or $0.22 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2016 and an estimated $1 million (pre-tax), or $0.03 per diluted share after-tax, in the first quarter of 2017. The improved organizational structure, along with the consolidation of certain systems and facilities and other cost saving actions, are estimated to produce an annualized operating expense savings of approximately $15 million, generally split evenly between our asset-based and our asset-light operations.

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Results of Operations

Consolidated Results

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands, except per share data)
REVENUES
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)	$	509,452	$	511,346	$	1,435,691	$	1,456,924
Premium Logistics (Panther)		75,365		73,583		211,148		229,146
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)		72,442		49,270		207,344		147,061
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		39,073		45,181		124,417		129,685
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		31,040		43,076		74,926		93,870
Other and eliminations		(13,449)		(13,076)		(41,521)		(37,915)
Total consolidated operating revenues	$	713,923	$	709,380	$	2,012,005	$	2,018,771
OPERATING INCOME
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)	$	18,050	$	26,577	$	26,423	$	54,711
Premium Logistics (Panther)		3,973		2,733		5,331		8,767
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)		410		1,792		1,572		4,375
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		121		956		1,701		3,143
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		1,986		3,028		2,107		4,663
Other and eliminations		(4,170)		(1,648)		(9,375)		(7,476)
Total consolidated operating income	$	20,370	$	33,438	$	27,759	$	68,183
NET INCOME	$	12,940	$	19,154	$	17,068	$	39,866
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE	$	0.49	$	0.72	$	0.64	$	1.48

Our consolidated revenues, which totaled $713.9 million and $2,012.0 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively, increased 0.6% and decreased 0.3% compared to the same respective prior-year periods. The year-over-year changes in consolidated revenues reflect 0.4% and 1.5% decreases in ABF Freight’s revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and revenues of our asset-light logistics operating segments which, on a combined basis, increased 3.2% and 3.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Asset-light logistics revenue growth was primarily due to incremental revenues from the acquisitions by ABF Logistics of Bear Transportation, L.P. (“Bear”) on December 1, 2015 and Logistics & Distribution Services, LLC (“LDS”) on September 2, 2016. Total asset-light logistics operating segments generated approximately 30% of total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Consolidated operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 declined compared to the same prior-year periods. With the exception of Panther’s operating income improvement in third quarter 2016, which reflected increased revenues and higher gross profit margins, each reportable operating segment experienced year-over-year declines in operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The soft economic operating environment combined with a surplus of transportation capacity has impacted available business levels and operating margins at ABF Freight and at our asset-light logistics companies during 2016. The consolidated operating income, net income, and per share amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 primarily reflect the operating results of ABF Freight which are discussed in further detail within the ABF Freight sections of Results of Operations.

Consolidated operating income was impacted by increases in nonunion healthcare costs and third-party casualty and workers’ compensation claims costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Due to unfavorable per claim costs, consolidated nonunion healthcare costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased $3.2 million and $6.0 million, or 38.0% and 20.3%, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, unfavorable experience in ABF Freight’s third-party casualty and workers’ compensation claims resulted in costs which were higher by $5.2 million, or 16.9%, on a combined basis, compared to the same period of 2015. These increases in nonunion healthcare, third-party casualty, and workers’ compensation claims costs

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were partially offset by a decrease of $2.0 million in other nonunion benefit costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same prior-year period.

The consolidated pre-tax pension settlement charge related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan was $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and $2.3 million and $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We expect to continue to recognize pre-tax pension settlement expense related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan estimated to approximate $1.0 million per quarter; however, the amount of quarterly pension settlement expense will fluctuate based on the amount of lump-sum benefit distributions paid to participants, actual returns on plan assets, and changes in the discount rate used to remeasure the projected benefit obligation of the plan upon settlement.

Consolidated operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was impacted by transaction costs associated with the LDS acquisition of $0.6 million which were included in the “Other and eliminations” line of consolidated operating income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, “Other and eliminations” also includes personnel and technology investments associated with improving the ArcBest experience for our customers and additional investments in enterprise solutions to provide an improved platform for revenue growth and to enhance our ability to offer our comprehensive transportation and logistics services across multiple operating segments. This initiative involves developing and implementing integrated solutions for shippers with wide-ranging transportation needs and facilitating access to our services through a single point of contact. As a result of these initiatives and other corporate costs, we expect the loss reported in “Other and eliminations” to be approximately $4.0 million for fourth quarter 2016.

In addition to the above items, the comparisons of consolidated net income and earnings per share were impacted by higher income from changes in the cash surrender value of variable life insurance policies, as a portion of these policies have investments, through separate accounts, in equity and fixed income securities and, therefore, are subject to market volatility. As a result of changes in cash surrender value of life insurance, diluted earnings per share was higher by $0.06 per share and $0.08 per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2015.

Net income and earnings per share were also impacted by the effective tax rate, as further described in the Income Taxes section of MD&A.

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Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”)

We report our financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios, such as Adjusted EBITDA, utilized for internal analysis provide analysts, investors, and others the same information that we use internally for purposes of assessing our core operating performance and provides meaningful comparisons between current and prior period results, as well as important information regarding performance trends. Accordingly, using these measures improves comparability in analyzing our performance because it removes the impact of items from operating results that, in management's opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a key measure of performance and for business planning. The measure is particularly meaningful for analysis, because it excludes amortization of acquired intangibles and software of the asset-light logistics businesses, which are significant expenses resulting from strategic decisions rather than core daily operations. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is a primary component of the financial covenants contained in our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (see Financing Arrangements within the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of MD&A). Other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently; therefore, our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a better measurement than operating income, operating cash flow, net income, or earnings per share, as determined under GAAP.

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	($ thousands)
Net income	$	12,940	$	19,154	$	17,068	$	39,866
Interest and other related financing costs		1,296		1,157		3,774		3,183
Income tax provision		7,615		12,892		10,123		26,001
Depreciation and amortization		25,793		23,373		76,692		68,221
Amortization of share-based compensation		1,951		2,110		6,151		6,343
Amortization of net actuarial losses of benefit plans and pension settlement expense		2,124		1,655		6,033		5,513
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA	$	51,719	$	60,341	$	119,841	$	149,127

ABF Freight Segment Overview

ABF Freight’s operations are affected by general economic conditions, as well as a number of other competitive factors that are more fully described in “Business” in Item 1 and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10‑K.

The key indicators necessary to understand ABF Freight’s operating results include:

· the overall customer demand for ABF Freight’s freight transportation services;

· the volume of transportation services provided by ABF Freight, primarily measured by average daily shipment weight (“tonnage”), which influences operating leverage as tonnage levels vary;

· the prices ABF Freight obtains for its services, primarily measured by yield (“revenue per hundredweight”), including fuel surcharges; and

· ABF Freight’s ability to manage its cost structure, primarily in the area of salaries, wages, and benefits (“labor”), with the total cost structure measured by the percent of operating expenses to revenue levels (“operating ratio”).

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ABF Freight represented approximately 70% of our total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. As of September 2016, approximately 77% of ABF Freight’s employees were covered under a collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “ABF NMFA”), with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”), which extends through March 31, 2018. The ABF NMFA included a 7% wage rate reduction upon the November 3, 2013 implementation date, followed by wage rate increases of 2.0% on July 1 in each of the next three years, which began in 2014, and a 2.5% increase on July 1, 2017; a one-week reduction in annual compensated vacation effective for employee anniversary dates on or after April 1, 2013; the option to expand the use of purchased transportation; and increased flexibility in labor work rules. The ABF NMFA and the related supplemental agreements provide for continued contributions to various multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans maintained for the benefit of ABF Freight’s employees who are members of the IBT. The estimated net effect of the November 3, 2013 wage rate reduction and the benefit rate increase which was applied retroactively to August 1, 2013 was an initial reduction of approximately 4% to the combined total contractual wage and benefit rate under the ABF NMFA. Following the initial reduction, the combined contractual wage and benefit contribution rate under the ABF NMFA is estimated to increase approximately 2.5% on a compounded annual basis throughout the contract period which extends through March 31, 2018.

ABF Freight’s operating performance is generally evaluated by comparison to the same prior-year periods due to seasonal fluctuations which affect tonnage and shipment levels. The following paragraphs discuss ABF Freight’s operating results and key performance factors.

Tonnage

The level of tonnage managed by ABF Freight is directly affected by industrial production and manufacturing, distribution, residential and commercial construction, consumer spending, primarily in the North American economy, and capacity in the trucking industry. ABF Freight’s operating results are affected by economic cycles, customers’ business cycles, and changes in customers’ business practices. ABF Freight actively competes for freight business based primarily on price, service, and availability of flexible shipping options to customers. ABF Freight seeks to offer value through identifying specific customer needs, then providing operational flexibility and seamless access to its services and those of our asset-light logistics operating segments in order to respond with customized solutions.

Pricing

Another key to ABF Freight’s operating performance is the industry pricing environment which influences ABF Freight’s ability to obtain appropriate margins and price increases on customer accounts. Externally, ABF Freight’s pricing is typically measured by billed revenue per hundredweight, which is a reasonable, although approximate, measure of price change. Generally, freight is rated by a class system, which is established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. Light, bulky freight typically has a higher class and is priced at a higher revenue per hundredweight than dense, heavy freight. Changes in the rated class and packaging of the freight, along with changes in other freight profile factors such as average shipment size, average length of haul, freight density, and customer and geographic mix, can affect the average billed revenue per hundredweight measure.

Approximately 35% of ABF Freight’s business is subject to ABF Freight’s base LTL tariffs, which are affected by general rate increases, combined with individually negotiated discounts. Rates on the other 65% of ABF Freight’s business, including business priced in the spot market, are subject to individual pricing arrangements that are negotiated at various times throughout the year. The majority of the business that is subject to negotiated pricing arrangements is associated with larger customer accounts with annually negotiated pricing arrangements, and the remaining business is priced on an individual shipment basis considering each shipment’s unique profile, value provided by ABF Freight to the customer, and current market conditions. Since pricing is established individually by account, ABF Freight focuses on individual account profitability rather than a single measure of billed revenue per hundredweight when considering customer account or market evaluations. This is due to the difficulty of quantifying, with sufficient accuracy, the impact of changes in freight profile characteristics, which is necessary in estimating true price changes.

Fuel

The transportation industry is dependent upon the availability of adequate fuel supplies. ABF Freight charges a fuel surcharge which is based on the index of national on-highway average diesel fuel prices published weekly by the U.S. Department of Energy. Although revenues from fuel surcharges generally more than offset direct diesel fuel costs, other

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operating costs have been, and may continue to be, impacted by fluctuating fuel prices. The total impact of energy prices on other nonfuel-related expenses is difficult to ascertain. ABF Freight cannot predict, with reasonable certainty, future fuel price fluctuations, the impact of energy prices on other cost elements, recoverability of fuel costs through fuel surcharges, and the effect of fuel surcharges on ABF Freight’s overall rate structure or the total price that ABF Freight will receive from its customers. While the fuel surcharge is one of several components in ABF Freight’s overall rate structure, the actual rate paid by customers is governed by market forces and the overall value of services provided to the customer.

During periods of changing diesel fuel prices, the fuel surcharge and associated direct diesel fuel costs also vary by different degrees. Depending upon the rates of these changes and the impact on costs in other fuel- and energy-related areas, operating margins could be impacted. Fuel prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years. Whether fuel prices fluctuate or remain constant, ABF Freight’s operating results may be adversely affected if competitive pressures limit its ability to recover fuel surcharges. Throughout the first nine months of 2016, the fuel surcharge mechanism generally continued to have market acceptance among ABF Freight customers; however, certain nonstandard pricing arrangements have limited the amount of fuel surcharge recovered. The negative impact on operating margins of capped fuel surcharge revenue during periods of increasing fuel costs is more evident when fuel prices remain above the maximum levels recovered through the fuel surcharge mechanism on certain accounts.

In periods of declining fuel prices, ABF Freight’s fuel surcharge percentages also decrease, which negatively impacts the total billed revenue per hundredweight measure and, consequently, revenues, and the revenue decline may be disproportionate to our fuel costs. To better align fuel surcharges to fuel- and energy-related expenses and provide more stability to account profitability as fuel prices change, ABF Freight may, from time to time, revise its standard fuel surcharge program which impacts approximately 40% of ABF Freight’s shipments and primarily affects noncontractual customers. ABF Freight made such revisions to its fuel surcharge scale effective February 4, 2015, and again effective February 1, 2016, to establish surcharge rates for fuel prices at the lower end of the scale and to better align with expected fuel costs. Despite the revisions to the fuel surcharge program and the transition of certain nonstandard pricing arrangements to base LTL freight rates in recent years, ABF Freight’s year-over-year revenue comparisons for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were negatively impacted by lower fuel surcharge revenue due to a decline in the nominal fuel surcharge rate, while total fuel costs were also lower. ABF Freight’s operating results will continue to be impacted by further changes in fuel prices and the related fuel surcharges.

Labor Costs

Labor costs, including retirement and healthcare benefits for ABF Freight’s contractual employees that are provided by a number of multiemployer plans, are impacted by contractual obligations under ABF Freight’s collective bargaining agreement primarily with the IBT and other related supplemental agreements. ABF Freight’s total salaries, wages, and benefits, amounted to 61.3% and 63.6% of ABF Freight’s revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to 59.6% and 60.7% for the same respective periods of 2015. In addition to higher salaries, wages, and benefits expense, the year-over-year increases as a percentage of revenue were influenced by the effect of lower fuel surcharges on ABF Freight’s revenues.

ABF Freight operates in a highly competitive industry which consists predominantly of nonunion motor carriers. ABF Freight’s nonunion competitors have a lower fringe benefit cost structure and less stringent labor work rules, and certain carriers also have lower wage rates for their freight-handling and driving personnel. Wage and benefit concessions granted to certain union competitors also allow for a lower cost structure than that of ABF Freight. ABF Freight has continued to address with the IBT the effect of ABF Freight’s wage and benefit cost structure on its operating results.

The combined effect of cost reductions under the ABF NMFA, lower cost increases throughout the contract period, and increased flexibility in labor work rules are important factors in bringing ABF Freight’s labor cost structure closer in line with that of its competitors; however, under its collective bargaining agreement, ABF Freight continues to pay some of the highest benefit contribution rates in the industry. These rates include contributions to multiemployer plans, a portion of which are used to fund benefits for individuals who were never employed by ABF Freight. Information provided by a large multiemployer pension plan to which ABF Freight contributes indicates that approximately 50% of the plan’s benefit payments are made to retirees of companies that are no longer contributing employers. In consideration of the impact of high multiemployer pension contribution rates, certain funds have not increased ABF Freight’s pension contribution rate for the annual contribution period which began August 1, 2015. Rate freezes for the annual contribution period which

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began August 1, 2015 impacted multiemployer pension plans to which ABF Freight made approximately 70% of its total multiemployer pension contributions for the year ended December 31, 2015.Based on currently available information, we expect rate freezes for the annual contribution period which began August 1, 2016 to impact approximately 70% of our multiemployer pension contributions for the year ended December 31, 2016. Including the effect of these rate freezes, ABF Freight currently estimates the average health, welfare, and pension benefit contribution rate increase effective primarily on August 1, 2016, will be approximately 3.0%. Effective July 1, 2016, the ABF NMFA contractual wage rate increased 2.0%.

The Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014 (the “Reform Act”), which was included in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 that was signed into law on December 16, 2014, includes provisions to address the funding of multiemployer pension plans in critical and declining status, including certain of those in which ABF Freight participates. Provisions of the Reform Act include, among others, providing qualifying plans the ability to self-correct funding issues, subject to various requirements and restrictions, including applying to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) for the suspension of certain benefits. Any actions taken by multiemployer pension plan trustees under the Reform Act to improve funding will not reduce the benefit contribution rates ABF Freight is obligated to pay under its current contract with the IBT, and we cannot determine with any certainty the contributions that will be required under future collective bargaining agreements for ABF Freight’s contractual employees.

In September 2015, the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan (the “Central States Pension Plan”) filed an application with the Treasury seeking approval under the Reform Act for a pension rescue plan, which included benefit reductions for participants of the Central States Pension Plan in an attempt to avoid the insolvency of the plan that otherwise is projected by the plan to occur. In May 2016, the Treasury denied the Central States Pension Plan’s proposed rescue plan. The trustees of the Central States Pension Plan subsequently announced that a new rescue plan would not be submitted and stated that it is not possible to develop and implement a new rescue plan that complies with the final Reform Act regulations issued by the Treasury on April 26, 2016. Although the future of the Central States Pension Plan is impacted by a number of factors, without legislative action, the plan is currently projected to become insolvent within 10 years or less. ABF Freight’s current collective bargaining agreement with the IBT provides for contributions to the Central States Pension Plan through March 31, 2018, and it is ABF Freight’s understanding that its contribution rate is not expected to increase during this period. ABF Freight’s contribution rates are made in accordance with its collective bargaining agreements with the IBT and other related supplemental agreements. In consideration of high multiemployer contribution rates, several of the plans in addition to Central States Pension Plan have frozen contribution rates at current levels under ABF Freight’s current collective bargaining agreement. Future contribution rates will be determined through the negotiation process for contract periods following the term of the current collective bargaining agreement. ABF Freight pays some of the highest benefit contribution rates in the industry and continues to address the effect of ABF Freight’s wage and benefit cost structure on its operating results in discussions with the IBT.

As previously disclosed in our 2015 Form 10-K, ABF Freight received a Notice of Insolvency from the Road Carriers Local 707 Pension Fund (the “707 Pension Fund”) for the plan year beginning February 1, 2016. During the second quarter of 2016, the 707 Pension Fund received notice that the Treasury denied its proposal to reduce participant benefits in an effort to remain solvent. Approximately 1% of ABF Freight’s total multiemployer pension contributions are made to the 707 Pension Fund. Based on currently available information, it is our understanding that if the 707 Pension Fund becomes insolvent, ABF Freight’s benefit contribution rates under the ABF NMFA will be frozen and ABF Freight will be required to continue making contributions at the frozen rate throughout and after the current ABF NMFA contract period, which extends to March 31, 2018; however, there can be no assurance in this regard.

Some employer companies that participate in multiemployer plans, in which ABF Freight also participates, have received proposals from, and entered into transition agreements with, certain multiemployer plans to restructure future plan contributions to be more in line with benefit levels. These transition agreements, which require mutual agreement of numerous elements between the multiemployer plan and the contributing employer, may also result in recognition of withdrawal liabilities. We monitor and evaluate any such proposals we receive, including the potential economic impact to our business. At the current time, there are no proposals provided to ABF Freight that are acceptable.

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ABF Freight Segment Results

The following table sets forth a summary of operating expenses and operating income as a percentage of revenue for ABF Freight:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
ABF Freight Operating Expenses (Operating Ratio)
Salaries, wages, and benefits	61.3	%	59.6	%	63.6	%	60.7	%
Fuel, supplies, and expenses	14.1		15.2		14.7		16.2
Operating taxes and licenses	2.4		2.4		2.6		2.5
Insurance	1.7		1.6		1.6		1.4
Communications and utilities	0.9		0.8		0.9		0.8
Depreciation and amortization	4.1		3.7		4.3		3.8
Rents and purchased transportation	11.5		11.1		10.2		10.4
Gain on sale of property and equipment	—		(0.1)		(0.2)		(0.1)
Pension settlement expense	0.1		0.1		0.1		0.1
Other	0.4		0.4		0.4		0.4
	96.5	%	94.8	%	98.2	%	96.2	%
ABF Freight Operating Income	3.5	%	5.2	%	1.8	%	3.8	%

The following table provides a comparison of key operating statistics for ABF Freight:

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30						September 30
	2016		2015		% Change		2016		2015		% Change
Workdays		64.0		64.0				191.5		190.0
Billed revenue(1) per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges	$	30.52	$	29.68	2.8	%	$	29.12	$	28.95	0.6	%
Pounds		1,663,630,054		1,711,904,743	(2.8)	%		4,944,980,423		5,039,227,064	(1.9)	%
Pounds per day		25,994,220		26,748,512	(2.8)	%		25,822,352		26,522,248	(2.6)	%
Shipments per day		21,345		21,001	1.6	%		20,501		20,271	1.1	%
Shipments per DSY(2) hour		0.452		0.449	0.7	%		0.450		0.453	(0.7)	%
Pounds per DSY(2) hour		550.28		572.47	(3.9)	%		567.15		592.46	(4.3)	%
Pounds per shipment		1,218		1,274	(4.4)	%		1,260		1,308	(3.7)	%
Pounds per mile(3)		18.90		19.28	(2.0)	%		19.53		19.62	(0.5)	%

⁽¹⁾ Revenue for undelivered freight is deferred for financial statement purposes in accordance with ABF Freight’s revenue recognition policy. Billed revenue used for calculating revenue per hundredweight measurements has not been adjusted for the portion of revenue deferred for financial statement purposes. Billed revenue has been adjusted to exclude intercompany revenue that is not related to freight transportation services.

⁽²⁾ Dock, street, and yard (“DSY”) measures are further discussed in ABF Freight’s Operating Expenses within this section of ABF Freight Segment Results. ABF Freight uses shipments per DSY hour to measure labor efficiency in ABF Freight’s local operations, although total pounds per DSY hour is also a relevant measure when the average shipment size is changing.

⁽³⁾ Total pounds per mile is used by ABF Freight to measure labor efficiency of its linehaul operations, although this metric is influenced by other factors including freight density, loading efficiency, average length of haul, and the degree to which purchased transportation, including rail service, is used.

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ABF Freight Revenues

ABF Freight’s revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 totaled $509.5 million and $1,435.7 million, respectively, compared to $511.3 million and $1,456.9 million for the same periods of 2015. ABF Freight’s billed revenue (as described in footnote (1) to the key operating statistics table above) decreased 0.1% and 2.1% on a per-day basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods, reflecting a decrease in tonnage per day of 2.8% and 2.6%, respectively, partially offset by an increase in total billed revenue per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges, of 2.8% and 0.6%, respectively. The increases in total billed revenue per hundredweight occurred despite lower fuel surcharge revenues associated with decreased fuel prices.

Current freight market conditions, which are being impacted by lower industrial-related manufacturing production and higher customer inventory levels that result in lower demand for retail shipments, have contributed to ABF Freight’s 2016 tonnage declines. With the softer freight environment, spot truckload capacity has been more available in the market compared to the prior year, which has provided alternative carriers for some of our customers’ large-sized shipments. As a result, ABF Freight’s average weight per shipment declined 4.4% and 3.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, while daily shipment counts increased 1.6% and 1.1%, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods. The shift in freight profile results in lower revenue without corresponding cost reductions due to the labor required to handle the higher shipment levels, as further discussed in the following paragraphs.

ABF Freight implemented nominal general rate increases on its LTL base rate tariffs of 5.25% effective August 29, 2016 and 4.95% effective October 5, 2015, although the rate changes vary by lane and shipment characteristics. Softness in the market due to available truckload capacity, as previously mentioned, applied downward pressure on average price increases as customers submitted bids for contract renewals. Despite the impact of lower fuel surcharges and excess capacity, prices on accounts subject to annually negotiated contracts which were renewed during the period increased approximately 2.8% and 3.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods.

The increases in total billed revenue per hundredweight for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same periods of 2015, benefited from the general rate increases, contract renewals, and profile changes which increased the revenue per hundredweight measure, offset by lower fuel surcharge revenue, as discussed further in the Fuel section of the ABF Freight Segment Overview, and increased rate pressure on spot truckload shipments driven by increased truckload capacity in the market. Compared to the same prior-year period, ABF Freight’s average nominal fuel surcharge rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 dropped approximately 160 and 290 basis points, respectively, from the levels of the same periods of 2015. Excluding changes in fuel surcharges, average pricing on ABF Freight’s traditional LTL business had a mid-single-digit percentage increase during third quarter 2016 and a low-single digit percentage increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, when compared to the same prior-year periods.

ABF Freight Revenues — October 2016

ABF Freight’s billed revenues for the month of October 2016 increased 2% to 3% from October 2015 on a per-day basis, reflecting an increase in total billed revenue per hundredweight of 2% to 3%, which includes slightly lower fuel surcharges. Average daily total tonnage for October 2016 remained consistent with October 2015 levels. ABF Freight continued to experience soft freight markets and handled fewer spot volume shipments during October 2016 versus the same prior-year period, which resulted in a lower weight per shipment, offset by a year-over-year increase in total shipments per day of 3% to 4% in October 2016. There can be no assurances that the current pricing trend will continue. The competitive environment could limit ABF Freight from securing adequate increases in base LTL freight rates and could limit the amount of fuel surcharge revenue recovered.

ABF Freight Operating Income

ABF Freight’s operating ratio for the three- and nine- month periods of 2016 increased by 1.7 and 2.0 percentage points, respectively, over the same prior-year periods. ABF Freight’s ability to improve its operating ratio is impacted by: managing its cost structure (as discussed in Labor Costs of the ABF Freight Overview section) and securing price increases to cover contractual wage and benefit rate increases, costs of maintaining customer service levels, and other inflationary increases in cost elements.

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ABF Freight generated operating income of $18.1 million and $26.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $26.6 million and $54.7 million for the same periods of 2015. ABF Freight’s operating income was impacted by increases in nonunion healthcare costs and third-party casualty and workers’ compensation claims costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same periods of 2015, due to unfavorable claims experience. Nonunion healthcare costs increased $1.7 million and $3.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2015. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, third-party casualty claims costs increased $0.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively, which for the nine-month period was above ABF Freight’s ten-year historical average as a percentage of revenue. Workers’ compensation costs increased $0.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, these cost increases were partially offset by an increase in gain on sale of property and equipment of $1.0 million, versus the same period of 2015, primarily related to the sale of certain real estate in second quarter 2016. ABF Freight’s operating ratio was also impacted by changes in the operating expenses discussed in the following paragraphs.

ABF Freight Operating Expenses

Labor costs, which are reported in operating expenses of the ABF Freight operating segment as salaries, wages, and benefits, amounted to 61.3% and 63.6% of ABF Freight’s revenue for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to 59.6% and 60.7% for the same respective periods of 2015. The increases as a percentage of revenue were influenced by the effect of lower fuel surcharges on ABF Freight’s revenues associated with a decline in the nominal fuel surcharge rate due to decreased fuel prices. Salaries, wages, and benefits costs increased $7.6 million and $27.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods. The year-over-year increases in labor costs were impacted by increases in contractual wage and benefit contribution rates under the ABF NMFA. The contractual wage rate increased 2.0% effective July 1, 2016, and the average health, welfare, and pension benefit contribution rate increased approximately 3.4% effective primarily on August 1, 2016, which includes the effect of the multiemployer pension plan rate freezes previously discussed in the ABF Freight Segment Overview section of Results of Operations. The increase in labor costs were impacted by increases in nonunion healthcare and workers’ compensation costs, as previously discussed. Furthermore, productivity challenges negatively impacted labor costs, as strength in shipments relative to tonnage levels resulted in DSY labor costs disproportionate to revenue in the 2016 periods compared to the same prior-year periods.

Although ABF Freight manages costs with shipment levels, portions of salaries, wages, and benefits are fixed in nature and the adjustments which would otherwise be necessary to align the labor cost structure throughout the ABF Freight system to corresponding shipment levels are limited as ABF Freight strives to maintain customer service. ABF Freight believes that this service emphasis provides for the opportunity to generate improved yields and business levels. Returning productivity to historical levels is an important priority for the management team at ABF Freight in order to reduce costs. Shipments per DSY hour increased 0.7% in third quarter 2016 versus the same prior year period, which is an improvement from declines in the first six months of 2016, compared to the same prior-year periods. The improvement in shipments per DSY hour for third quarter 2016, compared to third quarter 2015, was influenced by higher utilization of purchased transportation as further discussed below in the explanation of changes in rents and purchased transportation within this ABF Freight Operating Expenses section. Pounds per DSY hour decreased 3.9% and 4.3%, respectively, reflecting reduced efficiency primarily in street operations as ABF Freight strives to maintain customer service during a period of lower tonnage. In the softer freight environment, spot truckload capacity has been more available in the market compared to the prior year, which has provided alternative carriers for some of our customers’ large-sized shipments, resulting in lower weight per shipment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, which also contributed to lower pounds per DSY hour.

Fuel, supplies, and expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 1.1 and 1.5 percentage points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods, primarily due to a decrease in ABF Freight’s average fuel price per gallon (excluding taxes) of approximately 11% and 25%, respectively. The decrease in fuel, supplies, and expenses was also impacted by fewer road miles driven during the 2016 periods, improved fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs reflecting tractor replacement during recent periods.

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Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue increased 0.4 and 0.5 percentage points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same prior-year periods due primarily to the timing of replacing road tractors and trailers and higher per unit costs. The 2016 capital expenditure plan reflects continuation of the accelerated replacement of revenue equipment and alignment with our long-term strategy to advance operational efficiencies. We expect that new equipment added in 2015 and 2016 will increase the dependability and consistency of service, improve fuel economy, and lower maintenance costs.

Rents and purchased transportation as a percentage of revenue increased 0.4 percentage points during third quarter 2016 and decreased 0.2 percentage points for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same prior-year periods. The increase for third quarter 2016 was primarily related to higher utilization of local purchased transportation agents and an increase in rail miles of approximately 5%, partially offset by lower fuel surcharges associated with these purchased transportation services, compared to the same period of 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the decrease in rents and purchased transportation was primarily attributable to lower fuel surcharges associated with rail and other purchased transportation services.

Asset-Light Logistics Reportable Operating Segments

The operations of the Company’s asset-light logistics reportable operating segments are affected by general economic conditions, as well as a number of other competitive factors that are more fully described in the Business and Risk Factors sections of the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The key indicators necessary to understand the operating results of these reportable operating segments are primarily customer demand for logistics and premium transportation services combined with economic factors which influence the number of shipments or events used to measure changes in business levels, as well as the management of operating costs. See descriptions of the asset-light logistics operating segments in Note J to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q.

We continue to focus on strategic investments in the development of our asset-light logistics operating segments, including the acquisition of Logistics & Distribution Services, LLC (“LDS”) by ABF Logistics on September 2, 2016, and the integration of Smart Lines Transportation Group, LLC (“Smart Lines”) and Bear Transportation Services, L.P. (“Bear”), which were acquired by ABF Logistics in January 2015 and December 2015, respectively. Our enterprise solutions group, which is a key component of our strategy to offer customers a single source of end-to-end logistics solutions, continues providing solutions designed to satisfy the daily complex supply chain and unique shipping requirements encountered by our customers. The investments we are making to grow our asset-light logistics businesses are part of management’s long-term strategy to ensure we are well equipped to serve our customers within the changing marketplace by providing a comprehensive suite of transportation and logistics services.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the combined revenues of our asset-light logistics operating segments totaled $217.9 million and $617.8 million, respectively, accounting for approximately 30% of total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations, compared to combined revenues of $211.1 million and $599.8 million, or approximately 29% of total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations, for the same respective periods of 2015.Revenue growth at our asset-light logistics businesses was the result of truckload brokerage acquisitions made since third quarter 2015 and, for third quarter 2016, stronger market demand at Panther.

Premium Logistics (Panther)

Panther’s revenues totaled $75.4 million and $211.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $73.6 million and $229.1 million for the same prior-year periods. Panther’s 2.4% third quarter 2016 revenue improvement primarily reflects increased loads from customer demand for Panther’s service, despite the available truckload capacity in the market. Revenue per load also improved during third quarter 2016, compared to the same period of 2015, due to changes in account mix. Panther’s 7.9% revenue decline for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same prior-year period, reflects lower revenue per shipment, primarily due to increased truckload capacity in the spot market and changes in account mix which resulted in smaller sized-shipments and a shorter average length of haul, partially offset by an increase in shipment levels versus the same period of 2015.

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Panther generated operating income of $4.0 million and $5.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $2.7 million and $8.8 million for the respective prior-year periods. The increase in operating income for third quarter 2016 primarily reflects higher revenue levels and improved gross profit margins due to favorable changes in account mix. The operating income decline for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same period of 2015, primarily reflects lower revenue levels and lower gross profit margins resulting from the impact of available market capacity on shipment pricing in the first six months of 2016. The decrease in operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was also impacted by costs to manage increased shipments.

Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)

ABF Logistics reported revenues of $72.4 million and $207.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $49.3 millionand $147.1 million for the same prior-year periods. The 47.0% and 41.0% increases in revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, primarily reflect revenues contributed by Bear, which was acquired in December 2015, and one month of revenues from LDS, which was acquired in September 2016. Continued expansion of the segment’s customer base led to growth in organic brokerage shipment levels in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, over the same periods of 2015. However, organic revenues did not increase in proportion to the growth in shipment levels, due to the impact on revenue per shipment of lower fuel prices and the effect of excess capacity in the spot truckload market.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, operating income totaled $0.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively, compared to $1.8 million and $4.4 million for the same prior-year periods. Third quarter 2016 margins on ocean shipments were adversely affected by carrier rate increases as a result of market capacity disruptions. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, operating income was also impacted by higher operating costs related to resources being utilized to manage organic shipment growth; lower gross margins on overall brokerage business; and higher costs associated with the acquired operations of Bear, including systems integration, training, and alignment of positions that negatively impacted productivity. Integration efforts continue towards improving productivity and profitability.

Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)

FleetNet’s revenues totaled $39.1 million and $124.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $45.2 million and $129.7 million for the same prior-year periods. The 13.5% and 4.1% decreases in revenues for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively, were primarily due to lower event activity in both roadside services and preventative maintenance.

FleetNet’s operating income declined to $0.1 million and $1.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, from $1.0 million and $3.1 million in the same prior-year periods. The year-over-year declines in operating income for the 2016 periods were impacted by labor inefficiencies resulting from the effects of reduced events and certain adjustments to improve customer service levels.

Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)

ABF Moving revenues totaled $31.0 million and $74.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $43.1 million and $93.9 million in the same prior-year periods. The 27.9% and 20.2% revenue declines during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, were primarily due to a decreased number of government shipments. A decline in consumer and corporate shipments also contributed to the revenue decline for third quarter 2016.

ABF Moving’s operating income declined to $2.0 million and $2.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, from $3.0 million and $4.7 million in the same periods of 2015, primarily due to lower revenues from government business while maintaining customer service levels.

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Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“EBITDA”)

We report our financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios, such as EBITDA, utilized for internal analysis provide analysts, investors, and others the same information that we use internally for purposes of assessing our core operating performance and provides meaningful comparisons between current and prior period results, as well as important information regarding performance trends. Accordingly, using these measures improves comparability in analyzing our performance because it removes the impact of items from operating results that, in management's opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance. Management uses EBITDA as a key measure of performance and for business planning. The measure is particularly meaningful for analysis, because it excludes amortization of acquired intangibles and software of the asset-light logistics businesses, which are significant expenses resulting from strategic decisions rather than core daily operations. Management also believes EBITDA to be relevant and useful information, as EBITDA is a standard measure commonly reported and widely used by analysts, investors, and others to measure financial performance of asset-light logistics businesses and the ability to service debt obligations. Other companies may calculate EBITDA differently; therefore, our calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results. EBITDA should not be construed as a better measurement than operating income, operating cash flow, net income, or earnings per share, as determined under GAAP.

	Three Months Ended September 30
	2016						2015
	Operating		Depreciation and				Operating		Depreciation and
	Income(1)		Amortization		EBITDA		Income(1)		Amortization		EBITDA
	(in thousands)
Premium Logistics (Panther)	$	3,973	$	2,860	$	6,833	$	2,733	$	2,773	$	5,506
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)		410		633		1,043		1,792		259		2,051
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		121		312		433		956		279		1,235
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		1,986		186		2,172		3,028		287		3,315
Total asset-light logistics operating segments	$	6,490	$	3,991	$	10,481	$	8,509	$	3,598	$	12,107

	Nine Months Ended September 30
	2016						2015
	Operating		Depreciation and				Operating		Depreciation and
	Income(1)		Amortization		EBITDA		Income(1)		Amortization		EBITDA
	(in thousands)
Premium Logistics (Panther)	$	5,331	$	8,565	$	13,896	$	8,767	$	8,636	$	17,403
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)		1,572		1,467		3,039		4,375		789		5,164
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		1,701		900		2,601		3,143		838		3,981
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		2,107		569		2,676		4,663		975		5,638
Total asset-light logistics operating segments	$	10,711	$	11,501	$	22,212	$	20,948	$	11,238	$	32,186

⁽¹⁾ The calculation of EBITDA as presented in this table begins with operating income, as other income (costs), income taxes, and net income are reported at the consolidated level and not included in the operating segment financial information evaluated by management to make operating decisions. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to consolidated net income in the Consolidated Results section of Results of Operations.

Seasonality

Our operations are impacted by seasonal fluctuations which affect tonnage, shipment levels, and demand for our services and, consequently, revenues and operating results. Freight shipments and operating costs of the ABF Freight and ABF Logistics segments can be adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. The second and third calendar quarters of each year usually have the highest tonnage levels, while the first quarter generally has the lowest, although other factors, including the state of the U.S. and global economies, may influence quarterly freight tonnage levels. Seasonal fluctuations are less apparent in the operating results of ABF Logistics than in the industry as a whole because of business growth in the segment, including acquisitions.

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Expedited shipments of the Panther segment may decline during winter months because of post-holiday slowdowns but can be subject to short-term increases depending on the impact of weather disruptions to customers’ supply chains. Plant shutdowns during summer months may affect shipments for Panther’s automotive and manufacturing customers, but severe weather events can result in higher demand for expedited services.

Emergency roadside service events of the FleetNet segment are favorably impacted by severe weather conditions that disrupt commercial vehicle operations, and the segment’s results of operations will be influenced by seasonal variations in service event volume.

Business levels of the ABF Moving segment are generally higher in the second and third quarters as the demand for moving services is typically stronger in the summer months.

Effects of Inflation

Generally, inflationary increases in labor and fuel costs as they relate to ABF Freight’s operations have historically been mostly offset through price increases and fuel surcharges. In periods of increasing fuel prices, the effect of higher associated fuel surcharges on the overall price to the customer influences ABF Freight’s ability to obtain increases in base freight rates. In addition, certain nonstandard arrangements with some of ABF Freight’s customers have limited the amount of fuel surcharge recovered. The timing and extent of base price increases on ABF Freight’s revenues may not correspond with contractual increases in wage rates and other inflationary increases in cost elements and, as a result, could adversely impact our operating results.

In addition, partly as a result of inflationary pressures, ABF Freight’s revenue equipment (tractors and trailers) has been, and will very likely continue to be, replaced at higher per unit costs, which could result in higher depreciation charges on a per-unit basis; however, in recent periods, improved mileage and lower maintenance costs on newer equipment have partially offset increases in depreciation expense. ABF Freight considers these costs in setting its pricing policies, although the overall freight rate structure is governed by market forces based on value provided to the customer. ABF Freight’s ability to fully offset inflationary and contractual cost increases can be challenging during periods of recessionary and uncertain economic conditions.

Generally, inflationary increases in labor and operating costs for our asset-light logistics operating segments have historically been offset through price increases. The pricing environment, however, generally becomes more competitive during economic downturns, which may, as it has in the past, affect the ability to obtain price increases from customers.

In addition to general effects of inflation, the motor carrier freight transportation industry faces rising costs related to compliance with government regulations on safety, equipment design and maintenance, driver utilization, emissions, and fuel economy.

Current Economic Conditions

Given the economic conditions of recent years and the uncertainties regarding the potential impact on our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions regarding the pricing environment and economic conditions, primarily for the ABF Freight and Panther operating segments, which are made for purposes of impairment tests related to operating assets and deferred tax assets, will prove to be accurate. Panther and ABF Logistics are evaluated as a separate reporting units for the impairment assessment of goodwill and intangible assets. If our assumptions regarding forecasted cash flows and revenue and operating income growth rates are revised, it is possible that a goodwill impairment test may result in a material non-cash write-off of a significant portion of Panther’s goodwill and intangible assets or of goodwill attributable to ABF Logistics, which would have an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.

Environmental and Legal Matters

We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things: emissions control, transportation or handling of hazardous materials, underground and aboveground storage tanks, stormwater pollution prevention, contingency planning for spills of petroleum products, and disposal of waste oil. We may transport

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or arrange for the transportation of hazardous materials and explosives, and we operate in industrial areas where truck terminals and other industrial activities are located and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination could occur. See Note K to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion of the environmental matters to which we are subject and the reserves we currently have recorded in our consolidated financial statements for amounts related to such matters.

We are involved in various legal actions, the majority of which arise in the ordinary course of business. We maintain liability insurance against certain risks arising out of the normal course of our business, subject to certain self-insured retention limits. We routinely establish and review the adequacy of reserves for estimated legal, environmental, and self-insurance exposures. While management believes that amounts accrued in the consolidated financial statements are adequate, estimates of these liabilities may change as circumstances develop. Considering amounts recorded, routine legal matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Information Technology and Cybersecurity

We depend on the proper functioning and availability of our information systems, including communications and data processing systems, and proprietary software programs, that are integral to the efficient operation of our business. Cybersecurity attacks and cyber incidents that impact the availability, reliability, speed, accuracy, or other proper functioning of these systems or that result in confidential data being compromised could have a significant impact on our operations. We utilize certain software applications provided by third parties, or provide underlying data which is utilized by third parties who provide certain outsourced administrative functions, either of which may increase the risk of a cybersecurity incident. Our information systems are protected through physical and software safeguards as well as backup systems considered appropriate by management. However, it is not practicable to protect against the possibility of power loss, telecommunications failures, cybersecurity attacks, and other cyber events in every potential circumstance that may arise. To mitigate the potential for such occurrences at our corporate headquarters, we have implemented various systems, including redundant telecommunication facilities; replication of critical data to an offsite location; a fire suppression system to protect our on-site data center; and electrical power protection and generation facilities. We also have a catastrophic disaster recovery plan and alternate processing capability available for our critical data processes in the event of a catastrophe that renders our corporate headquarters unusable.

Our business interruption and cyber insurance would offset losses up to certain coverage limits in the event of a catastrophe or certain cyber incidents; however, losses arising from a catastrophe or significant cyber incident would likely exceed our insurance coverage and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, a significant cyber incident, including denial of service, system failure, security breach, intentional or inadvertent acts by employees, disruption by malware, or other damage, could interrupt or delay our operations, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers, cause errors or delays in financial reporting, expose us to a risk of loss or litigation, and/or cause us to incur significant time and expense to remedy such event. We have experienced incidents involving attempted denial of service attacks, malware attacks, and other events intended to disrupt information systems, wrongfully obtain valuable information, or cause other types of malicious events that could have resulted in harm to our business. To date, the systems employed have been effective in identifying these types of events at a point when the impact on our business could be minimized. We have made and continue to make significant financial investments in technologies and processes to mitigate these risks. Management is not aware of any cybersecurity incident that has had a material effect on our operations, although there can be no assurances that a cyber incident that could have a material impact to our operations could not occur.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are unrestricted cash,  cash equivalents, and short-term investments, cash generated by operations, and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility or  accounts receivable securitization program.

Cash Flow and Short-Term Investments

Components of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and restricted cash were as follows:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents(1)	$	130,395	$	164,973
Short-term investments, primarily FDIC-insured certificates of deposit		59,346		61,597
Total unrestricted		189,741		226,570
Restricted cash(2)		962		1,384
Total(3)	$	190,703	$	227,954

⁽¹⁾ Cash equivalents consist of money market funds and variable rate demand notes.

⁽²⁾ Restricted cash represents cash deposits pledged as collateral for outstanding letters of credit in support of workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims liabilities (see the Financing Arrangements in this section of MD&A).

⁽³⁾ Cash, variable rate demand notes, and certificates of deposit are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Money market funds are recorded at fair value based on quoted prices. Cash and cash equivalents totaling $39.0 million and $69.9 million were not FDIC insured  at  September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments decreased $36.8 million from December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016, cash provided by operations of $87.9 million and cash on hand was used to fund $38.5 million of capital expenditures net of proceeds from asset sales (and an additional $61.7 million of certain ABF Freight revenue equipment purchases were financed with notes payable); repay $36.6 million of notes payable; fund the acquisition of LDS with net cash consideration of $25.0 million, of which $8.0 million is held in escrow relating to the contingent consideration to be paid over the next two years upon the achievement of certain financial targets; purchase $7.6 million of treasury stock; pay dividends of $6.2 million on common stock; and pay $3.8 million of book overdrafts (representing checks issued that are later funded when cleared through banks).

Cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $31.6 million below the same prior-year period, primarily due to lower operating results. A contribution of $13.4 million was made to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to a contribution of less than $0.1 million in the same period of 2015.Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included refunds of federal and state income taxes of $8.3 million, net of income tax payments, compared to federal, state, and foreign income tax payments of $17.2 million, net of income tax refunds, for the same period of 2015.

Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments increased $58.3 million from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015. The increase in unrestricted funds includes $35.0 million borrowed under the accounts receivable securitization program (further described in the following Financing Arrangements section). During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, cash provided by operations of $119.6 million was used to fund $49.5 million of capital expenditures net of proceeds from asset sales (and an additional $51.0 million of certain ABF Freight revenue equipment purchases were financed with notes payable); repay $22.1 million of notes payable and capital leases; purchase $10.0 million of treasury stock; fund the acquisition of Smart Lines for net cash consideration of $5.2 million; and pay dividends of $4.7 million on common stock.

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Financing Arrangements

Our financing arrangements are discussed further in Note E to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Credit Facility

Under our amended and restated credit agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), we have a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) which had an initial maximum credit amount of $150.0 million, including a swing line facility and a letter of credit sub-facility providing for the issuance of letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $20.0 million. The Credit Facility allows us to request additional revolving commitments or incremental term loans thereunder up to an aggregate additional amount of $75.0 million, subject to certain additional conditions as provided in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Principal payments under the Credit Facility are due upon maturity of the facility on January 2, 2020; however, borrowings may be repaid at our discretion in whole or in part at any time, without penalty, subject to required notice periods and compliance with minimum prepayment amounts.

Interest Rate Swap

We have a five-year forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount maturing on January 2, 2020. Under the interest rate swap agreement, we receive floating-rate interest amounts based on one-month LIBOR in exchange for fixed-rate interest payments of 1.85% over the life of the agreement. The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under our Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.10% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2016. The fair value of the interest rate swap liability of $1.6 million and $0.9 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Accounts Receivable Securitization Program

Our accounts receivable securitization program, which extends until January 2, 2018, provides cash proceeds of $100.0 million and has an accordion feature allowing us to request additional borrowings up to $25.0 million, subject to certain conditions. Under this program, certain of our subsidiaries continuously sell a designated pool of trade accounts receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary which, in turn, may borrow funds on a revolving basis. During 2015, we borrowed $35.0 million under the accounts receivable securitization program to provide additional funds for investing in our subsidiaries’ capital needs and to maintain flexibility for our growth initiatives.

The accounts receivable securitization program includes a provision under which we may request and the letter of credit issuer may issue standby letters of credit, primarily in support of workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims liabilities in various states in which we are self-insured. The outstanding standby letters of credit reduce the availability of borrowings under the program. As of September 30, 2016, we have available borrowing capacity of $46.7 million under the accounts receivable securitization program.

Our Credit Facility and accounts receivable securitization program provide available sources of liquidity with flexible borrowing and payment options under extended maturity dates. We believe these agreements provide borrowing capacity options necessary for growth of our businesses.

Letter of Credit Agreements and Surety Bond Programs

As of September 30, 2016, we had letters of credit outstanding of $19.8 million (including $18.3 million issued under the accounts receivable securitization program), of which $1.0 million were collateralized by restricted cash. We have programs in place with multiple surety companies for the issuance of surety bonds in support of our self-insurance program. As of September 30, 2016, surety bonds outstanding related to our self-insurance program totaled $56.3 million.

Notes Payable and Capital Leases

ABF Freight has financed the purchase of certain revenue equipment through promissory note arrangements, including $25.9 million and $61.7 million of revenue equipment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. ABF Logistics acquired assets held under capital lease arrangements for certain revenue equipment and other equipment totaling less than $0.1 million. The Company did not enter into any other capital lease agreements during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

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As of November 1, 2016, ABF Freight financed the purchase of an additional $3.0 million of revenue equipment through promissory note arrangements. We intend to utilize promissory note arrangements and will consider utilizing capital lease agreements to finance future purchases of certain revenue equipment, provided such financing is available and the terms are acceptable to us.

Contractual Obligations

We have purchase obligations, consisting of authorizations to purchase and binding agreements with vendors, relating to revenue equipment used in ABF Freight’s operations, other equipment, certain construction costs associated with our new office and call center facility, software, certain service contracts, and other items for which amounts were not accrued in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2016. These purchase obligations totaled $83.2 million as of September 30, 2016, with $73.4 million estimated to be paid within the next year, $9.4 million estimated to be paid in the following two-year period, and $0.4 million to be paid within five years, provided that vendors complete their commitments to us. Purchase obligations for revenue equipment, other equipment, and costs associated with our new office and call center facility are included in our 2016 capital expenditure plan.

Our contractual obligations related to our notes payable, which provide financing for revenue equipment purchases, totaled $135.7 million, including interest, as of September 30, 2016, an increase of $26.3 million from December 31, 2015. The scheduled maturities of our long-term debt obligations as of September 30, 2016, including our contractual obligation to repay the $35.0 million borrowed on our accounts receivable securitization program in January 2018, are disclosed in Note E to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We also have a contractual obligation for the fixed-rate interest payments on our interest rate swap agreement which are estimated to exceed the variable-rate interest payments under our Credit Facility by $1.6 million as of September 30, 2016.

There have been no other material changes in the contractual obligations disclosed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10‑K during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

For 2016, our total net capital expenditures are estimated to range from $140.0 million to $150.0 million. The 2016 estimated net capital expenditures include revenue equipment purchases of $95.0 million, primarily related to road tractors and trailers for ABF Freight’s road and city operations to replace both existing equipment and local rentals. Expected real estate expenditures totaling approximately $35.0 million are included in the estimate for our previously disclosed growth initiatives, including construction of a new office and call center facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas, a portion of which will replace leased space. The remainder of 2016 expected capital expenditures includes costs of other facility and handling equipment at ABF Freight and technology investments across our businesses. We have the flexibility to adjust planned 2016 capital expenditures as business levels dictate. Depreciation and amortization expense is estimated to be in a range of $100.0 million to $105.0 million in 2016.

Based upon current actuarial information, we do not have a minimum cash contribution requirement to our nonunion defined benefit pension plan for 2016; however, we made a voluntary contribution of $13.4 million to the plan during the second quarter of 2016 (see Note F to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q).

ABF Freight contributes to multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans based generally on the time worked by its contractual employees, as specified in the collective bargaining agreement and other supporting supplemental agreements (see Note F to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

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Other Liquidity Information

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, including amounts restricted, totaled $190.7 million at September 30, 2016. General economic conditions, along with competitive market factors and the related impact on our business, primarily the tonnage and pricing levels that ABF Freight receives for its services, could affect our ability to generate cash from operations and maintain cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments on hand as operating costs increase.

Our Credit Facility and accounts receivable securitization program provide available sources of liquidity with flexible borrowing and payment options under extended maturity dates. We believe these agreements will continue to provide borrowing capacity options necessary for growth of our businesses. We believe existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, cash generated by operations, and amounts available under our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement or accounts receivable securitization program will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including financing potential acquisitions and the repayment of amounts due under our financing arrangements, for the foreseeable future. Notes payable, capital leases, and other secured financing may also be used to fund capital expenditures, provided that such arrangements are available and the terms are acceptable to us.

We expect to continue to pay quarterly dividends on our common  stock in the foreseeable future, although there can be no assurances in this regard since future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and are dependent upon our future earnings, capital requirements, and financial condition; contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends under our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement; and other factors. On November 1, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share to stockholders of record as of November 15, 2016, payable on November 29, 2016. 

We have a program in place to repurchase our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The program has no expiration date but may be terminated at any time at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Repurchases may be made using cash reserves or other available sources. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we used cash on hand to purchase 419,692 shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $7.6 million, leaving $39.6 million available for repurchase under the current buyback program.

Financial Instruments

We have not historically entered into financial instruments for trading purposes, nor have we historically engaged in a program for fuel price hedging. No such instruments were outstanding as of September 30, 2016. We have an interest rate swap agreement in place which is discussed in the Financing Arrangements section of Liquidity and Capital Resources.

Balance Sheet Changes

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable increased $20.2 million from December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016, primarily due to higher business levels in September 2016 compared to December 2015.

Accounts Payable

Accounts payable increased $19.1 million from December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016, primarily due to accruals for revenue equipment received by ABF Freight and increased business levels in September 2016 compared to December 2015.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At September 30, 2016, our off-balance sheet arrangements of $151.2 million included purchase obligations, as previously discussed in the Contractual Obligations section of Liquidity and Capital Resources, and future minimum rental commitments, net of noncancelable subleases, under operating lease agreements primarily for ABF Freight’s terminal facilities. We have no investments, loans, or any other known contractual arrangements with unconsolidated special-purpose entities, variable interest entities, or financial partnerships and have no outstanding loans with executive officers or directors.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 37.0% and 37.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to an effective tax rate of 40.2% and 39.5%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. Our U.S. statutory tax rate is 35% and the average state tax rate, net of the associated federal deduction, is approximately 3%. However, various factors may cause the full year 2016 tax rate to vary significantly from the statutory rate.

The difference between our effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, primarily results from state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, and changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance. The three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 were also impacted by the alternative fuel tax credit.

At September 30, 2016, we had net deferred tax liabilities after valuation allowances of $53.5 million. Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets totaled $0.4 million at September 30, 2016 and $0.3 million at December 31, 2015. We evaluated the need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at September 30, 2016 by considering the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income, taxable income in carryback years, and available tax planning strategies. As of September 30, 2016, deferred tax liabilities which will reverse in future years exceeded deferred tax assets.

Financial reporting income differs significantly from taxable income because of such items as accelerated depreciation for tax purposes, pension accounting rules, and a significant number of liabilities such as vacation pay, workers’ compensation, and other liabilities, which, for tax purposes, are generally deductible only when paid. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we had financial reporting income compared to a loss determined under income tax law.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the income determined under income tax law exceeded financial reporting income.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we made $2.5 million of state and foreign tax payments, and received refunds of $10.8 million of federal and state income taxes that were paid in prior years. Management does not expect the cash outlays for income taxes will materially exceed reported income tax expense for the foreseeable future.

Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting policies that are “critical,” or the most important, to understand our financial condition and results of operations and that require management to make the most difficult judgments are described in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. New accounting rules and disclosure requirements can significantly impact our reported results and the comparability of financial statements. Accounting pronouncements which have been issued but are not yet effective for our financial statements are disclosed in Note A to our consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued an accounting pronouncement related to revenue recognition (ASC Topic 606), which amends the guidance in former ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. The new standard provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and contains principles to apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The standard is effective for us on January 1, 2018. We are evaluating the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

49

The FASB issued ASC Topic 842, Leases, which will be effective for us on January 1, 2019. The updated accounting guidance will require leases with a term greater than twelve months to be reflected as liabilities with associated right-of-use assets in our consolidated balance sheet. We are evaluating the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

Management believes that there is no other new accounting guidance issued but not yet effective that will impact our critical accounting policies. However, there are new proposals under development by the standard setting bodies which, if and when enacted, may have a significant impact on our financial statements, including changes in disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information in  this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “foresee,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “scheduled,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions and the negatives of such terms are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, and expectations based on currently available information, are not guarantees of future performance, and involve certain risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control). Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made,  we cannot provide assurance that our expectations will prove to be correct.  Actual outcomes and results could materially differ from what is expressed, implied, or forecasted in these statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to: a failure of our information systems, including disruptions or failures of services essential to our operations or upon which our information technology platforms rely, data breach, and/or cybersecurity incidents; union and nonunion employee wages and benefits, including changes in required contributions to multiemployer plans;competitive initiatives and pricing pressures; governmental regulations; environmental laws and regulations, including emissions-control regulations; the cost, integration, and performance of any future acquisitions; relationships with employees, including unions, and our ability to attract and retain employees and/or independent owner operators; unfavorable terms of, or the inability to reach agreement on, future collective bargaining agreements or a workforce stoppage by our employees covered under ABF Freight’s collective bargaining agreement; general economic conditions and related shifts in market demand that impact the performance and needs of industries we serve and/or limit our customers’ access to adequate financial resources;potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets;availability and cost of reliable third-party services; litigation or claims asserted against us;self-insurance claims and insurance premium costs; availability of fuel, the effect of volatility in fuel prices and the associated changes in fuel surcharges on securing increases in base freight rates, and the inability to collect fuel surcharges;increased prices for and decreased availability of new revenue equipment, decreases in value of used revenue equipment, and higher costs of equipment-related operating expenses such as maintenance and fuel and related taxes; the loss of key employees or the inability to execute succession planning strategies; the impact of our brands and corporate reputation; the cost, timing, and performance of growth initiatives; default on covenants of financing arrangements and the availability and terms of future financing arrangements;timing and amount of capital expenditures;seasonal fluctuations and adverse weather conditions;regulatory, economic, and other risks arising from our international business; and other financial, operational, and legal risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission public filings.

For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results, refer to “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

50

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ARCBEST CORPORATION

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Since December 31, 2015, there have been no other significant changes in the Company’s market risks as reported in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performed with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2016.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

51

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

ARCBEST CORPORATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information related to the Company’s legal proceedings, see Note K, Legal Proceedings, Environmental Matters, and Other Events under Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Company’s risk factors are fully described in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. No material changes to the Company’s risk factors have occurred since the Company filed its 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(a)Recent sales of unregistered securities.

None.

(b)Use of proceeds from registered securities.

None.

(c)Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers.

The Company has a program to repurchase its common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The program has no expiration date but may be terminated at any time at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Repurchases may be made either from the Company’s cash reserves or from other available sources. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, treasury shares totaled 2,499,879 and 2,080,187, respectively. Under the repurchase program, the Company purchased 136,346 shares of its common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2016, leaving $39.6 million available for repurchase.

				Total Number of	Maximum
				Shares Purchased	Approximate Dollar
	Total Number	Average		as Part of Publicly	Value of Shares that
	of Shares	Price Paid		Announced	May Yet Be Purchased
	Purchased	Per Share(1)		Program	Under the Program(2)
	(in thousands, except share and per share data)
7/1/2016-7/30/2016	—	$	—	—	$	42,123
8/1/2016-8/31/2016	103,846		17.97	103,846	$	40,257
9/1/2016-9/30/2016	32,500		18.84	32,500	$	39,645
Total	136,346	$	18.18	136,346

⁽¹⁾ Represents the weighted average price paid per common share including commission.

⁽²⁾ In January 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $25.0 million common stock repurchase program. The Board of Directors authorized an additional $50.0 million to the current program in July 2005. In October 2015, the Board of Directors extended the share repurchase program, making a total of $50.0 million available for purchases.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

52

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed or furnished with this report or are incorporated by reference to previously filed material:

Exhibit
No.
3.1	Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on March 17, 1992, Commission File No. 33-46483, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2	Certificate of Designations of $2.875 Series A Cumulative Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on May 5, 2009, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.3	Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 24, 2009, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.4	Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company dated as of October 31, 2016 (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on November 4, 2016, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.5	Certificate of Ownership and Merger, effective May 1, 2014, as filed on April 29, 2014 with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 30, 2014, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
31.1*	Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*	Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32**	Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*     Filed herewith.

**   Furnished herewith.

53

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	ARCBEST CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
Date: November 8, 2016	/s/ Judy R. McReynolds
	Judy R. McReynolds
	Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
	and Principal Executive Officer
Date: November 8, 2016	/s/ David R. Cobb
	David R. Cobb
	Vice President — Chief Financial Officer
	and Principal Financial Officer

54

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Judy R. McReynolds, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of ArcBest Corporation;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:      November 8, 2016	/s/ Judy R. McReynolds
	Judy R. McReynolds
	Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, David R. Cobb, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of ArcBest Corporation;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:     November 8, 2016	/s/ David R. Cobb
	David R. Cobb
	Vice President — Chief Financial Officer
	and Principal Financial Officer

EX-32

EXHIBIT 32

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the filing of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, (the “Report”) by ArcBest Corporation (the “Registrant”), each of the undersigned hereby certifies that:

1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and

2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

	ARCBEST CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
Date: November 8, 2016	/s/ Judy R. McReynolds
	Judy R. McReynolds
	Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
	and Principal Executive Officer
	ARCBEST CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
Date: November 8, 2016	/s/ David R. Cobb
	David R. Cobb
	Vice President — Chief Financial Officer
	and Principal Financial Officer

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Nov. 03, 2016
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ARCBEST CORP /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000894405
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,622,506
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 130,395	$ 164,973
Short-term investments	59,346	61,597
Restricted cash	962	1,384
Accounts receivable, less allowances (2016 – $5,118; 2015 – $4,825)	256,316	236,097
Other accounts receivable, less allowances (2016 – $830; 2015 – $1,029)	8,927	6,718
Prepaid expenses	19,622	20,801
Deferred income taxes	39,097	38,443
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	13,934	18,134
Other	4,275	3,936
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	532,874	552,083
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land and structures	296,324	273,839
Revenue equipment	738,350	699,844
Service, office, and other equipment	156,536	145,286
Software	134,312	127,010
Leasehold improvements	27,040	25,419
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, GROSS	1,352,562	1,271,398
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization	822,623	788,351
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	529,939	483,047
GOODWILL	110,487	96,465
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	82,068	76,787
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS	65,500	54,527
TOTAL ASSETS	1,320,868	1,262,909
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	149,971	130,869
Income taxes payable		91
Accrued expenses	187,822	188,727
Current portion of long-term debt	61,251	44,910
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	399,044	364,597
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion	176,363	167,599
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT LIABILITIES	42,520	51,241
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	15,159	12,689
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	92,629	78,055
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued 2016: 28,122,385 shares; 2015: 27,938,319 shares	281	279
Additional paid-in capital	313,794	309,653
Retained earnings	387,646	376,827
Treasury stock, at cost, 2016: 2,499,879 shares; 2015: 2,080,187 shares	(78,129)	(70,535)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(28,439)	(27,496)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	595,153	588,728
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 1,320,868	$ 1,262,909

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars)	$ 5,118	$ 4,825
Other accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars)	$ 830	$ 1,029
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	28,122,385	27,938,319
Treasury stock, at cost, shares	2,499,879	2,080,187

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
REVENUES	$ 713,923	$ 709,380	$ 2,012,005	$ 2,018,771
OPERATING EXPENSES	693,553	675,942	1,984,246	1,950,588
OPERATING INCOME	20,370	33,438	27,759	68,183
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income	390	378	1,178	882
Interest and other related financing costs	(1,296)	(1,157)	(3,774)	(3,183)
Other, net	1,091	(613)	2,028	(15)
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (COSTS)	185	(1,392)	(568)	(2,316)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	20,555	32,046	27,191	65,867
INCOME TAX PROVISION	7,615	12,892	10,123	26,001
NET INCOME	$ 12,940	$ 19,154	$ 17,068	$ 39,866
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.73	$ 0.66	$ 1.52
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.72	$ 0.64	$ 1.48
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic (in shares)	25,724,550	26,009,344	25,779,166	26,033,467
Diluted (in shares)	26,211,524	26,508,482	26,263,732	26,569,800
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ 0.06	$ 0.24	$ 0.18

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET INCOME	$ 12,940	$ 19,154	$ 17,068	$ 39,866
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of: (2016 – Three-month period $822, Nine-month period $2,637; 2015 – Three-month period $4,317, Nine-month period $3,968)	1,294	(6,780)	(4,141)	(6,232)
Pension settlement expense, net of tax of: (2016 – Three-month period $313, Nine-month period $882; 2015 – Three-month period $296, Nine-month period $964)	490	466	1,385	1,514
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, net of tax of: (2016 – Three-month period $496, Nine month period $1,410 ; 2015 – Three-month period $330, Nine-month period $1,126)
Net actuarial loss	807	545	2,301	1,854
Prior service credit	(29)	(29)	(87)	(87)
Interest rate swap and foreign currency translation:
Change in unrealized income (loss) on interest rate swap, net of tax of: (2016 – Three-month period $168, Nine month period $278; 2015 – Three-month period $312, Nine-month period $389)	262	(483)	(430)	(603)
Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax of: (2016 – Three-month period $127, Nine-month period $158; 2015 – Three-month period $225, Nine-month period $351)	(420)	(354)	29	(552)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax	2,404	(6,635)	(943)	(4,106)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$ 15,344	$ 12,519	$ 16,125	$ 35,760

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net actuarial gain (loss), tax	$ 822	$ 4,317	$ 2,637	$ 3,968
Pension settlement expense, tax	313	296	882	964
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, tax	496	330	1,410	1,126
Change in unrealized income (loss) on interest rate swap, tax	168	312	278	389
Change in foreign currency translation, tax	$ 127	$ 225	$ 158	$ 351

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Total
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014					$ (23,479)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income						$ 39,866
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax					(4,106)	(4,106)
Balances at Sep. 30, 2015					(27,585)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 279	$ 309,653	$ 376,827	$ (70,535)	(27,496)	588,728
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	27,938			2,080
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income			17,068			17,068
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax					(943)	(943)
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans	$ 2	(2)
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans (in shares)	184
Tax effect of share-based compensation plans		(2,008)				(2,008)
Share-based compensation expense		6,151				6,151
Purchase of treasury stock				$ (7,594)		(7,594)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)				420
Dividends declared on common stock			(6,249)			(6,249)
Balances at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 281	$ 313,794	$ 387,646	$ (78,129)	$ (28,439)	$ 595,153
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016	28,122			2,500

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 17,068	$ 39,866
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	73,633	65,142
Amortization of intangibles	3,059	3,079
Pension settlement expense	2,267	2,478
Share-based compensation expense	6,151	6,343
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	787	941
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	14,199	(7,862)
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(2,581)	(1,691)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(18,906)	(14,881)
Prepaid expenses	1,108	2,353
Other assets	(3,655)	505
Income taxes	2,583	14,295
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	(7,786)	9,006
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	87,927	119,574
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of financings	(45,774)	(53,644)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	7,296	4,115
Purchases of short-term investments	(51,760)	(48,868)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	54,027	25,347
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(24,805)	(5,239)
Capitalization of internally developed software	(7,660)	(6,155)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(68,676)	(84,444)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under credit facilities		70,000
Borrowings under accounts receivable securitization program		35,000
Payments on long-term debt	(36,579)	(92,136)
Net change in book overdrafts	(3,829)	2,179
Net change in restricted cash	422	(1)
Deferred financing costs		(824)
Payment of common stock dividends	(6,249)	(4,740)
Purchases of treasury stock	(7,594)	(10,004)
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES	(53,829)	(526)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(34,578)	34,604
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	164,973	157,042
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	130,395	191,646
NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Equipment financed	61,684	51,009
Accruals for equipment received	$ 9,391	$ 7,150

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ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

NOTE A – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

ArcBest Corporation® (the “Company”) is the parent holding company of businesses providing freight transportation services and logistics solutions. The Company’s principal operations are conducted through its Freight Transportation (ABF Freight®) segment, which consists of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries. The Company’s other reportable operating segments are the following asset-light logistics businesses: Premium Logistics (Panther), Transportation Management (ABF Logistics®), Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet), and Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving®). References to the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are primarily to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

ABF Freight represented approximately 70% of the Company’s total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. As of September 2016, approximately 77% of ABF Freight’s employees were covered under a collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “ABF NMFA”), with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”), which extends through March 31, 2018. The ABF NMFA included a 7% wage rate reduction upon the November 3, 2013 implementation date, followed by wage rate increases of 2% on July 1 in each of the next three years, which began in 2014, and a 2.5% increase on July 1, 2017; a one-week reduction in annual compensated vacation effective for employee anniversary dates on or after April 1, 2013; the option to expand the use of purchased transportation; and increased flexibility in labor work rules. The ABF NMFA and the related supplemental agreements provide for continued contributions to various multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans maintained for the benefit of ABF Freight’s employees who are members of the IBT. The estimated net effect of the November 3, 2013 wage rate reduction and the benefit rate increase which was applied retroactively to August 1, 2013 was an initial reduction of approximately 4% to the combined total contractual wage and benefit rate under the ABF NMFA. Following the initial reduction, the combined contractual wage and benefit contribution rate under the ABF NMFA is estimated to increase approximately 2.5% on a compounded annual basis throughout the contract period which extends through March 31, 2018.

On September 2, 2016, ABF Logistics acquired Logistics & Distribution Services, LLC (“LDS”), a private logistics and distribution company, in a transaction valued at $25.0 million (subject to post-closing adjustments), reflecting net cash consideration of $17.0 million paid at closing and an additional $8.0 million of contingent consideration to be paid over the next two years upon the achievement of certain financial targets. On December 1, 2015, ABF Logistics acquired Bear Transportation Services, L.P. (“Bear”), a private, non-asset truckload brokerage firm, for net cash consideration of $24.4 million (subject to post-closing adjustments). On January 2, 2015, ABF Logistics acquired Smart Lines Transportation Group, LLC, a privately-owned truckload brokerage firm, for net cash consideration of $5.2 million. As these acquired businesses are not significant to the Company’s consolidated operating results and financial condition, pro forma financial information and the purchase price allocations of acquired assets and liabilities have not been presented. The results of the acquired operations subsequent to the acquisition dates have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.The Company is in the process of making a final determination of the value of acquired assets and liabilities for the LDS and Bear transactions and the provisional measurements are subject to change during the measurement periods.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pertaining to interim financial information. Accordingly, these interim financial statements do not include all information or footnote disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other current filings with the Commission. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which are of a normal and recurring nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates.

Accounting Policies

The Company’s accounting policies are described in Note B to the audited financial statements included in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following policy became effective for the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Contingent Consideration: The Company records the estimated fair value of contingent consideration at the acquisition date as part of the purchase price consideration for an acquisition. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability was determined by assessing Level 3 inputs with a discounted cash flow approach using various probability-weighted scenarios. As of September 30, 2016, the fair value of the outstanding contingent consideration of $6.8 million related to the acquisition of LDS was recorded in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, based on when expected payouts become due, and the $8.0 million held in escrow for the contingent consideration at the acquisition date was recorded in other long-term assets. The liability for contingent consideration is remeasured at each quarterly reporting period and any change in fair value as a result of the recurring assessments is recognized in operating income.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) which amended Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 835, Interest – Imputation of Interest, and addresses the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet. The Company’s debt issuance costs related to its revolving credit agreements continue to be presented as an asset, as permitted, and amortized over the term of the agreements within interest expense. The new guidance did not result in retrospective adjustments to the consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

During first quarter 2016, the Company adopted amended ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, issued by the FASB. The amendment eliminated the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively and instead recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustments, including the effect on earnings of any amounts it would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendment was prospectively adopted and did not result in significant adjustments to financial statements or disclosure presentation.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

ASC Topic 740 was amended with the addition of Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017. The update will result in all deferred tax assets and liabilities being classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheets.

An amendment to ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, was issued to simplify the accounting for share-based compensation, which will require the income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the statement of operations when awards vest or are settled and will allow employers to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact this update will have on the consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

ASC Topic 606, which amends the guidance in former ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and contains principles to apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company is evaluating the impact of the new standard on the consolidated financial statements.

An amendment to ASC Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, which provides classification guidance for certain cash payments and receipts presented in the statement of cash flows, is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. The Company is currently assessing the impact this update will have on the consolidated financial statements.

ASC Topic 842, Leases, which is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, will require leases with a term greater than twelve months to be reflected as liabilities with associated right-of-use assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company is evaluating the impact of the new standard on the consolidated financial statements.

An amendment to ASC Topic 326, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020. The Company is currently assessing the impact this update will have on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures.

Management believes that there is no other new accounting guidance issued but not yet effective that is relevant to the Company’s current financial statements. However, there are new proposals under development by the standard setting bodies which, if and when enacted, may have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures, including changes in disclosure requirements for income taxes and defined benefit plans.

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

NOTE B – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial Instruments

The following table presents the components of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and restricted funds:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash deposits(1)	$	102,598	$	110,279
Variable rate demand notes(1)(2)		19,994		29,790
Money market funds(3)		7,803		24,904
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	130,395	$	164,973
Short-term investments
Certificates of deposit(1)	$	59,346	$	61,597
Restricted cash(4)
Cash deposits(1)	$	962	$	1,384

⁽¹⁾ Recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.

⁽²⁾ Amounts may be redeemed on a daily basis with the original issuer.

⁽³⁾ Recorded at fair value as determined by quoted market prices (see amounts presented in the table of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value within this Note).

⁽⁴⁾ Amounts restricted for use are subject to change based on the requirements of the Company’s collateralized facilities (see Note E).

The Company’s long-term investment financial instruments are presented in the table of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value within this Note.

Concentrations of Credit Risk of Financial Instruments

The Company is potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk related to its cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The Company reduces credit risk by maintaining its cash deposits primarily in FDIC-insured accounts and placing its unrestricted short-term investments primarily in FDIC-insured certificates of deposit. However, certain cash deposits and certificates of deposit may exceed federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents totaling $39.0 million and $69.9 million were not FDIC insured at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments

Fair value disclosures are made in accordance with the following hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs of market data and market assumptions used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable:

· Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

· Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

· Level 3 — Unobservable inputs (Company’s market assumptions) that are significant to the valuation model.

Fair value and carrying value disclosures of financial instruments are presented in the following table:

	September 30				December 31
	2016				2015
	(in thousands)
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
Credit Facility(1)	$	70,000	$	70,000	$	70,000	$	70,000
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings(2)		35,000		35,000		35,000		35,000
Notes payable(3)		131,882		131,822		106,703		106,495
	$	236,882	$	236,822	$	211,703	$	211,495

⁽¹⁾ The revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) under the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement carries a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin. The Credit Facility is considered to be priced at market for debt instruments having similar terms and collateral requirements (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

⁽²⁾ Borrowings under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization program carry a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin. The borrowings are considered to be priced at market for debt instruments having similar terms and collateral requirements (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

⁽³⁾ Fair value of the notes payable was determined using a present value income approach based on quoted interest rates from lending institutions with which the Company would enter into similar transactions (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis

The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

	September 30, 2016
			Fair Value Measurements Using
			Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
			In Active		Observable		Unobservable
			Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Money market funds(1)(3)	$	7,803	$	7,803	$	—	$	—
Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)(3)		2,072		2,072		—		—
	$	9,875	$	9,875	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration(4)	$	6,775	$	—	$	—	$	6,775
Interest rate swap(5)		1,605		—		1,605		—
	$	8,380	$	—	$	1,605	$	6,775

	December 31, 2015
			Fair Value Measurements Using
			Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
			In Active		Observable		Unobservable
			Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Money market funds(1)(3)	$	24,904	$	24,904	$	—	$	—
Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)(3)		2,127		2,127		—		—
	$	27,031	$	27,031	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap(5)	$	897	$	—	$	897	$	—

⁽¹⁾ Included in cash and cash equivalents.

⁽²⁾ Nonqualified deferred compensation plan investments consist of U.S. and international equity mutual funds, government and corporate bond mutual funds, and money market funds which are held in a trust with a third-party brokerage firm. Quoted market prices are used to determine fair values of the investments which are included in other long-term assets, with a corresponding liability reported in other long-term liabilities.

⁽³⁾ Fair value measured using quoted prices of identical assets in active markets.

⁽⁴⁾ Included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, based on when expected payouts become due. The estimated fair value of contingent consideration for an earn-out agreement related to the September 2016 acquisition of LDS was determined by assessing Level 3 inputs with a discounted cash flow approach using various probability-weighted scenarios. The Level 3 inputs include scenarios of estimated revenues and gross margins to be achieved for the applicable performance periods, probability weightings assigned to the performance scenarios, and the discount rate applied, which was 11.5% as of September 30, 2016. Subsequent changes to the fair value as a result of recurring assessments will be recognized in operating income.

⁽⁵⁾ Included in other long-term liabilities. The interest rate swap fair value was determined by discounting future cash flows and receipts based on expected interest rates observed in market interest rate curves adjusted for estimated credit valuation considerations reflecting nonperformance risk of the Company and the counterparty, which are considered to be in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company assessed Level 3 inputs as insignificant to the valuation at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and considers the interest rate swap valuation in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The following table provides the changes in fair value of the liabilities measured at fair value using inputs categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

	Contingent Consideration
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	—
Contingent consideration liability recorded at fair value for business acquisition		6,711
Change in fair value included in operating income		64
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	6,775

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GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

NOTE C – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill by reportable operating segment consisted of the following:

					ABF				ABF
	Total		Panther		Logistics		FleetNet		Moving
	(in thousands)
Balances at December 31, 2015	$	96,465	$	71,096	$	19,387	$	630	$	5,352
Goodwill acquired(1)		13,584		—		13,584		—		—
Purchase accounting adjustments		438		—		438		—		—
Balances September 30, 2016	$	110,487	$	71,096	$	33,409	$	630	$	5,352

⁽¹⁾ Goodwill related to the September 2, 2016 acquisition of LDS is based on preliminary information as of September 30, 2016.

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

		September 30, 2016						December 31, 2015
	Weighted-Average			Accumulated		Net				Accumulated		Net
	Amortization Period	Cost		Amortization		Value			Cost	Amortization		Value
	(in years)	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Finite-lived intangible assets
Customer relationships(1)	14	$	60,021	$	14,248	$	45,773	$	52,221	$	11,331	$	40,890
Driver network	3		3,200		3,200		—		3,200		3,200		—
Other	6		1,572		399		1,173		1,032		257		775
	13		64,793		17,847		46,946		56,453		14,788		41,665
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Trade name	N/A		32,300		N/A		32,300		32,300		N/A		32,300
Other	N/A		2,822		N/A		2,822		2,822		N/A		2,822
			35,122				35,122		35,122				35,122
Total intangible assets	N/A	$	99,915	$	17,847	$	82,068	$	91,575	$	14,788	$	76,787

⁽¹⁾ Customer relationships of $7.3 million related to the September 2, 2016 acquisition of LDS is based on preliminary information as of September 30, 2016.

Amortization expense on intangible assets totaled $1.1 million and $3.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and $0.9 million and $3.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, amortization expense on intangible assets (excluding acquired software which is reported within property, plant and equipment) is anticipated to range between $4.3 million and $4.9 million per year for the years ended December 31, 2016 through 2020.

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INCOME TAXES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

NOTE D – INCOME TAXES

The Company’s statutory federal tax rate is 35%. State tax rates vary among states and average approximately 6.0% to 6.5%, although some state rates are higher and a small number of states do not impose an income tax. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was 37.0% and 37.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was 40.2% and 39.5%, respectively.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate primarily results from state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, and changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance. The three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 were also impacted by the alternative fuel tax credit.

As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s deferred tax liabilities, which will reverse in future years, exceeded the deferred tax assets. The Company evaluated the total deferred tax assets at September 30, 2016 and concluded that, other than for certain deferred tax assets related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards, the assets did not exceed the amount for which realization is more likely than not. In making this determination, the Company considered the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, future taxable income, and tax planning strategies.

The Company paid state and foreign income taxes of $2.5 million and paid federal, state, and foreign income taxes of $17.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company received refunds of $10.8 million and $0.1 million of federal and state income taxes that were paid in prior years during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

NOTE E – LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Long-Term Debt Obligations

Long-term debt consisted of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility and accounts receivable securitization program, both of which are further described in Financing Arrangements within this Note, and notes payable and capital lease obligations related to the financing of revenue equipment (tractors and trailers used primarily in ABF Freight’s operations), real estate, and certain other equipment as follows:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Credit Facility (interest rate of 1.8%(1) at September 30, 2016)	$	70,000	$	70,000
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings (interest rate of 1.3% at September 30, 2016)		35,000		35,000
Notes payable (weighted-average interest rate of 2.1% at September 30, 2016)		131,882		106,703
Capital lease obligations (weighted-average interest rate of 5.8% at September 30, 2016)		732		806
		237,614		212,509
Less current portion		61,251		44,910
Long-term debt, less current portion	$	176,363	$	167,599

⁽¹⁾ The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.10% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2016.

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt obligations as of September 30, 2016 were as follows:

					Accounts
					Receivable
			Credit		Securitization		Notes		Capital Lease
	Total		Facility(1)		Program(1)		Payable		Obligations(2)
	(in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	65,493	$	1,514	$	532	$	63,177	$	270
Due after one year through two years		82,514		1,683		35,149		45,457		225
Due after two years through three years		21,005		1,768		—		19,007		230
Due after three years through four years		74,909		70,466		—		4,365		78
Due after four years through five years		3,632		—		—		3,632		—
Due after five years		24		—		—		24		—
Total payments		247,577		75,431		35,681		135,662		803
Less amounts representing interest		9,963		5,431		681		3,780		71
Long-term debt	$	237,614	$	70,000	$	35,000	$	131,882	$	732

⁽¹⁾ The future interest payments included in the scheduled maturities due are calculated using variable interest rates based on the LIBOR swap curve, plus the anticipated applicable margin.

⁽²⁾ Minimum payments of capital lease obligations include maximum amounts due under rental adjustment clauses contained in the capital lease agreements.

Assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases were included in property, plant and equipment as follows:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Revenue equipment	$	198,741	$	136,698
Land and structures (terminals)		1,794		1,794
Service, office, and other equipment		7		—
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases		200,542		138,492
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)		50,819		25,120
Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	$	149,723	$	113,372

⁽¹⁾ Amortization of assets under capital leases and depreciation of assets securing notes payable are included in depreciation expense.

Financing Arrangements

Credit Facility

On January 2, 2015, the Company and its lenders entered into an agreement to amend and restate its credit agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement refinanced a $70.0 million term loan, which was outstanding under the credit agreement at December 31, 2014, with a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility, which matures on January 2, 2020, has an initial maximum credit amount of $150.0 million, including a swing line facility and a letter of credit sub-facility providing for the issuance of letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $20.0 million. The Credit Facility allows the Company to request additional revolving commitments or incremental term loans thereunder up to an aggregate additional amount of $75.0 million, subject to certain additional conditions as provided in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Principal payments under the Credit Facility are due upon maturity; however, borrowings may be repaid, at the Company’s discretion, in whole or in part at any time, without penalty, subject to required notice periods and compliance with minimum prepayment amounts. Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement can either be, at the Company’s election: (i) at an alternate base rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a spread; or (ii) at a Eurodollar rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a spread. The applicable spread is dependent upon the Company’s adjusted leverage ratio (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains conditions, representations and warranties, events of default, and indemnification provisions that are customary for financings of this type, including, but not limited to, a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum adjusted leverage ratio, and limitations on incurrence of debt, investments, liens on assets, certain sale and leaseback transactions, transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, purchases and sales of assets, and certain restricted payments. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement at September 30, 2016.

Interest Rate Swap

In November 2014, in contemplation of the Credit Facility, the Company entered into a five-year forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount maturing on January 2, 2020. Effective January 2, 2015, the Company began receiving floating-rate interest amounts based on one-month LIBOR in exchange for fixed-rate interest payments of 1.85% over the life of the interest rate swap agreement. The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.10% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2016. The fair value of the interest rate swap of $1.6 million and $0.9 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. At September 30, 2016, the unrealized loss on the interest rate swap instrument was reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in stockholders’ equity, and the change in the unrealized loss on the interest rate swap for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was reported in other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The interest rate swap is subject to certain customary provisions that could allow the counterparty to request immediate payment of the fair value liability upon violation of any or all of the provisions. The Company was in compliance with all provisions of the interest rate swap agreement at September 30, 2016.

Accounts Receivable Securitization Program

On January 2, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to extend the maturity date of its accounts receivable securitization program until January 2, 2018. On February 1, 2015, the Company amended and restated the accounts receivable securitization program to increase the amount of cash proceeds provided under the facility from $75.0 million to $100.0 million, with an accordion feature allowing the Company to request additional borrowings up to $25.0 million, subject to certain conditions. Under this program, certain subsidiaries of the Company continuously sell a designated pool of trade accounts receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary which, in turn, may borrow funds on a revolving basis. This wholly owned consolidated subsidiary is a separate bankruptcy-remote entity, and its assets would be available only to satisfy the claims related to the lender’s interest in the trade accounts receivables. Borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization program bear interest based upon LIBOR, plus a margin, and an annual facility fee. The securitization agreement contains representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default that are customary for financings of this type, including a maximum adjusted leverage ratio covenant. As of September 30, 2016, $35.0 million was borrowed under the accounts receivable securitization program. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the accounts receivable securitization program as of September 30, 2016.

The accounts receivable securitization program includes a provision under which the Company may request and the letter of credit issuer may issue standby letters of credit, primarily in support of workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims liabilities in various states in which the Company is self-insured. The outstanding standby letters of credit reduce the availability of borrowings under the program. As of September 30, 2016, standby letters of credit of $18.3 million have been issued under the program, which reduced the available borrowing capacity to $46.7 million.

Letter of Credit Agreements and Surety Bond Programs

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had letters of credit outstanding of $19.8 million (including $18.3 million issued under the accounts receivable securitization program), of which $1.0 million were collateralized by restricted cash. The Company has programs in place with multiple surety companies for the issuance of surety bonds in support of its self-insurance program. As of September 30, 2016, surety bonds outstanding related to the self-insurance program totaled $56.3 million.

Notes Payable and Capital Leases

ABF Freight has financed the purchase of certain revenue equipment through promissory note arrangements, including $25.9 million and $61.7 million of revenue equipment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. ABF Logistics acquired assets held under capital lease arrangements for certain revenue equipment and other equipment totaling less than $0.1 million. The Company did not enter into any other capital lease agreements during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

ABF Freight financed the purchase of an additional $3.0 million of revenue equipment through promissory note arrangements as of November 1, 2016.

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

NOTE F – PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension, Supplemental Benefit, and Postretirement Health Benefit Plans

The following is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost:

	Three Months Ended September 30
	Nonunion Defined				Supplemental				Postretirement
	Benefit Pension Plan				Benefit Plan				Health Benefit Plan
	2016		2015		2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	107	$	101
Interest cost		1,057		1,356		32		31		254		228
Expected return on plan assets		(2,242)		(2,297)		—		—		—		—
Amortization of prior service credit		—		—		—		—		(47)		(47)
Pension settlement expense		803		762		—		—		—		—
Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)		1,106		640		38		40		177		213
Net periodic benefit cost	$	724	$	461	$	70	$	71	$	491	$	495

	Nine Months Ended September 30
	Nonunion Defined				Supplemental				Postretirement
	Benefit Pension Plan				Benefit Plan				Health Benefit Plan
	2016		2015		2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	321	$	304
Interest cost		3,520		3,899		97		92		763		685
Expected return on plan assets		(6,346)		(7,058)		—		—		—		—
Amortization of prior service credit		—		—		—		—		(142)		(142)
Pension settlement expense		2,267		2,478		—		—		—		—
Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)		3,123		2,276		114		120		529		639
Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,564	$	1,595	$	211	$	212	$	1,471	$	1,486

⁽¹⁾ The Company amortizes actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and does not use a corridor approach.

Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan

The Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan covers substantially all noncontractual employees hired before January 1, 2006. In June 2013, the Company amended the nonunion defined benefit pension plan to freeze the participants’ final average compensation and years of credited service as of July 1, 2013. The plan amendment did not impact the vested benefits of retirees or former employees whose benefits have not yet been paid from the plan. Effective July 1, 2013, participants of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan who were active employees of the Company became eligible for the discretionary defined contribution feature of the Company’s nonunion 401(k) and defined contribution plan in which all eligible noncontractual employees hired subsequent to December 31, 2005 also participate.

The Company recognized pension settlement expense as a component of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 of $0.8 million (pre-tax), or $0.5 million (after-tax), and $2.3 million (pre-tax), or $1.4 million (after-tax), respectively, related to lump-sum distributions which amounted to $4.3 million and $11.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Upon recognition of pension settlement expense, a corresponding reduction in the unrecognized net actuarial loss of the plan is recorded. The remaining pre-tax unrecognized net actuarial loss will continue to be amortized over the average remaining future years of service of the active plan participants. The Company will incur additional quarterly settlement expense related to lump-sum distributions from the nonunion defined benefit pension plan during the remainder of 2016. The Company recognized pension settlement expense as a component of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 of $0.8 million (pre-tax), or $0.5 million (after-tax), and $2.5 million (pre-tax), or $1.5 million (after-tax), respectively, related to the lump-sum distributions which amounted to $4.1 million and $16.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

The following table discloses the changes in the projected benefit obligation (the “PBO”) and plan assets of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:

	Nonunion Defined
	Benefit Pension Plan
	(in thousands)
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at December 31, 2015	$	159,607
Interest cost		3,520
Actuarial loss(1)		10,068
Benefits paid		(11,860)
Benefit obligations at September 30, 2016		161,335
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2015		136,917
Actual return on plan assets		9,637
Employer contributions		13,400
Benefits paid		(11,860)
Fair value of plan assets at September 30, 2016		148,094
Funded status at September 30, 2016(2)	$	(13,241)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	161,335

⁽¹⁾ Actuarial loss from remeasurement upon settlement was primarily impacted by the change in the discount rate since the previous remeasurement date. The discount rates used to remeasure the PBO upon settlement were 2.7%,  2.7%,  3.0%, and 3.5% at the September 30, 2016, June 30, 2016, March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015 measurement date, respectively.

⁽²⁾ Noncurrent liability recognized within pension and postretirement liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2016.

Based upon current actuarial information, the Company does not have a minimum cash contribution requirement to its nonunion defined benefit pension plan for 2016. However, the Company made a voluntary contribution to the plan during the second quarter of 2016. The contribution reduced the unfunded vested benefits of the plan and eliminated the variable-rate premiums which would have otherwise been due to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the “PBGC”). The contribution and the lower PBGC premiums resulted in a decrease in net periodic benefit cost for the second and third quarters and will result in a net periodic pension credit, before settlement expense, to be recorded for the fourth quarter of 2016.

The plan’s actuary has certified the adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) to be 107.8% as of the January 1, 2016 valuation date. The AFTAP is determined by measurements prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code, which differ from the funding measurements for financial statement reporting purposes.

Multiemployer Plans

ABF Freight contributes to multiemployer pension and health and welfare plans, which have been established pursuant to the Taft-Hartley Act, to provide benefits for its contractual employees. ABF Freight’s contributions generally are based on the time worked by its contractual employees, in accordance with the ABF NMFA and other related supplemental agreements. ABF Freight recognizes as expense the contractually required contributions for each period and recognizes as a liability any contributions due and unpaid.

The 25 multiemployer pension plans to which ABF Freight contributes vary greatly in size and in funded status. ABF Freight’s contribution obligations to these plans are specified in the ABF NMFA, which was implemented on November 3, 2013 and will remain in effect through March 31, 2018. The funding obligations to the pension plans are intended to satisfy the requirements imposed by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “PPA”), which was permanently extended by the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (the “Reform Act”) included in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015. Provisions of the Reform Act include, among others, providing qualifying plans the ability to self-correct funding issues, subject to various requirements and restrictions, including applying to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) for the reduction of certain accrued benefits. Any actions taken by trustees of multiemployer pension plans under the Reform Act to improve funding will not reduce benefit rates ABF Freight is obligated to pay under the ABF NMFA. Through the term of its current collective bargaining agreement, ABF Freight’s contribution obligations generally will be satisfied by making the specified contributions when due. However, the Company cannot determine with any certainty the contributions that will be required under future collective bargaining agreements for its contractual employees. If ABF Freight was to completely withdraw from certain multiemployer pension plans, under current law, the Company would have material liabilities for its share of the unfunded vested liabilities of each such plan.

Approximately one half of ABF Freight’s total contributions to multiemployer pension plans are made to the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan (the “Central States Pension Plan”). ABF Freight received an Actuarial Certification of Plan Status for the Central States Pension Plan dated March 30, 2016, in which the plan’s actuary certified that, as of January 1, 2016, the plan is in critical and declining status, as defined by the Reform Act, with the funded percentage projected to be 46.9% as of the January 1, 2016 valuation date. Critical and declining status is applicable to critical status plans that are projected to become insolvent anytime in the current plan year or during the next 14 plan years, or if the plan is projected to become insolvent within the next 19 plan years and either the plan’s ratio of inactive participants to active participants exceeds two to one or the plan’s funded percentage is less than 80%.

In September 2015, the Central States Pension Plan filed an application with the Treasury seeking approval under the Reform Act for a pension rescue plan, which included benefit reductions for participants of the Central States Pension Plan in an attempt to avoid the insolvency of the plan that otherwise is projected by the plan to occur. In May 2016, the Treasury denied the Central States Pension Plan’s proposed rescue plan. The trustees of the Central States Pension Plan subsequently announced that a new rescue plan would not be submitted and stated that it is not possible to develop and implement a new rescue plan that complies with the final Reform Act regulations issued by the Treasury on April 26, 2016. Although the future of the Central States Pension Plan is impacted by a number of factors, without legislative action, the plan is currently projected to become insolvent within 10 years or less. ABF Freight’s current collective bargaining agreement with the IBT provides for contributions to the Central States Pension Plan through March 31, 2018, and it is ABF Freight’s understanding that its contribution rate is not expected to increase during this period. ABF Freight’s contribution rates are made in accordance with its collective bargaining agreements with the IBT and other related supplemental agreements. In consideration of high multiemployer contribution rates, several of the plans in addition to the Central States Pension Plan have frozen contribution rates at current levels under ABF Freight’s current collective bargaining agreement. Future contribution rates will be determined through the negotiation process for contract periods following the term of the current collective bargaining agreement. ABF Freight pays some of the highest benefit contribution rates in the industry and continues to address the effect of ABF Freight’s wage and benefit cost structure on its operating results in discussions with the IBT.

As previously disclosed in the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K, ABF Freight received a Notice of Insolvency from the Road Carriers Local 707 Pension Fund (the “707 Pension Fund”) for the plan year beginning February 1, 2016. During the second quarter of 2016, the 707 Pension Fund received notice that the Treasury denied its proposal to reduce participant benefits in an effort to remain solvent. Approximately 1% of ABF Freight’s total multiemployer pension contributions are made to the 707 Pension Fund. Based on currently available information, it is the Company’s understanding that if the 707 Pension Fund becomes insolvent, ABF Freight’s benefit contribution rates under the ABF NMFA will be frozen and ABF Freight will be required to continue making contributions at the frozen rate throughout and after the current ABF NMFA contract period, which extends to March 31, 2018; however, there can be no assurance in this regard.

The multiemployer plan administrators have provided to the Company no other significant changes in information related to multiemployer plans from the information disclosed in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

NOTE G – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Pre-tax amounts:
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs	$	(36,118)	$	(35,231)
Interest rate swap		(1,605)		(897)
Foreign currency translation		(2,192)		(2,379)
Total	$	(39,915)	$	(38,507)
After-tax amounts:
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs	$	(26,039)	$	(25,497)
Interest rate swap		(975)		(545)
Foreign currency translation		(1,425)		(1,454)
Total	$	(28,439)	$	(27,496)

The following is a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

			Unrecognized			Interest	Foreign
			Net Periodic			Rate	Currency
	Total		Benefit Costs			Swap	Translation
	(in thousands)
Balances at December 31, 2015	$	(27,496)	$	(25,497)	$	(545)	$	(1,454)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(4,542)		(4,141)		(430)		29
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		3,599		3,599		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(943)		(542)		(430)		29
Balances at September 30, 2016	$	(28,439)	$	(26,039)	$	(975)	$	(1,425)
Balances at December 31, 2014	$	(23,479)	$	(22,387)	$	(350)	$	(742)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(7,387)		(6,232)		(603)		(552)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		3,281		3,281		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(4,106)		(2,951)		(603)		(552)
Balances at September 30, 2015	$	(27,585)	$	(25,338)	$	(953)	$	(1,294)

The following is a summary of the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:

	Unrecognized Net Periodic
	Benefit Costs(1)(2)
	Nine Months Ended September 30
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	$	(3,766)	$	(3,035)
Amortization of prior service credit		142		142
Pension settlement expense		(2,267)		(2,478)
Total, pre-tax		(5,891)		(5,371)
Tax benefit		2,292		2,090
Total, net of tax	$	(3,599)	$	(3,281)

⁽¹⁾ Amounts in parentheses indicate increases in expense or loss.

⁽²⁾ These components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note F).

Dividends on Common Stock

The following table is a summary of dividends declared during the applicable quarter:

	2016				2015
	Per Share		Amount		Per Share		Amount
	(in thousands, except per share data)
First quarter	$	0.08	$	2,088	$	0.06	$	1,584
Second quarter	$	0.08	$	2,087	$	0.06	$	1,578
Third quarter	$	0.08	$	2,074	$	0.06	$	1,578

On November 1, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share to stockholders of record as of November 15, 2016, payable on November 29, 2016.

Treasury Stock

The Company has a program to repurchase its common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The program has no expiration date but may be terminated at any time at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Repurchases may be made using the Company’s cash reserves or other available sources. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $47.2 million remaining under the program for repurchases of its common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased 419,692 shares for an aggregate cost of $7.6 million, leaving $39.6 million available for repurchase of common stock under the program.

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

NOTE H – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Awards

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding restricted stock units granted under the 2005 Ownership Incentive Plan (“the 2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan, as amended, provides for the granting of 3.1 million shares, which may be awarded as incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, or restricted stock units (“RSUs”).

Restricted Stock Units

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit award program is presented below:

	Units
Outstanding – January 1, 2016	1,313,550
Granted	529,240
Vested	(256,780)
Forfeited	(26,563)
Outstanding – September 30, 2016	1,559,447

The RSUs granted during the period had a weighted-average grant date fair value of $15.74 per share.

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EARNINGS PER SHARE

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE

NOTE I – EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Basic
Numerator:
Net income	$	12,940	$	19,154	$	17,068	$	39,866
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards		(89)		(175)		(132)		(418)
Adjusted net income	$	12,851	$	18,979	$	16,936	$	39,448
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares		25,724,550		26,009,344		25,779,166		26,033,467
Earnings per common share	$	0.50	$	0.73	$	0.66	$	1.52
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income	$	12,940	$	19,154	$	17,068	$	39,866
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards		(87)		(172)		(131)		(410)
Adjusted net income	$	12,853	$	18,982	$	16,937	$	39,456
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares		25,724,550		26,009,344		25,779,166		26,033,467
Effect of dilutive securities		486,974		499,138		484,566		536,333
Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		26,211,524		26,508,482		26,263,732		26,569,800
Earnings per common share	$	0.49	$	0.72	$	0.64	$	1.48

Under the two-class method of calculating earnings per share, dividends paid and a portion of undistributed net income, but not losses, are allocated to unvested RSUs that receive dividends, which are considered participating securities. Beginning with 2015 grants, the RSU agreements were modified to remove dividend rights; therefore, the RSUs granted in 2015 and 2016 are not participating securities. Outstanding stock awards of 0.3 million and 0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and outstanding stock awards of 0.4 million and 0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have the effect of increasing earnings per share.

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OPERATING SEGMENT DATA

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA

NOTE J – OPERATING SEGMENT DATA

The Company uses the “management approach” to determine its reportable operating segments, as well as to determine the basis of reporting the operating segment information. The management approach focuses on financial information that the Company’s management uses to make operating decisions. Management uses revenues, operating expense categories, operating ratios, operating income, and key operating statistics to evaluate performance and allocate resources to the Company’s operations.

The Company’s reportable operating segments are impacted by seasonal fluctuations, as described below; therefore, operating results for the interim periods presented may not necessarily be indicative of the results for the fiscal year.

The Company’s reportable operating segments are as follows:

· Freight Transportation (ABF Freight), the Company’s principal operating segment, includes the results of operations of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries. The operations of ABF Freight include national, inter-regional, and regional transportation of general commodities through standard, expedited, and guaranteed LTL services. Revenue and expense for freight transportation related to consumer household goods self-move services provided by ABF Freight are reported in the ABF Freight segment and certain support costs related to these services are allocated to ABF Freight from the ABF Moving segment.

ABF Freight is impacted by seasonal fluctuations which affect tonnage, shipment levels, and demand for its services, and, consequently, revenues and operating results of the segment. Freight shipments and operating costs of ABF Freight are adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. The second and third calendar quarters of each year usually have the highest tonnage levels while the first quarter generally has the lowest, although other factors, including the state of the U.S. and global economies, may influence quarterly freight tonnage levels.

· Premium Logistics (Panther) provides expedited freight transportation services to commercial and government customers and offers premium logistics services that involve the rapid deployment of highly specialized equipment to meet extremely specific linehaul requirements, such as temperature control, hazardous materials, geofencing, specialized government cargo, security services, and life sciences. Through its premium logistics and global freight forwarding businesses, Panther offers domestic and international freight transportation with air, ocean, and ground service offerings. The segment provides services to the ABF Freight and ABF Logistics segments.

Panther’s operations are influenced by seasonal fluctuations that impact customers’ supply chains and the resulting demand for expedited services. Expedited shipments may decline during winter months because of post-holiday slowdowns but can be subject to short-term increases, depending on the impact of weather disruptions to customers’ supply chains. Plant shutdowns during summer months may affect shipments for Panther’s automotive and manufacturing customers, but severe weather events can result in higher demand for expedited services.

· Transportation Management (ABF Logistics) includes the results of operations of the Company’s businesses which provide freight brokerage and intermodal transportation services, worldwide ocean shipping solutions, and transportation and warehouse management services.

The industries and markets served by ABF Logistics are impacted by seasonal fluctuations which affect shipment levels and, consequently, revenues and operating results of the segment. The second and third calendar quarters of each year usually have the highest shipment levels while the first quarter generally has the lowest, although other factors, including the state of the U.S. and global economies, may impact quarterly business levels. However, seasonal fluctuations are less apparent in the operating results of ABF Logistics than in the industry as a whole because of business growth in the segment, including acquisitions.

· Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet) includes the results of operations of FleetNet America, Inc., the subsidiary of the Company that provides roadside assistance and maintenance-related services for commercial vehicles through a network of third-party service providers. FleetNet provides services to the ABF Freight and Panther segments.

Emergency roadside service events of the FleetNet segment are favorably impacted by adverse weather conditions that affect commercial vehicle operations and the segment’s results of operations will be influenced by seasonal variations in service event volume.

· Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving) includes the results of operations of the Company’s subsidiaries that provide transportation, warehousing, and delivery services to the consumer, corporate, and military household goods moving markets. ABF Freight provides transportation services to ABF Moving. Certain costs incurred by ABF Moving in support of consumer self-move services provided by ABF Freight are allocated to the ABF Freight segment.

Operating results for ABF Moving are impacted by the state of the national economy, including housing, unemployment, and mobility of U.S. residents, as well as decisions made by the U.S. military which affect personnel moves. Operations of the segment are also impacted by seasonal fluctuations, generally resulting in higher business levels in the second and third quarters as the demand for moving services is typically stronger in the summer months.

The Company’s other business activities and operating segments that are not reportable include ArcBest Corporation and certain other subsidiaries. Certain costs incurred by the parent holding company are allocated to the reporting segments. The Company eliminates intercompany transactions in consolidation. However, the information used by the Company’s management with respect to its reportable segments is before intersegment eliminations of revenues and expenses.

Further classifications of operations or revenues by geographic location are impracticable and, therefore, are not provided. The Company’s foreign operations are not significant.

The following tables reflect reportable operating segment information:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
REVENUES
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)	$	509,452	$	511,346	$	1,435,691	$	1,456,924
Premium Logistics (Panther)		75,365		73,583		211,148		229,146
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)(1)		72,442		49,270		207,344		147,061
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		39,073		45,181		124,417		129,685
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		31,040		43,076		74,926		93,870
Other and eliminations		(13,449)		(13,076)		(41,521)		(37,915)
Total consolidated revenues	$	713,923	$	709,380	$	2,012,005	$	2,018,771
OPERATING EXPENSES
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)
Salaries, wages, and benefits	$	312,458	$	304,865	$	912,758	$	884,875
Fuel, supplies, and expenses		71,774		77,708		210,742		236,381
Operating taxes and licenses		12,312		12,444		36,446		36,762
Insurance		8,487		8,288		22,613		20,340
Communications and utilities		4,608		3,808		13,259		11,559
Depreciation and amortization		20,753		18,841		62,056		54,528
Rents and purchased transportation		58,350		56,920		145,846		151,144
Gain on sale of property and equipment		(81)		(565)		(2,450)		(1,403)
Pension settlement expense(1)		604		572		1,705		1,860
Other		2,137		1,888		6,293		6,167
Total Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)		491,402		484,769		1,409,268		1,402,213
Premium Logistics (Panther)
Purchased transportation		54,586		54,015		155,444		168,569
Depreciation and amortization		2,860		2,773		8,565		8,636
Salaries, benefits, insurance, and other		13,946		14,062		41,808		43,174
Total Premium Logistics (Panther)		71,392		70,850		205,817		220,379
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)(1)		72,032		47,478		205,772		142,686
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		38,952		44,225		122,716		126,542
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		29,054		40,048		72,819		89,207
Other and eliminations(2)		(9,279)		(11,428)		(32,146)		(30,439)
Total consolidated operating expenses(2)	$	693,553	$	675,942	$	1,984,246	$	1,950,588

⁽¹⁾ The 2016 periods include the operations of LDS since the September 2, 2016 acquisition date and the operations of Bear, which was acquired in December 2015.

⁽²⁾ Pre-tax pension settlement expense totaled $0.8 million on a consolidated basis for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, of which $0.6 million was reported by ABF Freight, $0.2 million was reported in Other and eliminations, and less than $0.1 million was reported by the asset-light logistics operating segments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, pre-tax pension settlement expense totaled $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively, of which $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, was reported by ABF Freight, $0.5 million was reported in Other and eliminations, and $0.1 million was reported by the asset-light logistics operating segments.

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
OPERATING INCOME
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)	$	18,050	$	26,577	$	26,423	$	54,711
Premium Logistics (Panther)		3,973		2,733		5,331		8,767
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)(1)		410		1,792		1,572		4,375
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		121		956		1,701		3,143
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		1,986		3,028		2,107		4,663
Other and eliminations		(4,170)		(1,648)		(9,375)		(7,476)
Total consolidated operating income	$	20,370	$	33,438	$	27,759	$	68,183
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income	$	390	$	378	$	1,178	$	882
Interest and other related financing costs		(1,296)		(1,157)		(3,774)		(3,183)
Other, net(2)		1,091		(613)		2,028		(15)
Total other costs		185		(1,392)		(568)		(2,316)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$	20,555	$	32,046	$	27,191	$	65,867

⁽¹⁾ The 2016 periods include the operations of LDS since the September 2, 2016 acquisition date and the operations of Bear, which was acquired in December 2015.

⁽²⁾ Includes changes in cash surrender value of life insurance policies.

The following table presents operating expenses by category on a consolidated basis:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits	$	345,091	$	334,144	$	1,009,654	$	973,570
Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services		218,906		209,744		601,345		588,329
Fuel, supplies, and expenses		69,508		77,067		204,134		231,097
Depreciation and amortization(1)		25,793		23,373		76,692		68,221
Other		34,255		31,614		92,421		89,371
	$	693,553	$	675,942	$	1,984,246	$	1,950,588

⁽¹⁾ Includes amortization of intangible assets.

The following table provides asset information by reportable segment:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
ASSETS
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)	$	763,385	$	694,059
Premium Logistics (Panther)		215,659		216,075
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)		113,079		75,023
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		23,563		21,958
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		26,988		28,547
Other and eliminations(1)		178,194		227,247
	$	1,320,868	$	1,262,909

⁽¹⁾ Other and eliminations includes certain assets held by the parent holding company for strategic reasons, including unrestricted and restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, as well as certain assets held for the benefit of multiple segments, including land and structures of the Company’s corporate headquarters and information systems equipment. Depreciation and amortization associated with these assets is allocated to the reporting segments.

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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS

NOTE K – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS

The Company is involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains liability insurance against certain risks arising out of the normal course of its business, subject to certain self-insured retention limits. The Company routinely establishes and reviews the adequacy of reserves for estimated legal, environmental, and self-insurance exposures. While management believes that amounts accrued in the consolidated financial statements are adequate, estimates of these liabilities may change as circumstances develop. Considering amounts recorded, routine legal matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Environmental Matters

The Company’s subsidiaries store fuel for use in tractors and trucks in 62 underground tanks located in 18 states. Maintenance of such tanks is regulated at the federal and, in most cases, state levels. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with all such regulations. The Company’s underground storage tanks are required to have leak detection systems. The Company is not aware of any leaks from such tanks that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company has received notices from the Environmental Protection Agency and others that it has been identified as a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, or other federal or state environmental statutes, at several hazardous waste sites. After investigating the Company’s involvement in waste disposal or waste generation at such sites, the Company has either agreed to de minimis settlements or determined that its obligations, other than those specifically accrued with respect to such sites, would involve immaterial monetary liability, although there can be no assurances in this regard.

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s reserve, which was reported in accrued expenses, for estimated environmental cleanup costs of properties currently or previously operated by the Company totaled $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Amounts accrued reflect management’s best estimate of the future undiscounted exposure related to identified properties based on current environmental regulations, management’s experience with similar environmental matters, and testing performed at certain sites.

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

NOTE L – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On November 3, 2016, the Company announced its plan to implement a new corporate structure to better serve its customers. The new corporate structure will unify the Company’s sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, and capacity sourcing functions. ABF Logistics, ABF Moving, and Panther will be consolidated as a single asset-light logistics operation under ArcBest.  Based on the financial information that management is anticipated to use to make operating decisions and allocate resources, the Company expects to report the following operating segments for the fourth quarter of 2016: Asset-Based Operations, which consists of ABF Freight; the ArcBest segment; the FleetNet segment; and Other and eliminations.  The ArcBest and FleetNet reportable segments combined will represent the company’s Asset-Light Operations.

As a result of the restructuring, the Company expects to record restructuring charges in operating expenses, the majority of which are non-cash, for impairment of software, contract and lease terminations, severance, and relocation expenses totaling approximately $9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and an estimated $1 million in the first quarter of 2017.

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ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

Contingent Consideration

Contingent Consideration: The Company records the estimated fair value of contingent consideration at the acquisition date as part of the purchase price consideration for an acquisition. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability was determined by assessing Level 3 inputs with a discounted cash flow approach using various probability-weighted scenarios. As of September 30, 2016, the fair value of the outstanding contingent consideration of $6.8 million related to the acquisition of LDS was recorded in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, based on when expected payouts become due, and the $8.0 million held in escrow for the contingent consideration at the acquisition date was recorded in other long-term assets. The liability for contingent consideration is remeasured at each quarterly reporting period and any change in fair value as a result of the recurring assessments is recognized in operating income.

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) which amended Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 835, Interest – Imputation of Interest, and addresses the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet. The Company’s debt issuance costs related to its revolving credit agreements continue to be presented as an asset, as permitted, and amortized over the term of the agreements within interest expense. The new guidance did not result in retrospective adjustments to the consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

During first quarter 2016, the Company adopted amended ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, issued by the FASB. The amendment eliminated the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively and instead recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustments, including the effect on earnings of any amounts it would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendment was prospectively adopted and did not result in significant adjustments to financial statements or disclosure presentation.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

ASC Topic 740 was amended with the addition of Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017. The update will result in all deferred tax assets and liabilities being classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheets.

An amendment to ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, was issued to simplify the accounting for share-based compensation, which will require the income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the statement of operations when awards vest or are settled and will allow employers to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact this update will have on the consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

ASC Topic 606, which amends the guidance in former ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and contains principles to apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company is evaluating the impact of the new standard on the consolidated financial statements.

An amendment to ASC Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, which provides classification guidance for certain cash payments and receipts presented in the statement of cash flows, is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. The Company is currently assessing the impact this update will have on the consolidated financial statements.

ASC Topic 842, Leases, which is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, will require leases with a term greater than twelve months to be reflected as liabilities with associated right-of-use assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company is evaluating the impact of the new standard on the consolidated financial statements.

An amendment to ASC Topic 326, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020. The Company is currently assessing the impact this update will have on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures.

Management believes that there is no other new accounting guidance issued but not yet effective that is relevant to the Company’s current financial statements. However, there are new proposals under development by the standard setting bodies which, if and when enacted, may have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures, including changes in disclosure requirements for income taxes and defined benefit plans.

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Schedule of financial instruments and the methods and assumptions used in estimating fair value disclosures

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash deposits(1)	$	102,598	$	110,279
Variable rate demand notes(1)(2)		19,994		29,790
Money market funds(3)		7,803		24,904
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	130,395	$	164,973
Short-term investments
Certificates of deposit(1)	$	59,346	$	61,597
Restricted cash(4)
Cash deposits(1)	$	962	$	1,384

⁽¹⁾ Recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.

⁽²⁾ Amounts may be redeemed on a daily basis with the original issuer.

⁽³⁾ Recorded at fair value as determined by quoted market prices (see amounts presented in the table of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value within this Note).

⁽⁴⁾ Amounts restricted for use are subject to change based on the requirements of the Company’s collateralized facilities (see Note E).

Schedule of fair value and carrying value disclosures of financial instruments

	September 30				December 31
	2016				2015
	(in thousands)
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
Credit Facility(1)	$	70,000	$	70,000	$	70,000	$	70,000
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings(2)		35,000		35,000		35,000		35,000
Notes payable(3)		131,882		131,822		106,703		106,495
	$	236,882	$	236,822	$	211,703	$	211,495

⁽¹⁾ The revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) under the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement carries a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin. The Credit Facility is considered to be priced at market for debt instruments having similar terms and collateral requirements (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

⁽²⁾ Borrowings under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization program carry a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin. The borrowings are considered to be priced at market for debt instruments having similar terms and collateral requirements (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

⁽³⁾ Fair value of the notes payable was determined using a present value income approach based on quoted interest rates from lending institutions with which the Company would enter into similar transactions (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

Schedule of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

	September 30, 2016
			Fair Value Measurements Using
			Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
			In Active		Observable		Unobservable
			Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Money market funds(1)(3)	$	7,803	$	7,803	$	—	$	—
Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)(3)		2,072		2,072		—		—
	$	9,875	$	9,875	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration(4)	$	6,775	$	—	$	—	$	6,775
Interest rate swap(5)		1,605		—		1,605		—
	$	8,380	$	—	$	1,605	$	6,775

	December 31, 2015
			Fair Value Measurements Using
			Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
			In Active		Observable		Unobservable
			Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Money market funds(1)(3)	$	24,904	$	24,904	$	—	$	—
Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)(3)		2,127		2,127		—		—
	$	27,031	$	27,031	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap(5)	$	897	$	—	$	897	$	—

⁽¹⁾ Included in cash and cash equivalents.

⁽²⁾ Nonqualified deferred compensation plan investments consist of U.S. and international equity mutual funds, government and corporate bond mutual funds, and money market funds which are held in a trust with a third-party brokerage firm. Quoted market prices are used to determine fair values of the investments which are included in other long-term assets, with a corresponding liability reported in other long-term liabilities.

⁽³⁾ Fair value measured using quoted prices of identical assets in active markets.

⁽⁴⁾ Included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, based on when expected payouts become due. The estimated fair value of contingent consideration for an earn-out agreement related to the September 2016 acquisition of LDS was determined by assessing Level 3 inputs with a discounted cash flow approach using various probability-weighted scenarios. The Level 3 inputs include scenarios of estimated revenues and gross margins to be achieved for the applicable performance periods, probability weightings assigned to the performance scenarios, and the discount rate applied, which was 11.5% as of September 30, 2016. Subsequent changes to the fair value as a result of recurring assessments will be recognized in operating income.

⁽⁵⁾ Included in other long-term liabilities. The interest rate swap fair value was determined by discounting future cash flows and receipts based on expected interest rates observed in market interest rate curves adjusted for estimated credit valuation considerations reflecting nonperformance risk of the Company and the counterparty, which are considered to be in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company assessed Level 3 inputs as insignificant to the valuation at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and considers the interest rate swap valuation in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Schedule of changes in fair value of the liabilities

	Contingent Consideration
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	—
Contingent consideration liability recorded at fair value for business acquisition		6,711
Change in fair value included in operating income		64
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	6,775

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GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Schedule of goodwill by reportable operating segment

					ABF				ABF
	Total		Panther		Logistics		FleetNet		Moving
	(in thousands)
Balances at December 31, 2015	$	96,465	$	71,096	$	19,387	$	630	$	5,352
Goodwill acquired(1)		13,584		—		13,584		—		—
Purchase accounting adjustments		438		—		438		—		—
Balances September 30, 2016	$	110,487	$	71,096	$	33,409	$	630	$	5,352

⁽¹⁾ Goodwill related to the September 2, 2016 acquisition of LDS is based on preliminary information as of September 30, 2016.

Schedule of intangible assets

		September 30, 2016						December 31, 2015
	Weighted-Average			Accumulated		Net				Accumulated		Net
	Amortization Period	Cost		Amortization		Value			Cost	Amortization		Value
	(in years)	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Finite-lived intangible assets
Customer relationships(1)	14	$	60,021	$	14,248	$	45,773	$	52,221	$	11,331	$	40,890
Driver network	3		3,200		3,200		—		3,200		3,200		—
Other	6		1,572		399		1,173		1,032		257		775
	13		64,793		17,847		46,946		56,453		14,788		41,665
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Trade name	N/A		32,300		N/A		32,300		32,300		N/A		32,300
Other	N/A		2,822		N/A		2,822		2,822		N/A		2,822
			35,122				35,122		35,122				35,122
Total intangible assets	N/A	$	99,915	$	17,847	$	82,068	$	91,575	$	14,788	$	76,787

⁽¹⁾ Customer relationships of $7.3 million related to the September 2, 2016 acquisition of LDS is based on preliminary information as of September 30, 2016.

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LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Schedule of long-term debt

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Credit Facility (interest rate of 1.8%(1) at September 30, 2016)	$	70,000	$	70,000
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings (interest rate of 1.3% at September 30, 2016)		35,000		35,000
Notes payable (weighted-average interest rate of 2.1% at September 30, 2016)		131,882		106,703
Capital lease obligations (weighted-average interest rate of 5.8% at September 30, 2016)		732		806
		237,614		212,509
Less current portion		61,251		44,910
Long-term debt, less current portion	$	176,363	$	167,599

⁽¹⁾ The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.10% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2016.

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt obligations

					Accounts
					Receivable
			Credit		Securitization		Notes		Capital Lease
	Total		Facility(1)		Program(1)		Payable		Obligations(2)
	(in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	65,493	$	1,514	$	532	$	63,177	$	270
Due after one year through two years		82,514		1,683		35,149		45,457		225
Due after two years through three years		21,005		1,768		—		19,007		230
Due after three years through four years		74,909		70,466		—		4,365		78
Due after four years through five years		3,632		—		—		3,632		—
Due after five years		24		—		—		24		—
Total payments		247,577		75,431		35,681		135,662		803
Less amounts representing interest		9,963		5,431		681		3,780		71
Long-term debt	$	237,614	$	70,000	$	35,000	$	131,882	$	732

⁽¹⁾ The future interest payments included in the scheduled maturities due are calculated using variable interest rates based on the LIBOR swap curve, plus the anticipated applicable margin.

⁽²⁾ Minimum payments of capital lease obligations include maximum amounts due under rental adjustment clauses contained in the capital lease agreements.

Schedule of assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Revenue equipment	$	198,741	$	136,698
Land and structures (terminals)		1,794		1,794
Service, office, and other equipment		7		—
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases		200,542		138,492
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)		50,819		25,120
Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	$	149,723	$	113,372

⁽¹⁾ Amortization of assets under capital leases and depreciation of assets securing notes payable are included in depreciation expense.

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost

	Three Months Ended September 30
	Nonunion Defined				Supplemental				Postretirement
	Benefit Pension Plan				Benefit Plan				Health Benefit Plan
	2016		2015		2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	107	$	101
Interest cost		1,057		1,356		32		31		254		228
Expected return on plan assets		(2,242)		(2,297)		—		—		—		—
Amortization of prior service credit		—		—		—		—		(47)		(47)
Pension settlement expense		803		762		—		—		—		—
Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)		1,106		640		38		40		177		213
Net periodic benefit cost	$	724	$	461	$	70	$	71	$	491	$	495

	Nine Months Ended September 30
	Nonunion Defined				Supplemental				Postretirement
	Benefit Pension Plan				Benefit Plan				Health Benefit Plan
	2016		2015		2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	321	$	304
Interest cost		3,520		3,899		97		92		763		685
Expected return on plan assets		(6,346)		(7,058)		—		—		—		—
Amortization of prior service credit		—		—		—		—		(142)		(142)
Pension settlement expense		2,267		2,478		—		—		—		—
Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)		3,123		2,276		114		120		529		639
Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,564	$	1,595	$	211	$	212	$	1,471	$	1,486

⁽¹⁾ The Company amortizes actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and does not use a corridor approach.

Schedule of changes in the projected benefit obligation and plan assets of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan

	Nonunion Defined
	Benefit Pension Plan
	(in thousands)
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at December 31, 2015	$	159,607
Interest cost		3,520
Actuarial loss(1)		10,068
Benefits paid		(11,860)
Benefit obligations at September 30, 2016		161,335
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2015		136,917
Actual return on plan assets		9,637
Employer contributions		13,400
Benefits paid		(11,860)
Fair value of plan assets at September 30, 2016		148,094
Funded status at September 30, 2016(2)	$	(13,241)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	161,335

⁽¹⁾ Actuarial loss from remeasurement upon settlement was primarily impacted by the change in the discount rate since the previous remeasurement date. The discount rates used to remeasure the PBO upon settlement were 2.7%,  2.7%,  3.0%, and 3.5% at the September 30, 2016, June 30, 2016, March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015 measurement date, respectively.

⁽²⁾ Noncurrent liability recognized within pension and postretirement liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2016.

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Pre-tax amounts:
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs	$	(36,118)	$	(35,231)
Interest rate swap		(1,605)		(897)
Foreign currency translation		(2,192)		(2,379)
Total	$	(39,915)	$	(38,507)
After-tax amounts:
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs	$	(26,039)	$	(25,497)
Interest rate swap		(975)		(545)
Foreign currency translation		(1,425)		(1,454)
Total	$	(28,439)	$	(27,496)

Summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component

			Unrecognized			Interest	Foreign
			Net Periodic			Rate	Currency
	Total		Benefit Costs			Swap	Translation
	(in thousands)
Balances at December 31, 2015	$	(27,496)	$	(25,497)	$	(545)	$	(1,454)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(4,542)		(4,141)		(430)		29
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		3,599		3,599		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		(943)		(542)		(430)		29
Balances at September 30, 2016	$	(28,439)	$	(26,039)	$	(975)	$	(1,425)
Balances at December 31, 2014	$	(23,479)	$	(22,387)	$	(350)	$	(742)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(7,387)		(6,232)		(603)		(552)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		3,281		3,281		—		—
Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(4,106)		(2,951)		(603)		(552)
Balances at September 30, 2015	$	(27,585)	$	(25,338)	$	(953)	$	(1,294)

Summary of the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component

	Unrecognized Net Periodic
	Benefit Costs(1)(2)
	Nine Months Ended September 30
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	$	(3,766)	$	(3,035)
Amortization of prior service credit		142		142
Pension settlement expense		(2,267)		(2,478)
Total, pre-tax		(5,891)		(5,371)
Tax benefit		2,292		2,090
Total, net of tax	$	(3,599)	$	(3,281)

⁽¹⁾ Amounts in parentheses indicate increases in expense or loss.

⁽²⁾ These components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note F).

Summary of dividends declared

	2016				2015
	Per Share		Amount		Per Share		Amount
	(in thousands, except per share data)
First quarter	$	0.08	$	2,088	$	0.06	$	1,584
Second quarter	$	0.08	$	2,087	$	0.06	$	1,578
Third quarter	$	0.08	$	2,074	$	0.06	$	1,578

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Summary of the Company's restricted stock unit award program

	Units
Outstanding – January 1, 2016	1,313,550
Granted	529,240
Vested	(256,780)
Forfeited	(26,563)
Outstanding – September 30, 2016	1,559,447

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Schedule of computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Basic
Numerator:
Net income	$	12,940	$	19,154	$	17,068	$	39,866
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards		(89)		(175)		(132)		(418)
Adjusted net income	$	12,851	$	18,979	$	16,936	$	39,448
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares		25,724,550		26,009,344		25,779,166		26,033,467
Earnings per common share	$	0.50	$	0.73	$	0.66	$	1.52
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income	$	12,940	$	19,154	$	17,068	$	39,866
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards		(87)		(172)		(131)		(410)
Adjusted net income	$	12,853	$	18,982	$	16,937	$	39,456
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares		25,724,550		26,009,344		25,779,166		26,033,467
Effect of dilutive securities		486,974		499,138		484,566		536,333
Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		26,211,524		26,508,482		26,263,732		26,569,800
Earnings per common share	$	0.49	$	0.72	$	0.64	$	1.48

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OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA

Schedule of reportable operating segment information

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
REVENUES
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)	$	509,452	$	511,346	$	1,435,691	$	1,456,924
Premium Logistics (Panther)		75,365		73,583		211,148		229,146
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)(1)		72,442		49,270		207,344		147,061
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		39,073		45,181		124,417		129,685
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		31,040		43,076		74,926		93,870
Other and eliminations		(13,449)		(13,076)		(41,521)		(37,915)
Total consolidated revenues	$	713,923	$	709,380	$	2,012,005	$	2,018,771
OPERATING EXPENSES
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)
Salaries, wages, and benefits	$	312,458	$	304,865	$	912,758	$	884,875
Fuel, supplies, and expenses		71,774		77,708		210,742		236,381
Operating taxes and licenses		12,312		12,444		36,446		36,762
Insurance		8,487		8,288		22,613		20,340
Communications and utilities		4,608		3,808		13,259		11,559
Depreciation and amortization		20,753		18,841		62,056		54,528
Rents and purchased transportation		58,350		56,920		145,846		151,144
Gain on sale of property and equipment		(81)		(565)		(2,450)		(1,403)
Pension settlement expense(1)		604		572		1,705		1,860
Other		2,137		1,888		6,293		6,167
Total Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)		491,402		484,769		1,409,268		1,402,213
Premium Logistics (Panther)
Purchased transportation		54,586		54,015		155,444		168,569
Depreciation and amortization		2,860		2,773		8,565		8,636
Salaries, benefits, insurance, and other		13,946		14,062		41,808		43,174
Total Premium Logistics (Panther)		71,392		70,850		205,817		220,379
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)(1)		72,032		47,478		205,772		142,686
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		38,952		44,225		122,716		126,542
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		29,054		40,048		72,819		89,207
Other and eliminations(2)		(9,279)		(11,428)		(32,146)		(30,439)
Total consolidated operating expenses(2)	$	693,553	$	675,942	$	1,984,246	$	1,950,588

⁽¹⁾ The 2016 periods include the operations of LDS since the September 2, 2016 acquisition date and the operations of Bear, which was acquired in December 2015.

⁽²⁾ Pre-tax pension settlement expense totaled $0.8 million on a consolidated basis for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, of which $0.6 million was reported by ABF Freight, $0.2 million was reported in Other and eliminations, and less than $0.1 million was reported by the asset-light logistics operating segments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, pre-tax pension settlement expense totaled $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively, of which $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, was reported by ABF Freight, $0.5 million was reported in Other and eliminations, and $0.1 million was reported by the asset-light logistics operating segments.

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
OPERATING INCOME
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)	$	18,050	$	26,577	$	26,423	$	54,711
Premium Logistics (Panther)		3,973		2,733		5,331		8,767
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)(1)		410		1,792		1,572		4,375
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		121		956		1,701		3,143
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		1,986		3,028		2,107		4,663
Other and eliminations		(4,170)		(1,648)		(9,375)		(7,476)
Total consolidated operating income	$	20,370	$	33,438	$	27,759	$	68,183
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income	$	390	$	378	$	1,178	$	882
Interest and other related financing costs		(1,296)		(1,157)		(3,774)		(3,183)
Other, net(2)		1,091		(613)		2,028		(15)
Total other costs		185		(1,392)		(568)		(2,316)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$	20,555	$	32,046	$	27,191	$	65,867

⁽¹⁾ The 2016 periods include the operations of LDS since the September 2, 2016 acquisition date and the operations of Bear, which was acquired in December 2015.

⁽²⁾ Includes changes in cash surrender value of life insurance policies.

The following table presents operating expenses by category on a consolidated basis:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30				September 30
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(in thousands)
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits	$	345,091	$	334,144	$	1,009,654	$	973,570
Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services		218,906		209,744		601,345		588,329
Fuel, supplies, and expenses		69,508		77,067		204,134		231,097
Depreciation and amortization(1)		25,793		23,373		76,692		68,221
Other		34,255		31,614		92,421		89,371
	$	693,553	$	675,942	$	1,984,246	$	1,950,588

⁽¹⁾ Includes amortization of intangible assets.

The following table provides asset information by reportable segment:

	September 30		December 31
	2016		2015
	(in thousands)
ASSETS
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)	$	763,385	$	694,059
Premium Logistics (Panther)		215,659		216,075
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)		113,079		75,023
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)		23,563		21,958
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)		26,988		28,547
Other and eliminations(1)		178,194		227,247
	$	1,320,868	$	1,262,909

⁽¹⁾ Other and eliminations includes certain assets held by the parent holding company for strategic reasons, including unrestricted and restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, as well as certain assets held for the benefit of multiple segments, including land and structures of the Company’s corporate headquarters and information systems equipment. Depreciation and amortization associated with these assets is allocated to the reporting segments.

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ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Organization) (Details) - Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 03, 2013	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization and description of business
Percentage of the Company's revenues, before other revenues and intercompany eliminations, represented by ABF Freight		70.00%
Wage rate reduction under collective bargaining agreement upon implementation date (as a percent)	7.00%
Wage rate increase for next three years of collective bargaining agreement (as a percent)	2.00%
Wage rate increase in fifth year of collective bargaining agreement (as a percent)	2.50%
Reduction in compensated vacation under collective bargaining agreement	5 days
Approximate initial reduction in combined total contractual wage and benefit rate under collective bargaining agreement (as a percent)	4.00%
Estimated increase in compounded annual contractual wage and benefit contribution rates in second through fifth years (as a percent)		2.50%
Unionized employees concentration risk | Number of employees
Organization and description of business
Percentage of ABF Freight's employees covered under collective bargaining agreement with the IBT		77.00%

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ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Acquisitions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 02, 2016	Dec. 01, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Acquisitions
Net cash consideration				$ 24,805	$ 5,239
LDS | Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)
Acquisitions
Total consideration	$ 25,000
Cash consideration	17,000
Contingent consideration	$ 8,000
Contingent consideration period	2 years
Bear Transportation Services, L.P. | Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)
Acquisitions
Net cash consideration		$ 24,400
Smart Lines Transportation Group, LLC | Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)
Acquisitions
Net cash consideration			$ 5,200

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ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Contingent Consideration) (Details) - LDS $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Accrued and other long term liabilities
Contingent Consideration
Contingent consideration fair value	$ 6.8
Other long-term assets
Contingent Consideration
Escrow for contingent consideration	$ 8.0

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Cash, Investments and Restricted Funds) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 130,395	$ 164,973	$ 191,646	$ 157,042
Short-term investments	59,346	61,597
Restricted cash	962	1,384
Concentrations of Credit Risk of Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents which are not FDIC-insured	39,000	69,900
Cash deposits
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	102,598	110,279
Restricted cash	962	1,384
Variable rate demand notes
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	19,994	29,790
Money market funds
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	7,803	24,904
Certificates of deposit
Fair value disclosure
Short-term investments	$ 59,346	$ 61,597

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Carrying Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	$ 236,882	$ 211,703
Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	236,822	211,495
Credit Facility | Carrying Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	70,000	70,000
Credit Facility | Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	70,000	70,000
Accounts receivable securitization program | Carrying Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	35,000	35,000
Accounts receivable securitization program | Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	35,000	35,000
Notes payable | Carrying Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	131,882	106,703
Notes payable | Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	$ 131,822	$ 106,495

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accrued and other long term liabilities | LDS
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Contingent consideration	$ 6,800
Interest rate swap agreement | Other long-term liabilities
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap	1,600	$ 900
Recurring basis
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	9,875	27,031
Liabilities	8,380
Recurring basis | Accrued and other long term liabilities
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Contingent consideration	6,775
Recurring basis | Interest rate swap agreement | Other long-term liabilities
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap	1,605	897
Recurring basis | Money market funds | Cash and cash equivalents
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	7,803	24,904
Recurring basis | Voluntary Savings Plan - mutual funds held in trust | Other long-term assets
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	2,072	2,127
Recurring basis | Level 1
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	9,875	27,031
Recurring basis | Level 1 | Money market funds | Cash and cash equivalents
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	7,803	24,904
Recurring basis | Level 1 | Voluntary Savings Plan - mutual funds held in trust | Other long-term assets
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	2,072	2,127
Recurring basis | Level 2
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Liabilities	1,605
Recurring basis | Level 2 | Interest rate swap agreement | Other long-term liabilities
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap	1,605	$ 897
Recurring basis | Level 3
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Liabilities	$ 6,775
Recurring basis | Level 3 | LDS
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Discount rate (as a percent)	11.50%
Recurring basis | Level 3 | Accrued and other long term liabilities
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Contingent consideration	$ 6,775

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (FV - Level 3) (Details) - Contingent Consideration $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Fair Value of liabilities level 3 hierarchy
Contingent consideration liability recorded at fair value for business acquisition	$ 6,711
Change in fair value included in operating income	64
Balance at end of period	$ 6,775

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GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Goodwill by reportable operating segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 96,465
Goodwill acquired	13,584
Purchase accounting adjustments	438
Balance at the end of the period	110,487
Premium Logistics (Panther)
Goodwill by reportable operating segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	71,096
Balance at the end of the period	71,096
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)
Goodwill by reportable operating segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	19,387
Goodwill acquired	13,584
Purchase accounting adjustments	438
Balance at the end of the period	33,409
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)
Goodwill by reportable operating segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	630
Balance at the end of the period	630
Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)
Goodwill by reportable operating segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	5,352
Balance at the end of the period	$ 5,352

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GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Intangible) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-lived intangible assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period			13 years
Cost	$ 64,793		$ 64,793		$ 56,453
Accumulated Amortization	17,847		17,847		14,788
Net Value	46,946		46,946		41,665
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Net Value	35,122		35,122		35,122
Total intangible assets
Cost	99,915		99,915		91,575
Net Value	82,068		82,068		76,787
Amortization expense on intangible assets
Intangible amortization expense	1,100	$ 900	3,059	$ 3,079
Minimum
Amortization expense on intangible assets
Approximate annual amortization expense on intangible assets expected for years 2016 - 2020			4,300
Maximum
Amortization expense on intangible assets
Approximate annual amortization expense on intangible assets expected for years 2016 - 2020			4,900
Trade name
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Net Value	32,300		32,300		32,300
Other
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Net Value	2,822		$ 2,822		2,822
Customer relationships
Finite-lived intangible assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period			14 years
Cost	60,021		$ 60,021		52,221
Accumulated Amortization	14,248		14,248		11,331
Net Value	45,773		45,773		40,890
Customer relationships | Transportation Management (ABF Logistics) | LDS
Finite-lived intangible assets
Cost	7,300		$ 7,300
Driver network
Finite-lived intangible assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period			3 years
Cost	3,200		$ 3,200		3,200
Accumulated Amortization	3,200		$ 3,200		3,200
Other
Finite-lived intangible assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period			6 years
Cost	1,572		$ 1,572		1,032
Accumulated Amortization	399		399		257
Net Value	$ 1,173		$ 1,173		$ 775

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INCOME TAXES (Condensed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
INCOME TAXES
Statutory federal tax rate (as a percent)			35.00%
State tax, low end of range of rate (as a percent)			6.00%
State tax, high end of range of rate (as a percent)			6.50%
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	37.00%	40.20%	37.20%	39.50%
Income taxes paid (in dollars)			$ 2.5	$ 17.3
Income tax refunds received (in dollars)			$ 10.8	$ 0.1

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LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Summary) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 237,614	$ 212,509
Less current portion	61,251	44,910
Long-term debt, less current portion	176,363	167,599
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	65,493
Due after one year through two years	82,514
Due after two years through three years	21,005
Due after three years through four years	74,909
Due after four years through five years	3,632
Due after five years	24
Total payments	247,577
Less amounts representing interest	9,963
Long-term debt	237,614	212,509
Credit Facility
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	70,000	70,000
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	1,514
Due after one year through two years	1,683
Due after two years through three years	1,768
Due after three years through four years	70,466
Total payments	75,431
Less amounts representing interest	5,431
Long-term debt	70,000	70,000
Credit Facility | Interest rate swap agreement
Long-term debt obligations
Amount of borrowings covered by the interest rate swap	$ 50,000
Effective fixed interest rate on hedged borrowings (as a percent)	3.10%
Accounts receivable securitization program
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 35,000	35,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	1.30%
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	$ 532
Due after one year through two years	35,149
Total payments	35,681
Less amounts representing interest	681
Long-term debt	35,000	35,000
Notes payable
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 131,882	106,703
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)	2.10%
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	$ 63,177
Due after one year through two years	45,457
Due after two years through three years	19,007
Due after three years through four years	4,365
Due after four years through five years	3,632
Due after five years	24
Total payments	135,662
Less amounts representing interest	3,780
Long-term debt	131,882	106,703
Capital lease obligations
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 732	806
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)	5.80%
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	$ 270
Due after one year through two years	225
Due after two years through three years	230
Due after three years through four years	78
Total payments	803
Less amounts representing interest	71
Long-term debt	$ 732	$ 806

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LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Assets Sec) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Arrangements
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	$ 200,542	$ 138,492
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	50,819	25,120
Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	149,723	113,372
Revenue equipment
Financing Arrangements
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	198,741	136,698
Land and structures (terminals)
Financing Arrangements
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	1,794	$ 1,794
Service, office, and other equipment
Financing Arrangements
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	$ 7

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LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Condensed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Financing Arrangements
Amounts collateralized by restricted funds				$ 962	$ 962	$ 1,384
Interest rate swap agreement
Financing Arrangements
Term of swap agreement			5 years
Notional amount				$ 50,000	$ 50,000
Fixed interest rate payments (as a percent)				1.85%	1.85%
Interest rate swap agreement | Other long-term liabilities
Financing Arrangements
Fair value				$ 1,600	$ 1,600	$ 900
Credit Facility
Financing Arrangements
Term loan balance refinanced with revolving credit facility		$ 70,000
Maximum borrowing capacity				150,000	150,000
Additional borrowing capacity that may be requested				75,000	75,000
Credit Facility | Interest rate swap agreement
Financing Arrangements
Amount of borrowings covered by the interest rate swap				$ 50,000	$ 50,000
Effective fixed interest rate on hedged borrowings (as a percent)				3.10%	3.10%
Letters of Credit, Sub-Facility
Financing Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 20,000	$ 20,000
Accounts receivable securitization program
Financing Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity				100,000	100,000		$ 75,000
Additional borrowing capacity that may be requested				25,000	25,000
Amount outstanding				35,000	35,000
Outstanding letters of credit				18,300	18,300
Remaining borrowing capacity				46,700	46,700
Letter of Credit Agreements
Financing Arrangements
Outstanding letters of credit				19,800	19,800
Amounts collateralized by restricted funds				1,000	1,000
Surety bonds
Financing Arrangements
Outstanding surety bonds under uncollateralized bond programs				56,300	56,300
Revenue equipment | Freight Transportation (ABF Freight) | Notes payable
Financing Arrangements
Equipment financed during the period under notes payable				$ 25,900	61,700
Revenue equipment | Freight Transportation (ABF Freight) | Notes payable | Subsequent Event
Financing Arrangements
Equipment financed during the period under notes payable	$ 3,000
Revenue and other equipment | Transportation Management (ABF Logistics) | Capital lease obligations | Maximum
Financing Arrangements
Newly entered capital leases					$ 100

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) plan	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Pension settlement expense	$ 800	$ 800	$ 2,267	$ 2,478
Pension settlement expense, net of tax	490	466	1,385	1,514
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Pension settlement expense	600	600	$ 1,700	1,900
Multiemployer pension plans | Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)
Multiemployer Plans
Number of multiemployer plans to which ABF Freight currently contributes | plan			25
Maximum projected time to insolvency for plans in "critical and declining" status			14 years
Maximum projected time to insolvency for plans in "critical and declining" status if additional criteria apply			19 years
Threshold ratio of inactive to active participants for greater insolvency period to determine "critical and declining" status			2
Threshold funded percentage for greater insolvency period to determine "critical and declining" status			80.00%
Multiemployer pension plans | Central States Pension Plan
Multiemployer Plans
Maximum projected time to insolvency without legislative action			10 years
Multiemployer pension plans | Central States Pension Plan | Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)
Multiemployer Plans
Approximate proportion of multiemployer pension plan contributions (as a percent)			50.00%
Actuarially certified projected funded percentage of multiemployer pension plan							46.90%
Multiemployer pension plans | 707 Pension Fund | Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)
Multiemployer Plans
Approximate proportion of multiemployer pension plan contributions (as a percent)			1.00%
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	1,057	1,356	$ 3,520	3,899
Expected return on plan assets	(2,242)	(2,297)	(6,346)	(7,058)
Pension settlement expense	803	762	2,267	2,478
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,106	640	3,123	2,276
Net periodic benefit cost	724	461	2,564	1,595
Pension settlement expense, net of tax	500	500	1,400	1,500
Lump-sum distributions	4,300	4,100	11,600	16,600
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligations at beginning of period			159,607
Interest cost	1,057	1,356	3,520	3,899
Actuarial loss			10,068
Benefits paid			(11,860)
Benefit obligations at end of period	161,335		161,335
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period			136,917
Actual return on plan assets			9,637
Employer contributions			13,400
Benefits paid			(11,860)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	148,094		148,094
Funded status	(13,241)		(13,241)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 161,335		$ 161,335
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.70%		2.70%		2.70%	3.00%		3.50%
Adjusted funding target attainment percentage							107.80%
Supplemental Benefit Plan
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	$ 32	31	$ 97	92
Amortization of net actuarial loss	38	40	114	120
Net periodic benefit cost	70	71	211	212
Change in projected benefit obligation
Interest cost	32	31	97	92
Postretirement Health Benefit Plan
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	107	101	321	304
Interest cost	254	228	763	685
Amortization of prior service credit	(47)	(47)	(142)	(142)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	177	213	529	639
Net periodic benefit cost	491	495	1,471	1,486
Change in projected benefit obligation
Interest cost	$ 254	$ 228	$ 763	$ 685

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total after-tax amount	$ 595,153		$ 595,153		$ 588,728
Impact on unrecognized net actuarial loss
Change in the unrecognized net actuarial loss, after tax	1,294	$ (6,780)	(4,141)	$ (6,232)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	(39,915)		(39,915)		(38,507)
Total after-tax amount	(28,439)	(27,585)	(28,439)	(27,585)	(27,496)	$ (23,479)
Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	(36,118)		(36,118)		(35,231)
Total after-tax amount	(26,039)	(25,338)	(26,039)	(25,338)	(25,497)	(22,387)
Interest Rate Swap
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	(1,605)		(1,605)		(897)
Total after-tax amount	(975)	(953)	(975)	(953)	(545)	(350)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	(2,192)		(2,192)		(2,379)
Total after-tax amount	$ (1,425)	$ (1,294)	$ (1,425)	$ (1,294)	$ (1,454)	$ (742)

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (AOCI comp) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Balances			$ 588,728
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			3,599	$ 3,281
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax	$ 2,404	$ (6,635)	(943)	(4,106)
Balances	595,153		595,153
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Balances			(27,496)	(23,479)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(4,542)	(7,387)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			3,599	3,281
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax			(943)	(4,106)
Balances	(28,439)	(27,585)	(28,439)	(27,585)
Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Balances			(25,497)	(22,387)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(4,141)	(6,232)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			3,599	3,281
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax			(542)	(2,951)
Balances	(26,039)	(25,338)	(26,039)	(25,338)
Interest Rate Swap
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Balances			(545)	(350)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(430)	(603)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax			(430)	(603)
Balances	(975)	(953)	(975)	(953)
Foreign Currency Translation
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Balances			(1,454)	(742)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			29	(552)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax			29	(552)
Balances	$ (1,425)	$ (1,294)	$ (1,425)	$ (1,294)

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Reclass) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	$ (5,891)	$ (5,371)
Tax benefit	2,292	2,090
Total, net of tax	(3,599)	(3,281)
Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, net of tax	(3,599)	(3,281)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	(3,766)	(3,035)
Amortization of prior service credit
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	142	142
Pension settlement expense
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	$ (2,267)	$ (2,478)

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Div and Treas) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Dividends on Common Stock
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)		$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.24	$ 0.18
Dividend Amount		$ 2,074	$ 2,087	$ 2,088	$ 1,578	$ 1,578	$ 1,584	$ 6,249
Treasury Stock
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased during the period								7,594	$ 10,004
Stock Repurchase Program
Treasury Stock
Amount available for repurchase		$ 39,600						$ 39,600		$ 47,200
Number of shares repurchased during the period								419,692
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased during the period								$ 7,600
Subsequent Event
Dividends on Common Stock
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 $ / shares shares
Share-based compensation
Number of shares authorized	3,100,000
Restricted Stock Units
Award activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	1,313,550
Granted (in shares)	529,240
Vested (in shares)	(256,780)
Forfeited (in shares)	(26,563)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,559,447
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 15.74

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Basic, numerator:
Net income	$ 12,940	$ 19,154	$ 17,068	$ 39,866
Effect of unvested restricted stock unit awards	(89)	(175)	(132)	(418)
Adjusted net income	$ 12,851	$ 18,979	$ 16,936	$ 39,448
Basic, denominator:
Weighted-average shares	25,724,550	26,009,344	25,779,166	26,033,467
Earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.73	$ 0.66	$ 1.52
Diluted, numerator:
Net income	$ 12,940	$ 19,154	$ 17,068	$ 39,866
Effect of unvested restricted stock unit awards	(87)	(172)	(131)	(410)
Adjusted net income	$ 12,853	$ 18,982	$ 16,937	$ 39,456
Diluted, denominator:
Weighted-average shares	25,724,550	26,009,344	25,779,166	26,033,467
Effect of dilutive securities	486,974	499,138	484,566	536,333
Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions	26,211,524	26,508,482	26,263,732	26,569,800
Earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.72	$ 0.64	$ 1.48

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (AntiDil) (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Stock awards
Antidilutive securities
Outstanding stock awards not included in calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share (in shares)	0.3	0.4	0.4	0.2

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OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
REVENUES
Revenues	$ 713,923	$ 709,380	$ 2,012,005	$ 2,018,771
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits	345,091	334,144	1,009,654	973,570
Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services	218,906	209,744	601,345	588,329
Fuel, supplies, and expenses	69,508	77,067	204,134	231,097
Depreciation and amortization	25,793	23,373	76,692	68,221
Gain on sale of property and equipment			(2,581)	(1,691)
Pension settlement expense	800	800	2,267	2,478
Other	34,255	31,614	92,421	89,371
Total consolidated operating expenses	693,553	675,942	1,984,246	1,950,588
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME	20,370	33,438	27,759	68,183
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income	390	378	1,178	882
Interest and other related financing costs	(1,296)	(1,157)	(3,774)	(3,183)
Other, net	1,091	(613)	2,028	(15)
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (COSTS)	185	(1,392)	(568)	(2,316)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	20,555	32,046	27,191	65,867
ASSETS
ASSETS	1,320,868		1,320,868		$ 1,262,909
Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)
OPERATING EXPENSES
Pension settlement expense	600	600	1,700	1,900
Operating Segments | Freight Transportation (ABF Freight)
REVENUES
Revenues	509,452	511,346	1,435,691	1,456,924
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits	312,458	304,865	912,758	884,875
Fuel, supplies, and expenses	71,774	77,708	210,742	236,381
Operating taxes and licenses	12,312	12,444	36,446	36,762
Insurance	8,487	8,288	22,613	20,340
Communications and utilities	4,608	3,808	13,259	11,559
Depreciation and amortization	20,753	18,841	62,056	54,528
Rents and purchased transportation	58,350	56,920	145,846	151,144
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(81)	(565)	(2,450)	(1,403)
Pension settlement expense	604	572	1,705	1,860
Other	2,137	1,888	6,293	6,167
Total consolidated operating expenses	491,402	484,769	1,409,268	1,402,213
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME	18,050	26,577	26,423	54,711
ASSETS
ASSETS	763,385		763,385		694,059
Operating Segments | Premium Logistics (Panther)
REVENUES
Revenues	75,365	73,583	211,148	229,146
OPERATING EXPENSES
Purchased transportation	54,586	54,015	155,444	168,569
Depreciation and amortization	2,860	2,773	8,565	8,636
Salaries, benefits, insurance, and other	13,946	14,062	41,808	43,174
Total consolidated operating expenses	71,392	70,850	205,817	220,379
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME	3,973	2,733	5,331	8,767
ASSETS
ASSETS	215,659		215,659		216,075
Operating Segments | Transportation Management (ABF Logistics)
REVENUES
Revenues	72,442	49,270	207,344	147,061
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total consolidated operating expenses	72,032	47,478	205,772	142,686
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME	410	1,792	1,572	4,375
ASSETS
ASSETS	113,079		113,079		75,023
Operating Segments | Emergency & Preventative Maintenance (FleetNet)
REVENUES
Revenues	39,073	45,181	124,417	129,685
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total consolidated operating expenses	38,952	44,225	122,716	126,542
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME	121	956	1,701	3,143
ASSETS
ASSETS	23,563		23,563		21,958
Operating Segments | Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving)
REVENUES
Revenues	31,040	43,076	74,926	93,870
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total consolidated operating expenses	29,054	40,048	72,819	89,207
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME	1,986	3,028	2,107	4,663
ASSETS
ASSETS	26,988		26,988		28,547
Operating Segments | Asset-Light Logistics Segments
OPERATING EXPENSES
Pension settlement expense			100	100
Operating Segments | Asset-Light Logistics Segments | Maximum
OPERATING EXPENSES
Pension settlement expense	100	100
Other and eliminations
REVENUES
Revenues	(13,449)	(13,076)	(41,521)	(37,915)
OPERATING EXPENSES
Pension settlement expense	200	200	500	500
Total consolidated operating expenses	(9,279)	(11,428)	(32,146)	(30,439)
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME	(4,170)	$ (1,648)	(9,375)	$ (7,476)
ASSETS
ASSETS	$ 178,194		$ 178,194		$ 227,247

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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS (Environmental Matters) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) tank state	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Underground fuel storage tanks
Environmental Matters
Number of underground tanks where the company's subsidiaries store fuel for use in tractors and trucks | tank	62
Number of states in which underground tanks are located | state	18
Environmental cleanup costs | Accrued expenses
Environmental Matters
Reserve for environmental contingencies | $	$ 0.6	$ 0.8

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Event | Forecast
Restructuring
Restructuring charges	$ 1	$ 9