ArcBest (ARCB) 10-Q 10 May 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	May 04, 2018
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ARCBEST CORP /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	894,405
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,641,511
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 124,652	$ 120,772
Short-term investments	54,669	56,401
Accounts receivable, less allowances (2018 – $7,837; 2017 – $7,657)	289,366	279,074
Other accounts receivable, less allowances (2018 – $936; 2017 – $921)	19,262	19,491
Prepaid expenses	24,891	22,183
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	10,267	12,296
Other	9,029	12,132
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	532,136	522,349
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land and structures	338,346	344,224
Revenue equipment	790,685	793,523
Service, office, and other equipment	189,055	179,950
Software	132,088	129,589
Leasehold improvements	8,948	8,888
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, GROSS	1,459,122	1,456,174
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization	884,959	865,010
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	574,163	591,164
GOODWILL	108,320	108,320
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	72,336	73,469
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	6,095	5,965
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS	65,033	64,374
TOTAL ASSETS	1,358,083	1,365,641
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	139,830	129,099
Income taxes payable	93	324
Accrued expenses	202,656	211,237
Current portion of long-term debt	56,057	61,930
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	398,636	402,590
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion	196,425	206,989
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT LIABILITIES	36,984	39,827
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	12,320	15,616
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	48,244	49,157
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued 2018: 28,498,971 shares; 2017: 28,495,628 shares	285	285
Additional paid-in capital	321,265	319,436
Retained earnings	450,267	438,379
Treasury stock, at cost, 2018: 2,857,460 shares; 2017: 2,851,578 shares	(86,265)	(86,064)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(20,078)	(20,574)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	665,474	651,462
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 1,358,083	$ 1,365,641

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars)	$ 7,837	$ 7,657
Other accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars)	$ 936	$ 921
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	28,498,971	28,495,628
Treasury stock, at cost, shares	2,857,460	2,851,578

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
REVENUES	$ 700,001	$ 651,088
OPERATING EXPENSES	687,276	660,988
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	12,725	(9,900)
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income	526	274
Interest and other related financing costs	(2,059)	(1,315)
Other, net	(2,201)	(1,706)
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (COSTS)	(3,734)	(2,747)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	8,991	(12,647)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT	(963)	(5,240)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 9,954	$ (7,407)
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ (0.29)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ (0.29)
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic (in shares)	25,642,871	25,684,475
Diluted (in shares)	26,596,376	25,684,475
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ 0.08

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 9,954	$ (7,407)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of: (2018 – $899; 2017 – $935)	2,590	(1,471)
Pension settlement expense, net of tax of: (2018 – $168; 2017 – $761)	486	1,196
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, net of tax of: (2018 – $219; 2017 – $401)
Net actuarial loss	649	660
Prior service credit	(17)	(29)
Interest rate swap and foreign currency translation:
Change in unrealized income on interest rate swap, net of tax of: (2018 – $219; 2017 – $88)	436	135
Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax of: (2018 – $223; 2017 – $76)	(72)	119
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, net of tax	4,072	610
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$ 14,026	$ (6,797)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net actuarial loss, tax expense (benefit)	$ 899	$ (935)
Pension settlement expense, tax	168	761
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, tax	219	401
Change in unrealized income (loss) on interest rate swap, tax expense (benefit)	219	88
Change in foreign currency translation, tax expense (benefit)	$ (223)	$ 76

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCK

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, 2016					$ (23,417)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)						$ (7,407)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax					610	610
Dividends declared on common stock						(2,066)
Balances at Mar. 31, 2017					(22,807)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Adjustments to beginning retained earnings for adoption of accounting standards | ASC Topic 606 and ASC Topic 220			$ 3,992		(3,576)	416
Adjusted Balances	$ 285	$ 319,436	442,371	$ (86,064)	(24,150)	651,878
Balances at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 285	319,436	438,379	$ (86,064)	(20,574)	651,462
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	28,496			2,852
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)			9,954			9,954
Other comprehensive income, net of tax					4,072	4,072
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans (in shares)	3
Tax effect of share-based compensation plans		(41)				(41)
Share-based compensation expense		1,870				1,870
Purchase of treasury stock				$ (201)		(201)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)				5
Dividends declared on common stock			(2,058)			(2,058)
Balances at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 285	$ 321,265	$ 450,267	$ (86,265)	$ (20,078)	$ 665,474
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018	28,499			2,857

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)	$ 9,954	$ (7,407)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	25,352	24,258
Amortization of intangibles	1,134	1,136
Pension settlement expense	654	1,957
Share-based compensation expense	1,870	1,731
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	445	442
Deferred income tax benefit	(2,749)	(4,197)
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(221)	(613)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(10,260)	3,345
Prepaid expenses	(2,587)	(5,174)
Other assets	2,732	(3,357)
Income taxes	1,938	(1,205)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	3,513	(9,155)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	31,775	1,761
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of financings	(7,177)	(12,273)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	1,050	1,692
Purchases of short-term investments	(4,410)	(6,223)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	6,245	6,125
Capitalization of internally developed software	(2,164)	(2,440)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(6,456)	(13,119)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments on long-term debt	(16,558)	(17,297)
Net change in book overdrafts	(2,572)	(981)
Payment of common stock dividends	(2,058)	(2,066)
Purchases of treasury stock	(201)
Payments for tax withheld on share-based compensation	(50)	(325)
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES	(21,439)	(20,669)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH	3,880	(32,027)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	120,772	115,242
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD	124,652	83,215
NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Equipment financed	121	694
Accruals for equipment received	$ 883	$ 440

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	NOTE A – ORGANIZATIO ArcBest Corporation (the “Company”) is the parent holding company of businesses providing integrated logistics solutions. The Company’s operations are conducted through its three reportable operating segments: Asset-Based, which consists of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries (“ABF Freight”); ArcBest ® , the Company’s asset-light logistics operation; and FleetNet. References to the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are primarily to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Asset-Based segment represented approximately 68% of the Company’s total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for the three months ended March 31, 2018. As of March 2018, approximately 82% of the Asset-Based segment’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”). 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 the Asset-Based segment’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 increased approximately 2.5% on a compounded annual basis throughout the contract period which extended through March 31, 2018. On March 28, 2018, ABF Freight and the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee, the negotiating arm of the IBT, reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement for the next contract period (the “tentative contract agreement”) and agreed to an extension of the existing ABF NMFA to allow for the ratification process of the new agreement to take place. The tentative contract agreement is currently subject to ratification by ABF Freight’s IBT member employees. In the event ABF Freight’s union employees do not ratify the tentative contract agreement, a work stoppage, the loss of customers, or other events could occur that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position in 2018 and subsequent years. Financial Statement Presentation 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 “SEC”) 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 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other current filings with the SEC. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which are of a normal and recurring nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. As previously disclosed in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company modified the presentation of segment expenses allocated from shared services during the third quarter of 2017. Previously, expenses allocated from company-wide functions were categorized in individual segment expense line items by type of expense. Allocated expenses are now presented on a single shared services line within the Company’s operating segment disclosures. Reclassifications have been made to the prior period operating segment expenses to conform to the current year presentation. There was no impact on each segment’s total expenses as a result of the reclassifications. 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following policies have been updated during the three months ended March 31, 2018 for the adoption of accounting standard updates disclosed within this Note. Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The Company’s measurement of goodwill impairment involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. Fair value is derived using a combination of valuation methods, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and revenue multiples (market approach) and the present value of discounted cash flows (income approach). For annual and interim impairment tests, the Company is required to record an impairment charge, if any, by the amount a reporting unit’s fair value is exceeded by the carrying value of the reporting unit, limited to the carrying value of goodwill included in the reporting unit. The Company’s annual impairment testing is performed as of October 1. Revenue Recognition: Revenues are recognized when or as control of the promised services is transferred to the customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Asset-Based Segment Asset-Based segment revenues primarily consist of less-than-truckload freight delivery. Performance obligations are satisfied upon final delivery of the freight to the specified destination. Revenue is recognized based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred. A bill-by-bill analysis is used to establish estimates of revenue in transit for recognition in the appropriate period. Because the bill-by-bill methodology utilizes the approximate location of the shipment in the delivery process to determine the revenue to recognize, management believes it to be a reliable method. Certain contracts may provide for volume-based or other discounts which are accounted for as variable consideration. The Company estimates these amounts based on the expected discounts earned by customers and revenue is recognized based on the estimates. Revenue adjustments may also occur due to rating or other billing adjustments. The Company estimates revenue adjustments based on historical information and revenue is recognized accordingly at the time of shipment. Management believes that actual amounts will not vary significantly from estimates of variable consideration. Revenue, purchased transportation expense, and third-party service expenses are reported on a gross basis for certain shipments and services where the Company utilizes a third-party carrier for pickup, linehaul, delivery of freight, or performance of services but remains primarily responsible for fulfilling delivery to the customer and maintains discretion in setting the price for the services. ArcBest Segment ArcBest segment revenues consist primarily of asset-light logistics services using third-party vendors to provide transportation services. ArcBest segment revenue is generally recognized based on the relative transit time in each reporting period using estimated standard delivery times for freight in transit at the end of the reporting period. Purchased transportation expense is recognized as incurred consistent with the recognition of revenue. Revenue and purchased transportation expense are reported on a gross basis for shipments and services where the Company uses a third-party carrier for pickup and delivery but remains primarily responsible to the customer for delivery and has discretion in setting the price for the service. FleetNet Segment FleetNet segment revenues consist of service fee revenue, roadside repair revenue and routine maintenance services. Service fee revenue for the FleetNet segment is recognized upon response to the service event. Repair revenue for the FleetNet segment is recognized upon completion of the service by third-party vendors. Revenue and expense from repair and maintenance services performed by third-party vendors are reported on a gross basis as FleetNet controls the services prior to transfer to the customer and remains primarily responsible to the customer for completion of the services. Other Recognition and Disclosure The Company records deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of performance under the contract. Deferred revenues totaled $5.6 million and $0.6 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and are recorded in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet. Payment terms with customers may vary depending on the service provided, location or specific agreement with the customer. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain services, payment is required before the services are provided to the customer. The Company expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less. The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient to not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original length of one year or less or contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice for services performed . Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , (“ASC Topic 606”) provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and contains principles to apply to determine the measurement of revenue and the timing of when it is recognized. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic method of accounting under ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition , (“ASC Topic 605”). The Company’s major service lines for presentation of disaggregated revenues from contracts with customers are consistent with the Company’s reportable operating segments as presented in Note J. The primary impact of adopting ASC Topic 606 was to recognize ArcBest segment revenue over time instead of at final delivery of the shipment. As a result, revenue will generally be recorded earlier under ASC Topic 606 compared to ASC Topic 605. Asset-Based and FleetNet segment revenues were not impacted. The Company recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings of $0.4 million as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting ASC Topic 606. The impact to both revenues and purchased transportation expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 was a decrease of $0.3 million, as a result of applying ASC Topic 606. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits , (“ASC Topic 715”) which requires changes to the financial statement presentation of certain components of net periodic benefit cost related to pension and other postretirement benefits accounted for under ASC Topic 715. The amendment requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to continue to be included in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the related employees, but requires the other components of net periodic benefit cost, including pension settlement expense, to be presented separately from the service cost component and outside of the subtotal of income from operations. The provisions of the amendment are required to be applied retrospectively and were effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. The Company has not incurred service cost under its nonunion defined benefit pension plan or its supplemental benefit plan (the “SBP”) since the accrual of benefits under the plans were frozen on July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2009, respectively; however, the Company incurs service cost under its postretirement health benefit plan which will continue to be reported within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The other components of net periodic benefit cost (including pension settlement charges) of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, SBP, and postretirement health benefit plan are reported within the other line item of other income (costs) beginning in first quarter 2018. As a result of retrospectively applying the provisions of the amendment, $2.4 million was reclassified from operating expenses to other income (costs) for the three months ended March 31, 2017. There was no change to consolidated net income (loss) or earnings (loss) per share as a result of the change in presentation under the new standard. In February 2018, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Topic 220, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income , (“ASC Topic 220”) which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”). The Company early adopted this amendment for first quarter 2018 and adjusted the tax effect of items within accumulated other comprehensive income to reflect the appropriate tax rate under the Tax Reform Act in the period of adoption. As a result of applying the provisions of the amendment, the Company elected to reclassify $3.6 million of stranded income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss related to the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan, supplemental benefit plan, and postretirement health benefit plan are subsequently expensed as components of net periodic benefit cost by amortizing unrecognized net actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and amortizing unrecognized prior service credits over the remaining years of service until full eligibility of the active participants at the time of the plan amendment which created the prior service credit. A corridor approach is not used for determining the amounts of net actuarial losses to be amortized. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss related to the change in unrealized gain or loss on the Company’s interest rate swap agreements are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into income (loss) in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company early adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, Simplifying the Test of Goodwill Impairment, which removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. For annual and interim impairment tests, the Company is required to record an impairment charge, if any, by the amount a reporting unit’s fair value is exceeded by the carrying value of the reporting unit, limited to the carrying value of goodwill included in the reporting unit. The adoption of the amendment did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted ASC Topic 842, Leases , which is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, requires lessees to recognize a right-to-use asset and a lease obligation for all leases. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize an asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. The new standard is expected to be adopted on the modified retrospective basis, which will require leases existing at or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period to be valued and recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has established an implementation team and is evaluating the new guidance. Management expects the new standard to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and is still evaluating the impact on the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows. ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging , was amended to change the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results to simplify hedge accounting treatment and better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. Management believes there is no other new accounting guidance issued but not yet effective that is relevant to the Company’s current financial statements.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 and short-term investments: March 31 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents Cash deposits (1) $ 93,022 $ 86,510 Variable rate demand notes (1)(2) 17,810 19,744 Money market funds (3) 13,820 14,518 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 124,652 $ 120,772 Short-term investments Certificates of deposit (1) $ 54,669 $ 56,401 (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). The Company’s long-term 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 short-term investments primarily in FDIC-insured certificates of deposit. However, certain cash deposits and certificates of deposit may exceed federally insured limits. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, cash and cash equivalents totaling $69.1 million and $61.1 million, respectively, were not FDIC insured. 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: March 31 December 31 2018 2017 (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) 45,000 45,000 45,000 45,000 Notes payable (3) 137,056 135,282 153,441 152,131 $ 252,056 $ 250,282 $ 268,441 $ 267,131 (1) The revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) carries a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin, that 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 a Recurring Basis The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: March 31, 2018 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) $ 13,820 $ 13,820 $ — $ — Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan (2) 2,332 2,332 — — Interest rate swaps (3) 1,199 — 1,199 — $ 17,351 $ 16,152 $ 1,199 $ — Liabilities: Contingent consideration (4) $ 3,711 $ — $ — $ 3,711 December 31, 2017 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) $ 14,518 $ 14,518 $ — $ — Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan (2) 2,359 2,359 — — Interest rate swaps (3) 481 — 481 — $ 17,358 $ 16,877 $ 481 $ — Liabilities: Contingent consideration (4) $ 6,970 $ — $ — $ 6,970 (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. Included in other long-term assets, with a corresponding liability reported within other long-term liabilities. (3) Included in other long-term assets. The fair values of the interest rate swaps were determined by discounting future cash flows and receipts based on expected interest rates observed in market interest rate curves (Level 2 inputs) 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and considers the interest rate swap valuations in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. (4) Included in accrued expenses as of March 31, 2018 and included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities based on when expected payouts become due as of December 31, 2017. 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 assessments utilize a Monte Carlo simulation with inputs including 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 11.9% and 12.5% as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Subsequent changes to the fair value as a result of recurring assessments will be recognized in operating income. 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) Balances at December 31, 2017 $ 6,970 Payments (1) (3,528) Change in fair value included in operating expenses 269 Balances at March 31, 2018 $ 3,711 (1) Payments released from escrow account reported in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 $107.7 million and $0.6 million reported in the ArcBest and FleetNet segments, respectively, for both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Intangible assets consisted of the following: March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 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 14 $ 60,431 $ 20,842 $ 39,589 $ 60,431 $ 19,745 $ 40,686 Driver network 3 3,200 3,200 — 3,200 3,200 — Other 9 1,032 585 447 1,032 549 483 13 64,663 24,627 40,036 64,663 23,494 41,169 Indefinite-lived intangible assets Trade name N/A 32,300 N/A 32,300 32,300 N/A 32,300 Total intangible assets N/A $ 96,963 $ 24,627 $ 72,336 $ 96,963 $ 23,494 $ 73,469 The future amortization for intangible assets and acquired software as of March 31, 2018 were as follows: Intangible Acquired Total Assets Software (1) (in thousands) 2018 $ 4,978 $ 3,387 $ 1,591 2019 5,463 4,482 981 2020 4,471 4,454 17 2021 4,418 4,412 6 2022 4,385 4,385 — Thereafter 18,916 18,916 — Total amortization $ 42,631 $ 40,036 $ 2,595 (1) Acquired software is reported in property, plant and equipment.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES	NOTE D – INCOME TAXES On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1/Public Law 115-97 which includes tax legislation titled Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was signed into law. Effective January 1, 2018, the Tax Reform Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. As a result of the Tax Reform Act, the Company recorded a provisional reduction of net deferred income tax liabilities of approximately $24.5 million at December 31, 2017, pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes , which requires the impact of tax law changes to be recognized in the period in which the legislation is enacted. An additional provisional reduction of net deferred income tax liabilities of approximately $2.6 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2018. The additional reduction relates to the reversal of temporary differences through the Company’s fiscal tax year end of February 28, 2018. 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 benefit rate was 10.7% and 41.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition to the provisional effect on net deferred tax liabilities, the Company recorded a provisional reduction in current income tax expense of approximately $1.3 million at December 31, 2017, as a result of the Tax Reform Act, to reflect the Company’s use of a fiscal year rather than a calendar year for U.S. income tax filing. Due to the fact that the Company’s current fiscal tax year includes the effective date of the rate change under the Tax Reform Act, taxes are required to be calculated by applying a blended rate to the taxable income for the current taxable year ending February 28, 2018. The blended rate is calculated based on the ratio of days in the fiscal year prior to and after the effective date of the rate change. In computing total tax expense for the first quarter 2018, a 32.74% blended federal statutory rate was applied to the two months ended February 28, 2018, and a projected combined tax rate of 25.8% (based on the federal statutory rate of 21% plus applicable state tax rates) was applied to the month of March 2018. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate primarily results from the $2.6 million provisional reduction of net deferred income tax liabilities, as previously discussed, and the $1.2 million alternative fuel tax credit related to the year ended December 31, 2017 which was recognized in first quarter 2018 due to the February 2018 passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 which retroactively reinstated the alternative fuel tax credit that had previously expired on December 31, 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate also resulted from state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, changes in tax valuation allowances, and changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance. As of March 31, 2018, 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 March 31, 2018 and concluded that, other than for certain deferred tax assets related to state net operating loss and contribution 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, future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets totaled $0.6 million and $0.8 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. At March 31, 2018, the Company also had a $0.5 million valuation allowance relating to anticipated foreign tax credit carryforwards that are unlikely to be used as a result of the lower U.S. income tax rate. The Company established a reserve for uncertain tax positions of less than $0.1 million at December 31, 2016, and maintained the reserve at March 31, 2018, due to uncertainty of how the IRS will interpret regulations related to research and development credits claimed on the Company’s 2015 federal return. The Company established a reserve for an uncertain tax position of $0.9 million at March 31, 2018, due to credits taken on amended federal returns. The Company paid state and foreign income taxes of $1.1 million and state income taxes of less than $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company received refunds of $1.0 million of federal and state income taxes and less than $0.1 million of state income taxes that were paid in prior years, respectively.

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING AR

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 Asset-Based segment operations), real estate, and certain other equipment as follows: March 31 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Credit Facility (interest rate of 3.4% (1) at March 31, 2018) $ 70,000 $ 70,000 Accounts receivable securitization borrowings (interest rate of 2.6% at March 31, 2018) 45,000 45,000 Notes payable (weighted-average interest rate of 2.7% at March 31, 2018) 137,056 153,441 Capital lease obligations (weighted-average interest rate of 5.7% at March 31, 2018) 426 478 252,482 268,919 Less current portion 56,057 61,930 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 196,425 $ 206,989 (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 3.35% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2018. Scheduled maturities of long-term debt obligations as of March 31, 2018 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 $ 63,064 $ 2,579 $ 1,384 $ 58,865 $ 236 Due after one year through two years 82,310 2,895 46,587 32,627 201 Due after two years through three years 26,293 2,966 — 23,320 7 Due after three years through four years 23,276 2,921 — 20,349 6 Due after four years through five years 79,541 70,796 — 8,745 — Due after five years — — — — — Total payments 274,484 82,157 47,971 143,906 450 Less amounts representing interest 22,002 12,157 2,971 6,850 24 Long-term debt $ 252,482 $ 70,000 $ 45,000 $ 137,056 $ 426 (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: March 31 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Revenue equipment $ 249,053 $ 269,950 Land and structures (service centers) 1,794 1,794 Software 486 486 Service, office, and other equipment 100 100 Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases 251,433 272,330 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1) 84,766 87,691 Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases $ 166,667 $ 184,639 (1) Amortization of assets under held capital leases and depreciation of assets securing notes payable are included in depreciation expense. Financing Arrangements Credit Facility The Company has a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) under its second amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with an initial maximum credit amount of $200.0 million, including a swing line facility in an aggregate amount of up to $20.0 million 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 Company may request additional revolving commitments or incremental term loans thereunder up to an aggregate additional amount of $100.0 million, subject to certain additional conditions as provided in the Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had available borrowing capacity of $130.0 million under the Credit Facility. Principal payments under the Credit Facility are due upon maturity of the facility on July 7, 2022; 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 Credit Agreement can either be, at the Company’s election: (i) at an alternate base rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a spread; or (ii) at a Eurodollar rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a spread. The applicable spread is dependent upon the Company’s adjusted leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). The 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 Credit Agreement at March 31, 2018. Interest Rate Swaps The Company has a five-year interest rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount maturing on January 2, 2020. The Company receives 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 the Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.35% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2018. The fair value of the interest rate swap of $0.4 million and $0.1 million was recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. In June 2017, the Company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount which will start on January 2, 2020 upon maturity of the current interest rate swap agreement, and mature on June 30, 2022. The Company will receive floating-rate interest amounts based on one-month LIBOR in exchange for fixed-rate interest payments of 1.99% over the life of the 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 3.49% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2018. The fair value of the interest rate swap of $0.8 million and $0.4 million was recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The unrealized gain or loss on the interest rate swap instruments was reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in stockholders’ equity at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and the change in the unrealized income (loss) on the interest rate swaps for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was reported in other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The interest rate swaps are 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 agreements at March 31, 2018. Accounts Receivable Securitization Program The Company’s accounts receivable securitization program, which matures on April 1, 2020, allows for cash proceeds of $125.0 million to be provided under the facility and has 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 March 31, 2018, $45.0 million was borrowed under the program. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the accounts receivable securitization program at March 31, 2018. 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 March 31, 2018, standby letters of credit of $17.7 million have been issued under the program, which reduced the available borrowing capacity to $62.3 million. Letter of Credit Agreements and Surety Bond Programs As of March 31, 2018, the Company had letters of credit outstanding of $18.3 million (including $17.7 million issued under the accounts receivable securitization program). 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 March 31, 2018, surety bonds outstanding related to the self-insurance program totaled $61.0 million.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 March 31 Nonunion Defined Supplemental Postretirement Benefit Pension Plan Benefit Plan Health Benefit Plan 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands) Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 92 $ 122 Interest cost 1,015 1,240 27 26 209 265 Expected return on plan assets (401) (2,167) — — — — Amortization of prior service credit — — — — (23) (47) Pension settlement expense 654 1,957 — — — — Amortization of net actuarial loss (1) 778 886 20 20 76 173 Net periodic benefit cost $ 2,046 $ 1,916 $ 47 $ 46 $ 354 $ 513 (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. In November 2017, an amendment was executed to terminate the nonunion defined benefit pension plan with a termination date of December 31, 2017. The plan has filed for a determination letter from the IRS regarding the qualification of the plan termination. Following receipt of a favorable determination letter, benefit election forms will be provided to plan participants and they will have an election window in which they can choose any form of payment allowed by the plan for immediate commencement of payment or defer payment until a later date. Until a favorable determination letter is received and the benefit election forms are distributed to participants, the methodologies for establishing plan assumptions will continue to be consistent with those used prior to the amendment to terminate the plan. Pension settlement charges related to the plan termination, including settlements for lump sum benefit distributions and the cost to purchase an annuity contract to settle the pension obligation related to benefits for which participants elect to defer payment until a later date, may occur in 2018. However, the timing of recognizing these settlements in the consolidated financial statements is highly dependent on when and if the plan receives the favorable determination letter from the IRS. The Company recognized pension settlement expense as a component of net periodic benefit cost of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan for the three months ended March 31, 2018 of $0.7 million (pre-tax), or $0.5 million (after-tax), related to $4.8 million of lump-sum benefit distributions from the plan. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, pension settlement expense of $2.0 million (pre-tax), or $1.2 million (after-tax), was recognized related to $4.8 million of lump-sum distributions from the plan and a $7.6 million nonparticipating annuity contract purchased from an insurance company to settle the pension obligation related to the vested benefits of approximately 50 plan participants and beneficiaries receiving monthly benefit payments at the time of the contract purchase. 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 2018. The following table discloses the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan for the three months ended March 31, 2018: Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan (in thousands) Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligations at December 31, 2017 $ 137,417 Interest cost 1,015 Actuarial gain (1) (3,487) Benefits paid (4,864) Benefit obligations at March 31, 2018 130,081 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2017 124,831 Actual return on plan assets 402 Benefits paid (4,864) Fair value of plan assets at March 31, 2018 120,369 Funded status at period end (2) $ (9,712) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 130,081 (1) Primarily related to the impact of an increase in the discount rate at the March 31, 2018 remeasurement upon settlement compared to the discount rate at the December 31, 2017 measurement date. (2) Noncurrent liability recognized within pension and postretirement liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2018. Based upon currently available actuarial information, and except for the impact of funding for plan termination, the Company does not expect to have cash outlays for required minimum contributions to its nonunion defined benefit pension plan in 2018. The plan’s preliminary adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) is 112.97% as of the January 1, 2018 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 System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries reported in the Company’s Asset-Based operating segment (“ABF Freight”) contribute 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. Contribution obligations to these plans are generally specified in the ABF NMFA, which remained in effect through March 31, 2018 and was extended to allow for the ratification process of the new agreement to take place. The funding obligations to the pension plans are intended to satisfy the requirements imposed by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, 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 for the reduction of certain accrued benefits. 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 ABF Freight’s contractual employees. If ABF Freight was to completely withdraw from certain multiemployer pension plans, under current law, ABF Freight 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, 2018, in which the plan’s actuary certified that, as of January 1, 2018, the plan is in critical and declining status, as defined by the Reform Act. Critical and declining status is applicable to critical status plans that are projected to become insolvent anytime within 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%. 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 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	NOTE G – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows: March 31 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Pre-tax amounts: Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs $ (20,774) $ (25,768) Interest rate swap 1,199 481 Foreign currency translation (1,991) (1,894) Total $ (21,566) $ (27,181) After-tax amounts: Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs $ (19,398) $ (19,715) Interest rate swap 791 292 Foreign currency translation (1,471) (1,151) Total $ (20,078) $ (20,574) The following is a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: Unrecognized Interest Foreign Net Periodic Rate Currency Total Benefit Costs Swap Translation (in thousands) Balances at December 31, 2017 $ (20,574) $ (19,715) $ 292 $ (1,151) Adjustment to beginning balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss for adoption of accounting standard (1) (3,576) (3,391) 63 (248) Balances at January 1, 2018 (24,150) (23,106) 355 (1,399) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 2,954 2,590 436 (72) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 1,118 1,118 — — Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 4,072 3,708 436 (72) Balances at March 31, 2018 $ (20,078) $ (19,398) $ 791 $ (1,471) Balances at December 31, 2016 $ (23,417) $ (21,886) $ (329) $ (1,202) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1,217) (1,471) 135 119 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 1,827 1,827 — — Net current-period other comprehensive income 610 356 135 119 Balances at March 31, 2017 $ (22,807) $ (21,530) $ (194) $ (1,083) (1) The Company elected to reclassify the stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 as a result of adopting an amendment to ASC Topic 220 (see Note A) . The following is a summary of the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component: Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs (1)(2) Three Months Ended March 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Amortization of net actuarial loss $ (874) $ (1,079) Amortization of prior service credit 23 47 Pension settlement expense (654) (1,957) Total, pre-tax (1,505) (2,989) Tax benefit 387 1,162 Total, net of tax $ (1,118) $ (1,827) (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: 2018 2017 Per Share Amount Per Share Amount (in thousands, except per share data) First quarter $ $ $ 0.08 $ 2,066 On May 1, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share to stockholders of record as of May 15, 2018. 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, 2017, the Company had $31.7 million remaining under the program for repurchases of its common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company purchased 5,882 shares for an aggregate cost of $0.2 million, leaving $31.5 million available for repurchase of common stock under the program.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	NOTE H – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Stock Awards As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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: Weighted-Average Grant Date Units Fair Value Outstanding – January 1, 2018 1,459,260 $ 22.98 Granted 2,400 $ 33.85 Vested (4,700) $ 24.09 Outstanding – March 31, 2018 1,456,960 $ 22.99

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 March 31 2018 2017 (in thousands, except share and per share data) Basic Numerator: Net income (loss) $ 9,954 $ (7,407) Effect of unvested restricted stock awards (30) (17) Adjusted net income (loss) $ 9,924 $ (7,424) Denominator: Weighted-average shares 25,642,871 25,684,475 Earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.39 $ (0.29) Diluted Numerator: Net income (loss) $ 9,954 $ (7,407) Effect of unvested restricted stock awards (29) (17) Adjusted net income (loss) $ 9,925 $ (7,424) Denominator: Weighted-average shares 25,642,871 25,684,475 Effect of dilutive securities 953,505 — Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions 26,596,376 25,684,475 Earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.37 $ (0.29) 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 subsequent to 2015 are not participating securities. Outstanding stock awards of 0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have the effect of increasing earnings per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, outstanding stock awards of 0.8 million were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have the effect of decreasing the loss per share.

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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. As disclosed in the Company’s 2017 10-K, the Company modified the presentation of segment expenses allocated from shared services, during the third quarter of 2017. Previously, expenses related to company-wide functions were allocated to segment expense line items by type of expense. Allocated expenses are now presented on a single shared services line within the Company’s operating segment disclosures. Reclassifications have been made to the prior period operating segment expenses to conform to the current year presentation. There was no impact on each segment’s total expenses as a result of the reclassifications. Shared services represent costs incurred to support all segments, including sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, capacity sourcing functions, human resources, financial services, information technology, legal, and other company-wide services. Certain overhead costs are not attributable to any segment and remain unallocated in “Other and eliminations.” Included in unallocated costs are expenses related to investor relations, legal, the ArcBest Board of Directors, and certain executive compensation. Shared services costs attributable to the operating segments are predominantly allocated based upon estimated and planned resource utilization-related metrics such as estimated shipment levels, number of pricing proposals, or number of personnel supported. The bases for such charges are modified and adjusted by management when necessary or appropriate to reflect fairly and equitably the actual incidence of cost incurred by the operating segments. Management believes the methods used to allocate expenses are reasonable. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company retrospectively adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 715 which requires changes to the financial statement presentation of certain components of net periodic benefit cost related to pension and other postretirement benefits accounted for under ASC Topic 715. As a result of adopting this amendment, the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost continues to be included in operating expenses in the consolidated financial statements, but the other components of net periodic benefit cost, including pension settlement expense, are presented in other income (costs) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The adoption of this accounting policy is further discussed in Note A and the detail of our net periodic benefit costs are presented in Note F. The Company’s reportable operating segments are impacted by seasonal fluctuations which affect tonnage, shipment levels, and demand for services, 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: · Asset-Based, which includes the results of operations of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries. The operations include national, inter-regional, and regional transportation of general commodities through standard, expedited, and guaranteed LTL services. In addition, the segment operations include freight transportation related to certain consumer household goods self-move services. Freight shipments and operating costs of the Asset-Based segment 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. · The ArcBest segment includes the results of operations of the Company’s expedite, truckload, and truckload-dedicated businesses as well as its premium logistics services; international freight transportation with air, ocean, and ground service offerings; household goods moving services to consumer, commercial, and government customers; warehousing management and distribution services; and managed transportation solutions. Under the Company’s enhanced marketing approach to offer customers a single source of end-to-end logistics, the service offerings of the ArcBest segment continue to become more integrated. As such, management’s operating decisions have become more focused on the segment’s combined operations, rather than on individual service offerings within the segment’s operations. ArcBest segment operations are influenced by seasonal fluctuations that impact customers’ supply chains. 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. Shipments of the ArcBest segment may decline during winter months because of post-holiday slowdowns, but expedite shipments 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 automotive and manufacturing customers of the ArcBest segment, but severe weather events can result in higher demand for expedite services. Moving services of the ArcBest segment are impacted by seasonal fluctuations, generally resulting in higher business levels in the second and third quarters as the demand for household goods moving services is typically stronger in the summer months. · FleetNet includes the results of operations of FleetNet America, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries that provide roadside assistance and maintenance management services for commercial vehicles through a network of third-party service providers. FleetNet also provides services to the Asset-Based and ArcBest segments. Emergency roadside service events of the FleetNet segment are favorably impacted by severe weather conditions that affect commercial vehicle operations and the segment’s results of operations will be influenced by seasonal variations in service event volume. 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 and the Company’s shared services subsidiary 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 March 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) REVENUES Asset-Based $ 482,115 $ 464,356 ArcBest 181,933 152,876 FleetNet 47,759 40,238 Other and eliminations (11,806) (6,382) Total consolidated revenues $ 700,001 $ 651,088 OPERATING EXPENSES (1) Asset-Based Salaries, wages, and benefits $ 269,779 $ 279,380 Fuel, supplies, and expenses 62,193 58,390 Operating taxes and licenses 11,756 11,823 Insurance 6,628 7,118 Communications and utilities 4,521 4,517 Depreciation and amortization 20,930 20,519 Rents and purchased transportation 46,133 46,426 Shared services (2) 45,607 43,503 Gain on sale of property and equipment (133) (617) Other 1,299 1,505 Restructuring costs (3) — 140 Total Asset-Based 468,713 472,704 ArcBest Purchased transportation 148,372 121,987 Supplies and expenses 3,230 3,670 Depreciation and amortization 3,408 3,266 Shared services (2) 21,868 19,586 Other 1,881 2,464 Restructuring costs (3) 9 810 Total ArcBest 178,768 151,783 FleetNet 46,238 39,217 Other and eliminations (6,443) (2,716) Total consolidated operating expenses $ 687,276 $ 660,988 (1) As previously discussed in this Note, the Company retrospectively adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 715, effective January 1, 2018, which requires the components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost to be presented within other income (costs) in the consolidated financial statements and, therefore, excluded from the presentation of operating segment data within this table. (2) Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation, reflecting the modified presentation of segment expenses allocated from shared services as previously discussed in this Note. (3) Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure (see Note K). Three Months Ended March 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) (1) Asset-Based $ 13,402 $ (8,348) ArcBest 3,165 1,093 FleetNet 1,521 1,021 Other and eliminations (5,363) (3,666) Total consolidated operating income (loss) $ 12,725 $ (9,900) OTHER INCOME (COSTS) Interest and dividend income $ 526 $ 274 Interest and other related financing costs (2,059) (1,315) Other, net (1)(2) (2,201) (1,706) Total other income (costs) (3,734) (2,747) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES $ 8,991 $ (12,647) (1) As previously discussed in this Note, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost are presented within other income (costs) rather than within operating income (loss) in accordance with an amendment to ASC Topic 715, which the Company adopted retrospectively effective January 1, 2018. (2) Includes proceeds and changes in cash surrender value of life insurance policies. The following table presents operating expenses by category on a consolidated basis: Three Months Ended 2018 2017 (in thousands) OPERATING EXPENSES Salaries, wages, and benefits $ 328,757 $ 332,590 Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services 223,756 199,871 Fuel, supplies, and expenses 78,646 72,662 Depreciation and amortization (1) 26,486 25,394 Other 29,255 28,840 Restructuring costs (2) 376 1,631 $ 687,276 $ 660,988 (1) Includes amortization of intangible assets. (2) Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure (see Note K).

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND IMPAIRMENT	NOTE K – RESTRUCTURING CHARGES On November 3, 2016, the Company announced its plan to implement an enhanced market approach to better serve its customers. The enhanced market approach unified the Company’s sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, and capacity sourcing functions effective January 1, 2017, and allows the Company to operate as one logistics provider under the ArcBest brand. As a result of the restructuring, the Company recorded $0.4 million and $1.6 million of restructuring charges in operating expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, primarily for employee-related costs. The Company estimates it will incur restructuring charges of approximately $1.0 million in 2018 primarily for consulting fees related to continued integration of systems and processes to further implement its enhanced market approach.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTA

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS	NOTE L – 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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 $0.4 million. 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.

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION 21

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
Financial Statement Presentation - Basis of accounting	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 “SEC”) 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 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other current filings with the SEC. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which are of a normal and recurring nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
Use of Estimates	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 consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates.
Goodwill	Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The Company’s measurement of goodwill impairment involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. Fair value is derived using a combination of valuation methods, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and revenue multiples (market approach) and the present value of discounted cash flows (income approach). For annual and interim impairment tests, the Company is required to record an impairment charge, if any, by the amount a reporting unit’s fair value is exceeded by the carrying value of the reporting unit, limited to the carrying value of goodwill included in the reporting unit. The Company’s annual impairment testing is performed as of October 1.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition: Revenues are recognized when or as control of the promised services is transferred to the customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. Asset-Based Segment Asset-Based segment revenues primarily consist of less-than-truckload freight delivery. Performance obligations are satisfied upon final delivery of the freight to the specified destination. Revenue is recognized based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred. A bill-by-bill analysis is used to establish estimates of revenue in transit for recognition in the appropriate period. Because the bill-by-bill methodology utilizes the approximate location of the shipment in the delivery process to determine the revenue to recognize, management believes it to be a reliable method. Certain contracts may provide for volume-based or other discounts which are accounted for as variable consideration. The Company estimates these amounts based on the expected discounts earned by customers and revenue is recognized based on the estimates. Revenue adjustments may also occur due to rating or other billing adjustments. The Company estimates revenue adjustments based on historical information and revenue is recognized accordingly at the time of shipment. Management believes that actual amounts will not vary significantly from estimates of variable consideration. Revenue, purchased transportation expense, and third-party service expenses are reported on a gross basis for certain shipments and services where the Company utilizes a third-party carrier for pickup, linehaul, delivery of freight, or performance of services but remains primarily responsible for fulfilling delivery to the customer and maintains discretion in setting the price for the services. ArcBest Segment ArcBest segment revenues consist primarily of asset-light logistics services using third-party vendors to provide transportation services. ArcBest segment revenue is generally recognized based on the relative transit time in each reporting period using estimated standard delivery times for freight in transit at the end of the reporting period. Purchased transportation expense is recognized as incurred consistent with the recognition of revenue. Revenue and purchased transportation expense are reported on a gross basis for shipments and services where the Company uses a third-party carrier for pickup and delivery but remains primarily responsible to the customer for delivery and has discretion in setting the price for the service. FleetNet Segment FleetNet segment revenues consist of service fee revenue, roadside repair revenue and routine maintenance services. Service fee revenue for the FleetNet segment is recognized upon response to the service event. Repair revenue for the FleetNet segment is recognized upon completion of the service by third-party vendors. Revenue and expense from repair and maintenance services performed by third-party vendors are reported on a gross basis as FleetNet controls the services prior to transfer to the customer and remains primarily responsible to the customer for completion of the services. Other Recognition and Disclosure The Company records deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of performance under the contract. Deferred revenues totaled $5.6 million and $0.6 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and are recorded in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet. Payment terms with customers may vary depending on the service provided, location or specific agreement with the customer. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain services, payment is required before the services are provided to the customer. The Company expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less. The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient to not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original length of one year or less or contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice for services performed .
Accounting Pronouncements	Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , (“ASC Topic 606”) provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and contains principles to apply to determine the measurement of revenue and the timing of when it is recognized. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic method of accounting under ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition , (“ASC Topic 605”). The Company’s major service lines for presentation of disaggregated revenues from contracts with customers are consistent with the Company’s reportable operating segments as presented in Note J. The primary impact of adopting ASC Topic 606 was to recognize ArcBest segment revenue over time instead of at final delivery of the shipment. As a result, revenue will generally be recorded earlier under ASC Topic 606 compared to ASC Topic 605. Asset-Based and FleetNet segment revenues were not impacted. The Company recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings of $0.4 million as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting ASC Topic 606. The impact to both revenues and purchased transportation expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 was a decrease of $0.3 million, as a result of applying ASC Topic 606. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits , (“ASC Topic 715”) which requires changes to the financial statement presentation of certain components of net periodic benefit cost related to pension and other postretirement benefits accounted for under ASC Topic 715. The amendment requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to continue to be included in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the related employees, but requires the other components of net periodic benefit cost, including pension settlement expense, to be presented separately from the service cost component and outside of the subtotal of income from operations. The provisions of the amendment are required to be applied retrospectively and were effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. The Company has not incurred service cost under its nonunion defined benefit pension plan or its supplemental benefit plan (the “SBP”) since the accrual of benefits under the plans were frozen on July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2009, respectively; however, the Company incurs service cost under its postretirement health benefit plan which will continue to be reported within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The other components of net periodic benefit cost (including pension settlement charges) of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, SBP, and postretirement health benefit plan are reported within the other line item of other income (costs) beginning in first quarter 2018. As a result of retrospectively applying the provisions of the amendment, $2.4 million was reclassified from operating expenses to other income (costs) for the three months ended March 31, 2017. There was no change to consolidated net income (loss) or earnings (loss) per share as a result of the change in presentation under the new standard. In February 2018, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Topic 220, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income , (“ASC Topic 220”) which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”). The Company early adopted this amendment for first quarter 2018 and adjusted the tax effect of items within accumulated other comprehensive income to reflect the appropriate tax rate under the Tax Reform Act in the period of adoption. As a result of applying the provisions of the amendment, the Company elected to reclassify $3.6 million of stranded income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss related to the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan, supplemental benefit plan, and postretirement health benefit plan are subsequently expensed as components of net periodic benefit cost by amortizing unrecognized net actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and amortizing unrecognized prior service credits over the remaining years of service until full eligibility of the active participants at the time of the plan amendment which created the prior service credit. A corridor approach is not used for determining the amounts of net actuarial losses to be amortized. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss related to the change in unrealized gain or loss on the Company’s interest rate swap agreements are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into income (loss) in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company early adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, Simplifying the Test of Goodwill Impairment, which removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. For annual and interim impairment tests, the Company is required to record an impairment charge, if any, by the amount a reporting unit’s fair value is exceeded by the carrying value of the reporting unit, limited to the carrying value of goodwill included in the reporting unit. The adoption of the amendment did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted ASC Topic 842, Leases , which is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, requires lessees to recognize a right-to-use asset and a lease obligation for all leases. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize an asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. The new standard is expected to be adopted on the modified retrospective basis, which will require leases existing at or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period to be valued and recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has established an implementation team and is evaluating the new guidance. Management expects the new standard to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and is still evaluating the impact on the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows. ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging , was amended to change the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results to simplify hedge accounting treatment and better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. Management believes there is no other new accounting guidance issued but not yet effective that is relevant to the Company’s current financial statements.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAI22

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Schedule components of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, and restricted funds	March 31 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents Cash deposits (1) $ 93,022 $ 86,510 Variable rate demand notes (1)(2) 17,810 19,744 Money market funds (3) 13,820 14,518 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 124,652 $ 120,772 Short-term investments Certificates of deposit (1) $ 54,669 $ 56,401 (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).
Schedule of fair value and carrying value disclosures of financial instruments	March 31 December 31 2018 2017 (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) 45,000 45,000 45,000 45,000 Notes payable (3) 137,056 135,282 153,441 152,131 $ 252,056 $ 250,282 $ 268,441 $ 267,131 (1) The revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) carries a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin, that 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	March 31, 2018 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) $ 13,820 $ 13,820 $ — $ — Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan (2) 2,332 2,332 — — Interest rate swaps (3) 1,199 — 1,199 — $ 17,351 $ 16,152 $ 1,199 $ — Liabilities: Contingent consideration (4) $ 3,711 $ — $ — $ 3,711 December 31, 2017 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) $ 14,518 $ 14,518 $ — $ — Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan (2) 2,359 2,359 — — Interest rate swaps (3) 481 — 481 — $ 17,358 $ 16,877 $ 481 $ — Liabilities: Contingent consideration (4) $ 6,970 $ — $ — $ 6,970 (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. Included in other long-term assets, with a corresponding liability reported within other long-term liabilities. (3) Included in other long-term assets. The fair values of the interest rate swaps were determined by discounting future cash flows and receipts based on expected interest rates observed in market interest rate curves (Level 2 inputs) 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and considers the interest rate swap valuations in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. (4) Included in accrued expenses as of March 31, 2018 and included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities based on when expected payouts become due as of December 31, 2017. 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 assessments utilize a Monte Carlo simulation with inputs including 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 11.9% and 12.5% as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Subsequent changes to the fair value as a result of recurring assessments will be recognized in operating income.
Schedule of changes in fair value of the liabilities	Contingent Consideration (in thousands) Balances at December 31, 2017 $ 6,970 Payments (1) (3,528) Change in fair value included in operating expenses 269 Balances at March 31, 2018 $ 3,711

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Schedule of intangible assets	March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 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 14 $ 60,431 $ 20,842 $ 39,589 $ 60,431 $ 19,745 $ 40,686 Driver network 3 3,200 3,200 — 3,200 3,200 — Other 9 1,032 585 447 1,032 549 483 13 64,663 24,627 40,036 64,663 23,494 41,169 Indefinite-lived intangible assets Trade name N/A 32,300 N/A 32,300 32,300 N/A 32,300 Total intangible assets N/A $ 96,963 $ 24,627 $ 72,336 $ 96,963 $ 23,494 $ 73,469
Schedule of future amortization for intangible assets and acquired software	The future amortization for intangible assets and acquired software as of March 31, 2018 were as follows: Intangible Acquired Total Assets Software (1) (in thousands) 2018 $ 4,978 $ 3,387 $ 1,591 2019 5,463 4,482 981 2020 4,471 4,454 17 2021 4,418 4,412 6 2022 4,385 4,385 — Thereafter 18,916 18,916 — Total amortization $ 42,631 $ 40,036 $ 2,595 (1) Acquired software is reported in property, plant and equipment.

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING 24

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Schedule of long-term debt	March 31 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Credit Facility (interest rate of 3.4% (1) at March 31, 2018) $ 70,000 $ 70,000 Accounts receivable securitization borrowings (interest rate of 2.6% at March 31, 2018) 45,000 45,000 Notes payable (weighted-average interest rate of 2.7% at March 31, 2018) 137,056 153,441 Capital lease obligations (weighted-average interest rate of 5.7% at March 31, 2018) 426 478 252,482 268,919 Less current portion 56,057 61,930 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 196,425 $ 206,989 (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 3.35% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2018.
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 $ 63,064 $ 2,579 $ 1,384 $ 58,865 $ 236 Due after one year through two years 82,310 2,895 46,587 32,627 201 Due after two years through three years 26,293 2,966 — 23,320 7 Due after three years through four years 23,276 2,921 — 20,349 6 Due after four years through five years 79,541 70,796 — 8,745 — Due after five years — — — — — Total payments 274,484 82,157 47,971 143,906 450 Less amounts representing interest 22,002 12,157 2,971 6,850 24 Long-term debt $ 252,482 $ 70,000 $ 45,000 $ 137,056 $ 426 (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	March 31 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Revenue equipment $ 249,053 $ 269,950 Land and structures (service centers) 1,794 1,794 Software 486 486 Service, office, and other equipment 100 100 Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases 251,433 272,330 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1) 84,766 87,691 Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases $ 166,667 $ 184,639 (1) Amortization of assets under held capital leases and depreciation of assets securing notes payable are included in depreciation expense.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM25

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
Summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost	Three Months Ended March 31 Nonunion Defined Supplemental Postretirement Benefit Pension Plan Benefit Plan Health Benefit Plan 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands) Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 92 $ 122 Interest cost 1,015 1,240 27 26 209 265 Expected return on plan assets (401) (2,167) — — — — Amortization of prior service credit — — — — (23) (47) Pension settlement expense 654 1,957 — — — — Amortization of net actuarial loss (1) 778 886 20 20 76 173 Net periodic benefit cost $ 2,046 $ 1,916 $ 47 $ 46 $ 354 $ 513 (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, 2017 $ 137,417 Interest cost 1,015 Actuarial gain (1) (3,487) Benefits paid (4,864) Benefit obligations at March 31, 2018 130,081 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2017 124,831 Actual return on plan assets 402 Benefits paid (4,864) Fair value of plan assets at March 31, 2018 120,369 Funded status at period end (2) $ (9,712) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 130,081 (1) Primarily related to the impact of an increase in the discount rate at the March 31, 2018 remeasurement upon settlement compared to the discount rate at the December 31, 2017 measurement date. (2) Noncurrent liability recognized within pension and postretirement liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2018.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	March 31 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Pre-tax amounts: Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs $ (20,774) $ (25,768) Interest rate swap 1,199 481 Foreign currency translation (1,991) (1,894) Total $ (21,566) $ (27,181) After-tax amounts: Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs $ (19,398) $ (19,715) Interest rate swap 791 292 Foreign currency translation (1,471) (1,151) Total $ (20,078) $ (20,574)
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, 2017 $ (20,574) $ (19,715) $ 292 $ (1,151) Adjustment to beginning balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss for adoption of accounting standard (1) (3,576) (3,391) 63 (248) Balances at January 1, 2018 (24,150) (23,106) 355 (1,399) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 2,954 2,590 436 (72) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 1,118 1,118 — — Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 4,072 3,708 436 (72) Balances at March 31, 2018 $ (20,078) $ (19,398) $ 791 $ (1,471) Balances at December 31, 2016 $ (23,417) $ (21,886) $ (329) $ (1,202) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1,217) (1,471) 135 119 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 1,827 1,827 — — Net current-period other comprehensive income 610 356 135 119 Balances at March 31, 2017 $ (22,807) $ (21,530) $ (194) $ (1,083)
Summary of the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component	Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs (1)(2) Three Months Ended March 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Amortization of net actuarial loss $ (874) $ (1,079) Amortization of prior service credit 23 47 Pension settlement expense (654) (1,957) Total, pre-tax (1,505) (2,989) Tax benefit 387 1,162 Total, net of tax $ (1,118) $ (1,827) (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	2018 2017 Per Share Amount Per Share Amount (in thousands, except per share data) First quarter $ $ $ 0.08 $ 2,066

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Summary of the Company's restricted stock unit award program	Weighted-Average Grant Date Units Fair Value Outstanding – January 1, 2018 1,459,260 $ 22.98 Granted 2,400 $ 33.85 Vested (4,700) $ 24.09 Outstanding – March 31, 2018 1,456,960 $ 22.99

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share	Three Months Ended March 31 2018 2017 (in thousands, except share and per share data) Basic Numerator: Net income (loss) $ 9,954 $ (7,407) Effect of unvested restricted stock awards (30) (17) Adjusted net income (loss) $ 9,924 $ (7,424) Denominator: Weighted-average shares 25,642,871 25,684,475 Earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.39 $ (0.29) Diluted Numerator: Net income (loss) $ 9,954 $ (7,407) Effect of unvested restricted stock awards (29) (17) Adjusted net income (loss) $ 9,925 $ (7,424) Denominator: Weighted-average shares 25,642,871 25,684,475 Effect of dilutive securities 953,505 — Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions 26,596,376 25,684,475 Earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.37 $ (0.29)

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
OPERATING SEGMENT DATA
Schedule of reportable operating segment information	The following tables reflect reportable operating segment information: Three Months Ended March 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) REVENUES Asset-Based $ 482,115 $ 464,356 ArcBest 181,933 152,876 FleetNet 47,759 40,238 Other and eliminations (11,806) (6,382) Total consolidated revenues $ 700,001 $ 651,088 OPERATING EXPENSES (1) Asset-Based Salaries, wages, and benefits $ 269,779 $ 279,380 Fuel, supplies, and expenses 62,193 58,390 Operating taxes and licenses 11,756 11,823 Insurance 6,628 7,118 Communications and utilities 4,521 4,517 Depreciation and amortization 20,930 20,519 Rents and purchased transportation 46,133 46,426 Shared services (2) 45,607 43,503 Gain on sale of property and equipment (133) (617) Other 1,299 1,505 Restructuring costs (3) — 140 Total Asset-Based 468,713 472,704 ArcBest Purchased transportation 148,372 121,987 Supplies and expenses 3,230 3,670 Depreciation and amortization 3,408 3,266 Shared services (2) 21,868 19,586 Other 1,881 2,464 Restructuring costs (3) 9 810 Total ArcBest 178,768 151,783 FleetNet 46,238 39,217 Other and eliminations (6,443) (2,716) Total consolidated operating expenses $ 687,276 $ 660,988 (1) As previously discussed in this Note, the Company retrospectively adopted an amendment to ASC Topic 715, effective January 1, 2018, which requires the components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost to be presented within other income (costs) in the consolidated financial statements and, therefore, excluded from the presentation of operating segment data within this table. (2) Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation, reflecting the modified presentation of segment expenses allocated from shared services as previously discussed in this Note. (3) Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure (see Note K). Three Months Ended March 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) (1) Asset-Based $ 13,402 $ (8,348) ArcBest 3,165 1,093 FleetNet 1,521 1,021 Other and eliminations (5,363) (3,666) Total consolidated operating income (loss) $ 12,725 $ (9,900) OTHER INCOME (COSTS) Interest and dividend income $ 526 $ 274 Interest and other related financing costs (2,059) (1,315) Other, net (1)(2) (2,201) (1,706) Total other income (costs) (3,734) (2,747) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES $ 8,991 $ (12,647) (1) As previously discussed in this Note, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost are presented within other income (costs) rather than within operating income (loss) in accordance with an amendment to ASC Topic 715, which the Company adopted retrospectively effective January 1, 2018. (2) Includes proceeds and changes in cash surrender value of life insurance policies. The following table presents operating expenses by category on a consolidated basis: Three Months Ended 2018 2017 (in thousands) OPERATING EXPENSES Salaries, wages, and benefits $ 328,757 $ 332,590 Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services 223,756 199,871 Fuel, supplies, and expenses 78,646 72,662 Depreciation and amortization (1) 26,486 25,394 Other 29,255 28,840 Restructuring costs (2) 376 1,631 $ 687,276 $ 660,988 (1) Includes amortization of intangible assets. (2) Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure (see Note K).

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION 30

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Organization) (Details) - segment	Nov. 03, 2013	Mar. 31, 2018
Organization and description of business
Number of reportable operating segments		3
Asset-Based
Organization and description of business
Percentage of the Company's revenues, before other revenues and intercompany eliminations, represented by the Asset-Based segment		68.00%
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%
Asset-Based | Unionized employees concentration risk | Number of employees
Organization and description of business
Percentage of Asset-Based segment employees covered under collective bargaining agreement with the IBT		82.00%

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION 31

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Other Recognition and Disclosure) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Recognition and Disclosure
Deferred revenue	$ 5.6	$ 0.6
Revenue, Practical Expedient, Incremental Cost of Obtaining Contract	true
Revenue, Practical Expedient, Remaining Performance Obligation	true

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION 32

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (ASC Topic 606) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
ASC Topic 606
Retained earnings	$ 450,267			$ 438,379
Revenues	700,001	$ 651,088
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
ASC Topic 606
Retained earnings			$ 400
Revenues	(300)
Purchased transportation	$ (300)

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION 33

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Other Accounting Pronouncements) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Decrease in operating expenses		$ 687,276	$ 660,988
Increase in other cost		2,201	1,706
Net income (loss)		9,954	(7,407)
ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits | Adjustment
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Decrease in operating expenses			(2,400)
Increase in other cost			$ 2,400
Net income (loss)		$ 0
EPS (in dollars per share)		$ 0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ASC Topic 220, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Reclassification from AOCI to Retained earnings tax effect	$ (3,600)
Retained Earnings
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Net income (loss)		$ 9,954
Retained Earnings | ASC Topic 220, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Reclassification from AOCI to Retained earnings tax effect	$ 3,600

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAI34

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Cash, Investments and Restricted Funds) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 124,652	$ 120,772
Short-term investments	54,669	56,401
Concentrations of Credit Risk of Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents which are not FDIC-insured	69,100	61,100
Cash deposits
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	93,022	86,510
Variable rate demand notes
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	17,810	19,744
Money market funds
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	13,820	14,518
Certificates of deposit
Fair value disclosure
Short-term investments	$ 54,669	$ 56,401

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAI35

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Carrying Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	$ 252,056	$ 268,441
Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	250,282	267,131
Level 2 | Credit Facility | Carrying Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	70,000	70,000
Level 2 | Credit Facility | Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	70,000	70,000
Level 2 | Accounts receivable securitization program | Carrying Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	45,000	45,000
Level 2 | Accounts receivable securitization program | Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	45,000	45,000
Level 2 | Notes payable | Carrying Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	137,056	153,441
Level 2 | Notes payable | Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	$ 135,282	$ 152,131

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAI36

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - Recurring basis - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets:
Assets	$ 17,351	$ 17,358
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets:
Money market funds	13,820	14,518
Other long-term assets
Assets:
Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan	2,332	2,359
Interest rate swaps	1,199	481
Accrued and other long term liabilities
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	3,711	6,970
Level 1
Assets:
Assets	16,152	16,877
Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents
Assets:
Money market funds	13,820	14,518
Level 1 | Other long-term assets
Assets:
Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan	2,332	2,359
Level 2
Assets:
Assets	1,199	481
Level 2 | Other long-term assets
Assets:
Interest rate swaps	1,199	481
Level 3 | Accrued and other long term liabilities
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	$ 3,711	$ 6,970
Level 3 | Accrued and other long term liabilities | LDS
Liabilities:
Discount rate (as a percent)	11.90%	12.50%

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAI37

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (FV - Level 3) (Details) - Contingent Consideration $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Fair Value of liabilities level 3 hierarchy
Balance beginning of period	$ 6,970
Payments	(3,528)
Change in fair value included in operating expenses	269
Balance at end of period	$ 3,711

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET38

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill by reportable operating segment
Goodwill	$ 108,320	$ 108,320
ArcBest
Goodwill by reportable operating segment
Goodwill	107,700	107,700
FleetNet
Goodwill by reportable operating segment
Goodwill	$ 600	$ 600

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET39

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Intangible) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-lived intangible assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period	13 years
Cost	$ 64,663	$ 64,663
Accumulated Amortization	24,627	23,494
Net Value	40,036	41,169
Total intangible assets
Cost	96,963	96,963
Net Value	72,336	73,469
Trade name
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Net Value	$ 32,300	32,300
Customer relationships
Finite-lived intangible assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period	14 years
Cost	$ 60,431	60,431
Accumulated Amortization	20,842	19,745
Net Value	$ 39,589	40,686
Driver network
Finite-lived intangible assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period	3 years
Cost	$ 3,200	3,200
Accumulated Amortization	$ 3,200	3,200
Other intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period	9 years
Cost	$ 1,032	1,032
Accumulated Amortization	585	549
Net Value	$ 447	$ 483

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET40

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Future amortization for intangible assets and acquired software
2,018	$ 4,978
2,019	5,463
2,020	4,471
2,021	4,418
2,022	4,385
Thereafter	18,916
Total amortization	42,631
Future amortization for intangible assets
2,018	3,387
2,019	4,482
2,020	4,454
2,021	4,412
2,022	4,385
Thereafter	18,916
Net Value	40,036	$ 41,169
Future amortization for acquired software
2,018	1,591
2,019	981
2,020	17
2,021	6
Total amortization, Acquired software	$ 2,595

INCOME TAXES (Tax Reform Act) (

INCOME TAXES (Tax Reform Act) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Impact of Tax Reform Act
Statutory federal rate (as a percent)		32.74%	21.00%		35.00%
Projected combined tax rate based on federal statutory rate and applicable state tax rates (as a percent)	$ 25.80
Provisional reduction of deferred tax liabilities due to Tax Reform Act			$ 2,600,000		$ 24,500,000
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 benefit rate (as a percent)			10.70%	41.40%
Provisional reduction in current income tax expense due Tax Reform Act reflecting use of fiscal year rather than calendar year federal income tax filing					$ 1,300,000
Alternative fuel tax credit			$ 1,200,000

INCOME TAXES (Deferred taxes) (

INCOME TAXES (Deferred taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Valuation allowance	$ 0.6	$ 0.8
Valuation allowance related to anticipated foreign tax credit carryforward	$ 0.5

INCOME TAXES (Uncertain Tax Pos

INCOME TAXES (Uncertain Tax Positions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2016
Income taxes
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	$ 0.9
Maximum
Income taxes
Reserve for uncertain tax positions		$ 0.1

INCOME TAXES (Taxes Paid) (Deta

INCOME TAXES (Taxes Paid) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Income taxes
Income taxes paid (in dollars)	$ 1.1
Income tax refunds received (in dollars)	$ 1
Maximum
Income taxes
Income taxes paid (in dollars)		$ 0.1
Income tax refunds received (in dollars)		$ 0.1

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING 45

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Summary) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 252,482	$ 268,919
Less current portion	56,057	61,930
Long-term debt, less current portion	196,425	206,989
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	63,064
Due after one year through two years	82,310
Due after two years through three years	26,293
Due after three years through four years	23,276
Due after four years through five years	79,541
Total payments	274,484
Less amounts representing interest	22,002
Long-term debt	252,482	268,919
Credit Facility
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 70,000	70,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.40%
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	$ 2,579
Due after one year through two years	2,895
Due after two years through three years	2,966
Due after three years through four years	2,921
Due after four years through five years	70,796
Total payments	82,157
Less amounts representing interest	12,157
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)	3.35%
Accounts receivable securitization program
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 45,000	45,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.60%
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	$ 1,384
Due after one year through two years	46,587
Total payments	47,971
Less amounts representing interest	2,971
Long-term debt	45,000	45,000
Notes payable
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 137,056	153,441
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)	2.70%
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	$ 58,865
Due after one year through two years	32,627
Due after two years through three years	23,320
Due after three years through four years	20,349
Due after four years through five years	8,745
Total payments	143,906
Less amounts representing interest	6,850
Long-term debt	137,056	153,441
Capital lease obligations
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 426	478
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)	5.70%
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	$ 236
Due after one year through two years	201
Due after two years through three years	7
Due after three years through four years	6
Total payments	450
Less amounts representing interest	24
Long-term debt	$ 426	$ 478

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING 46

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Assets Sec) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Arrangements
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	$ 251,433	$ 272,330
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	84,766	87,691
Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	166,667	184,639
Revenue equipment
Financing Arrangements
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	249,053	269,950
Land and structures (service centers)
Financing Arrangements
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	1,794	1,794
Software
Financing Arrangements
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	486	486
Service, office, and other equipment
Financing Arrangements
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	$ 100	$ 100

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING 47

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Financing arrangements - Credit Facility) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Credit Facility
Financing Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 200
Additional borrowing capacity that may be requested		100
Remaining borrowing capacity	$ 130
Swing Line Facility
Financing Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity		20
Letters of Credit, Sub-Facility
Financing Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 20

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING 48

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Financing arrangements - Interest rate swaps) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest rate swap agreement
Financing Arrangements
Term of swap agreement	5 years
Notional amount		$ 50
Fixed interest rate payments (as a percent)		1.85%
Interest rate swap agreement | Other long-term liabilities
Financing Arrangements
Fair value, liability		$ 0.4	$ 0.1
Interest rate swap agreement | Credit Facility
Financing Arrangements
Amount of borrowings covered by the interest rate swap		$ 50
Effective fixed interest rate on hedged borrowings (as a percent)		3.35%
Forward-starting interest rate swap agreement
Financing Arrangements
Notional amount		$ 50
Fixed interest rate payments (as a percent)		1.99%
Forward-starting interest rate swap agreement | Other long-term assets
Financing Arrangements
Fair value, asset		$ 0.8	$ 0.4
Forward-starting interest rate swap agreement | Credit Facility
Financing Arrangements
Amount of borrowings covered by the interest rate swap		$ 50
Effective fixed interest rate on hedged borrowings (as a percent)		3.49%

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING 49

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Financing arrangements - Securitization program) (Details) - Accounts receivable securitization program $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Financing Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 125
Additional borrowing capacity that may be requested	25
Amount outstanding	45
Outstanding letters of credit	17.7
Remaining borrowing capacity	$ 62.3

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING 50

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Financing arrangements - Letters of credit & Surety bonds (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Accounts receivable securitization program
Financing Arrangements
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 17.7
Letter of Credit Agreements
Financing Arrangements
Outstanding letters of credit	18.3
Surety bonds
Financing Arrangements
Outstanding surety bonds under uncollateralized bond programs	$ 61

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM51

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Components of cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Pension settlement expense	$ 654	$ 1,957
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	1,015	1,240
Expected return on plan assets	(401)	(2,167)
Pension settlement expense	654	1,957
Amortization of net actuarial loss	778	886
Net periodic benefit cost	2,046	1,916
Supplemental Benefit Plan
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	27	26
Amortization of net actuarial loss	20	20
Net periodic benefit cost	47	46
Postretirement Health Benefit Plan
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	92	122
Interest cost	209	265
Amortization of prior service credit	(23)	(47)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	76	173
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 354	$ 513

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM52

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Nonunion) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)person
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Pension settlement expense, pre-tax	$ 654	$ 1,957
Pension settlement expense, net of tax	486	1,196
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Pension settlement expense, pre-tax	654	1,957
Pension settlement expense, net of tax	500	1,200
Lump-sum distributions	$ 4,800	4,800
Premium paid to purchase nonparticipating annuity contract		$ 7,600
Number of plan participants for which vested pension benefits were settled | person		50

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM53

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Funded status) (Details) - Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of period	$ 137,417
Interest cost	1,015	$ 1,240
Actuarial gain	(3,487)
Benefits paid	(4,864)
Benefit obligations at end of period	130,081
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	124,831
Actual return on plan assets	402
Benefits paid	(4,864)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	120,369
Funded status at period end	(9,712)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 130,081
Adjusted funding target attainment percentage			112.97%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM54

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Multiemployer Plans) (Details) - Multiemployer pension plans - Asset-Based	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018plan
Multiemployer Plans
Number of multiemployer plans to which ABF Freight currently contributes	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%
Central States Pension Plan
Multiemployer Plans
Approximate proportion of multiemployer pension plan contributions (as a percent)	50.00%

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (AOCI) (De

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total after-tax amount	$ 665,474	$ 651,462
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	(21,566)	(27,181)
Total after-tax amount	(20,078)	(20,574)	$ (22,807)	$ (23,417)
Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	(20,774)	(25,768)
Total after-tax amount	(19,398)	(19,715)	(21,530)	(21,886)
Interest Rate Swap
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	1,199	481
Total after-tax amount	791	292	(194)	(329)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	(1,991)	(1,894)
Total after-tax amount	$ (1,471)	$ (1,151)	$ (1,083)	$ (1,202)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (AOCI comp

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (AOCI comp) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Balances	$ 651,462
Adjusted Balances			$ 651,878
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, net of tax	4,072	$ 610
Balances	665,474
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Balances	(20,574)	(23,417)
Adjusted Balances			(24,150)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	2,954	(1,217)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,118	1,827
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, net of tax	4,072	610
Balances	(20,078)	(22,807)
Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Balances	(19,715)	(21,886)
Adjusted Balances			(23,106)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	2,590	(1,471)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,118	1,827
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, net of tax	3,708	356
Balances	(19,398)	(21,530)
Interest Rate Swap
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Balances	292	(329)
Adjusted Balances			355
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	436	135
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, net of tax	436	135
Balances	791	(194)
Foreign Currency Translation
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Balances	(1,151)	(1,202)
Adjusted Balances			(1,399)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(72)	119
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, net of tax	(72)	119
Balances	$ (1,471)	$ (1,083)
ASC Topic 220, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Adjustment to beginning balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss for adoption of accounting standard(			(3,576)
ASC Topic 220, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Adjustment to beginning balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss for adoption of accounting standard(			(3,391)
ASC Topic 220, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Interest Rate Swap
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Adjustment to beginning balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss for adoption of accounting standard(			63
ASC Topic 220, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Foreign Currency Translation
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component
Adjustment to beginning balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss for adoption of accounting standard(			$ (248)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Reclass)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Reclass) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	$ (1,505)	$ (2,989)
Tax benefit	387	1,162
Total, net of tax	(1,118)	(1,827)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	(874)	(1,079)
Amortization of prior service credit
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	23	47
Pension settlement expense
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	$ (654)	$ (1,957)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Dividends

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Dividends) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	May 01, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Dividends on Common Stock
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)		$ 0.08	$ 0.08
Dividend Amount		$ 2,058	$ 2,066
Subsequent Event
Dividends on Common Stock
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Treasury

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Treasury Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Treasury Stock
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased during the period	$ 201
Stock Repurchase Program
Treasury Stock
Amount available for repurchase	$ 31,500	$ 31,700
Number of shares repurchased during the period	5,882
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased during the period	$ 200

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Detai

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Share-based compensation
Number of shares authorized	3,100,000
Restricted Stock Units
Award activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	1,459,260
Granted (in shares)	2,400
Vested (in shares)	(4,700)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,456,960
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 22.98
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	33.85
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	24.09
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 22.99

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Basic and D

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Basic, numerator:
Net income (loss)	$ 9,954	$ (7,407)
Effect of unvested restricted stock unit awards	(30)	(17)
Adjusted net income (loss)	$ 9,924	$ (7,424)
Basic, denominator:
Weighted-average shares	25,642,871	25,684,475
Earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ (0.29)
Diluted, numerator:
Net income (loss)	$ 9,954	$ (7,407)
Effect of unvested restricted stock unit awards	(29)	(17)
Adjusted net income (loss)	$ 9,925	$ (7,424)
Diluted, denominator:
Weighted-average shares	25,642,871	25,684,475
Effect of dilutive securities	953,505
Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions	26,596,376	25,684,475
Earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ (0.29)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (AntiDil) (D

EARNINGS PER SHARE (AntiDil) (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Stock awards
Antidilutive securities
Outstanding stock awards not included in calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share (in shares)	0.1	0.8

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA - (Rev a

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA - (Rev and Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
REVENUES
Revenues	$ 700,001	$ 651,088
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits	328,757	332,590
Fuel, supplies, and expenses	78,646	72,662
Depreciation and amortization	26,486	25,394
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(221)	(613)
Other	29,255	28,840
Restructuring costs	376	1,631
Total consolidated operating expenses	687,276	660,988
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	12,725	(9,900)
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income	526	274
Interest and other related financing costs	(2,059)	(1,315)
Other, net	(2,201)	(1,706)
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (COSTS)	(3,734)	(2,747)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	8,991	(12,647)
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
REVENUES
Revenues		651,088
Operating Segments | Asset-Based
REVENUES
Revenues	482,115
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits	269,779	279,380
Fuel, supplies, and expenses	62,193	58,390
Operating taxes and licenses	11,756	11,823
Insurance	6,628	7,118
Communications and utilities	4,521	4,517
Depreciation and amortization	20,930	20,519
Rents and purchased transportation	46,133	46,426
Shared services	45,607	43,503
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(133)	(617)
Other	1,299	1,505
Restructuring costs		140
Total consolidated operating expenses	468,713	472,704
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	13,402	(8,348)
Operating Segments | Asset-Based | Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
REVENUES
Revenues		464,356
Operating Segments | ArcBest
REVENUES
Revenues	181,933
OPERATING EXPENSES
Purchased transportation	148,372	121,987
Supplies and expenses	3,230	3,670
Depreciation and amortization	3,408	3,266
Shared services	21,868	19,586
Other	1,881	2,464
Restructuring costs	9	810
Total consolidated operating expenses	178,768	151,783
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	3,165	1,093
Operating Segments | ArcBest | Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
REVENUES
Revenues		152,876
Operating Segments | FleetNet
REVENUES
Revenues	47,759
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total consolidated operating expenses	46,238	39,217
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	1,521	1,021
Operating Segments | FleetNet | Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
REVENUES
Revenues		40,238
Other and eliminations
REVENUES
Revenues	(11,806)
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total consolidated operating expenses	(6,443)	(2,716)
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	$ (5,363)	(3,666)
Other and eliminations | Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
REVENUES
Revenues		$ (6,382)

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA - (Opera

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA - (Operating Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits	$ 328,757	$ 332,590
Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services	223,756	199,871
Fuel, supplies, and expenses	78,646	72,662
Depreciation and amortization	26,486	25,394
Other	29,255	28,840
Restructuring costs	376	1,631
Total consolidated operating expenses	$ 687,276	$ 660,988

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND IMPAI

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND IMPAIRMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Charges and Impairment
Restructuring charges	$ 376	$ 1,631
Severance and other
Restructuring Charges and Impairment
Restructuring charges	$ 400	$ 1,600
Forecast
Restructuring Charges and Impairment
Restructuring charges			$ 1,000

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMEN66

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS (Environmental Matters) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)tankstate	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
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 | $	$ 0.4	$ 0.4