ArcBest (ARCB) 10-Q 8 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 31, 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	Sep. 30, 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		25,690,118
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 177,436	$ 120,772
Short-term investments	75,879	56,401
Accounts receivable, less allowances (2018 – $7,475; 2017 – $7,657)	323,212	279,074
Other accounts receivable, less allowances (2018 – $975; 2017 – $921)	17,992	19,491
Prepaid expenses	21,291	22,183
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	6,726	12,296
Other	9,038	12,132
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	631,574	522,349
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land and structures	338,046	344,224
Revenue equipment	857,846	793,523
Service, office, and other equipment	192,241	179,950
Software	133,816	129,589
Leasehold improvements	9,177	8,888
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, GROSS	1,531,126	1,456,174
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization	904,180	865,010
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	626,946	591,164
GOODWILL	108,320	108,320
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	70,075	73,469
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	5,967	5,965
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS	74,800	64,374
TOTAL ASSETS	1,517,682	1,365,641
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	154,484	129,099
Income taxes payable	138	324
Accrued expenses	233,076	210,484
Current portion of long-term debt	54,556	61,930
Current portion of pension and postretirement liabilities	12,640	753
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	454,894	402,590
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion	235,970	206,989
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT LIABILITIES, less current portion	27,614	39,827
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	40,372	15,616
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	53,741	49,157
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued 2018: 28,547,578 shares; 2017: 28,495,628 shares	285	285
Additional paid-in capital	325,533	319,436
Retained earnings	488,158	438,379
Treasury stock, at cost, 2018: 2,857,460 shares; 2017: 2,851,578 shares	(86,265)	(86,064)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(22,620)	(20,574)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	705,091	651,462
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 1,517,682	$ 1,365,641

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars)	$ 7,475	$ 7,657
Other accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars)	$ 975	$ 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	28,547,578	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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
REVENUES	$ 826,158	$ 744,280	$ 2,319,509	$ 2,115,736
OPERATING EXPENSES	770,103	717,538	2,247,573	2,073,127
OPERATING INCOME	56,055	26,742	71,936	42,609
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income	1,120	346	2,360	905
Interest and other related financing costs	(2,470)	(1,706)	(6,542)	(4,410)
Other, net	(714)	(1,314)	(4,038)	(3,548)
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (COSTS)	(2,064)	(2,674)	(8,220)	(7,053)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	53,991	24,068	63,716	35,556
INCOME TAX PROVISION	13,215	9,280	11,753	12,398
NET INCOME	$ 40,776	$ 14,788	$ 51,963	$ 23,158
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.58	$ 0.57	$ 2.02	$ 0.90
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.52	$ 0.56	$ 1.94	$ 0.87
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic (in shares)	25,697,509	25,671,535	25,670,435	25,699,306
Diluted (in shares)	26,795,659	26,393,359	26,708,259	26,373,382
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.24	$ 0.24

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET INCOME	$ 40,776	$ 14,788	$ 51,963	$ 23,158
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial loss, net of tax of: (2018 – Three-month period $2,038, Nine-month period $689; 2017 – Three-month period $1,011, Nine-month period $2,010)	(5,877)	(1,589)	(1,987)	(3,158)
Pension settlement expense, net of tax of: (2018 – Three-month period $134, Nine-month period $413; 2017 – Three-month period $366, Nine-month period $1,417)	384	577	1,190	2,227
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, net of tax of: (2018 – Three-month period $146, Nine-month period $536; 2017 – Three-month period $331, Nine-month period $1,084)
Net actuarial loss	438	547	1,598	1,788
Prior service credit	(17)	(29)	(52)	(87)
Interest rate swap and foreign currency translation:
Change in unrealized income on interest rate swap, net of tax of: (2018 – Three-month period $59, Nine-month period $334; 2017 – Three-month period $16, Nine-month period $156)	167	25	946	241
Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax of: (2018 – Three-month period $45, Nine month-period $58; 2017 – Three-month period $190, Nine-month period $132)	127	294	(165)	205
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax	(4,778)	(175)	1,530	1,216
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$ 35,998	$ 14,613	$ 53,493	$ 24,374

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net actuarial loss, tax expense (benefit)	$ (2,038)	$ (1,011)	$ (689)	$ (2,010)
Pension settlement expense, tax	134	366	413	1,417
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, tax	146	331	536	1,084
Change in unrealized income (loss) on interest rate swap, tax expense (benefit)	59	16	334	156
Change in foreign currency translation, tax expense (benefit)	$ 45	$ 190	$ (58)	$ 132

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						$ 23,158
Other comprehensive income, net of tax					1,216	1,216
Balances at Sep. 30, 2017					(22,201)
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			51,963			51,963
Other comprehensive income, net of tax					1,530	1,530
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans (in shares)	52
Tax effect of share-based compensation plans		(88)				(88)
Share-based compensation expense		6,185				6,185
Purchase of treasury stock				$ (201)		(201)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)				5
Dividends declared on common stock			(6,176)			(6,176)
Balances at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 285	$ 325,533	$ 488,158	$ (86,265)	$ (22,620)	$ 705,091
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018	28,548			2,857

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 51,963	$ 23,158
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	78,305	73,417
Amortization of intangibles	3,394	3,404
Pension settlement expense	1,603	3,644
Share-based compensation expense	6,185	5,070
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	1,937	705
Deferred income tax benefit	3,697	5,846
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(188)	(257)
Gain on sale of subsidiaries	(1,945)	(152)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(47,287)	(35,590)
Prepaid expenses	1,013	(37)
Other assets	(4,826)	(5,932)
Income taxes	5,675	5,180
Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability	22,744
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	51,309	17,915
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	173,579	96,371
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of financings	(39,249)	(44,377)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	2,917	3,585
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries	4,680	1,970
Purchases of short-term investments	(67,121)	(50,274)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	47,878	49,980
Capitalization of internally developed software	(7,411)	(7,225)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(58,306)	(46,341)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under accounts receivable securitization program		10,000
Payments on long-term debt	(49,967)	(52,262)
Net change in book overdrafts	(1,975)	2,289
Deferred financing costs	(202)	(959)
Payment of common stock dividends	(6,176)	(6,207)
Purchases of treasury stock	(201)	(6,019)
Payments for tax withheld on share-based compensation	(88)	(3,080)
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES	(58,609)	(56,238)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH	56,664	(6,208)
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	177,436	109,034
NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Equipment financed	71,575	61,607
Accruals for equipment received	$ 438	$ 851

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 69% of the Company’s total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. As of September 2018, approximately 83% of the Asset-Based segment’s employees were covered under a collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “2018 ABF NMFA”), with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”), which was ratified on May 10, 2018 by a majority of ABF’s IBT member employees who chose to vote. A majority of the supplements to the 2018 ABF NMFA also passed. Following ratification of the remaining supplements, the 2018 ABF NMFA was implemented on July 29, 2018, effective retroactive to April 1, 2018, and will remain in effect through June 30, 2023. The major economic provisions of the 2018 ABF NMFA include restoration of one week of vacation which begins accruing on anniversary dates on or after April 1, 2018, with the new vacation eligibility schedule being the same as the applicable 2008 to 2013 supplemental agreements; wage rate increases in each year of the contract, beginning July 1, 2018; ratification bonuses for qualifying employees; profit-sharing bonuses upon the Asset-Based segment’s achievement of certain annual operating ratios for any full calendar year under the contract; and changes to purchased transportation provisions with certain protections for road drivers as specified in the contract. The 2018 ABF NMFA and the related supplemental agreements provide for contributions to multiemployer pension plans frozen at the current rates for each fund, continuation of existing health coverage, and annual contribution rate increases to multiemployer health and welfare plans maintained for the benefit of ABF's employees who are members of the IBT. Under the 2018 ABF NMFA, the contractual wage and benefits costs, including the ratification bonuses and vacation restoration, are estimated to increase approximately 2.0% on a compounded annual basis through the end of the agreement. 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. Reclassifications have been made to the prior period operating segment expenses in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to conform to the current year presentation of segment expenses and the presentation of components of net periodic benefit cost in other income (costs) in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with the amendment to ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits , which was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 (see the Adopted Accounting Pronouncements section within this Note). There was no change to consolidated net income or earnings per share as a result of the change in presentation under the new standard. 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 nine months ended September 30, 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 consist primarily 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 a historical expectation of discounts to be 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 utilizes a third-party carrier for pickup and delivery but remains primarily responsible to the customer for delivery and maintains 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 revenue. Service fee revenue for the FleetNet segment is recognized upon response to the service event. Repair and routine maintenance service 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 $0.8 million and $0.6 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and are recorded in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. 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 revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was an increase of $0.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and the impact to purchased transportation expense was an increase of $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, 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 was 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, the SBP, and the 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 and $5.8 million was reclassified from operating expenses to other income (costs) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. There was no change to consolidated net income or earnings per share as a result of the change in presentation under the new standard. In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (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 nine months ended September 30, 2018. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued Final Rule 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification , in August 2018. The Company will apply the disclosure requirements of the final rule in its 2018 Annual Report on Form 10‑K and will modify its consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity for interim periods, beginning with its first quarter 2019 Quarterly Form on 10-Q, to include changes in stockholders’ equity for each current and comparative quarterly period presented. The final rule is not expected to have a significant impact on the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures. ASC Subtopic 715-20, Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans , was amended to eliminate certain disclosure requirements related to defined benefit plans. The changes are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures. The Company plans to early adopt these amendments in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. ASC Topic 842, Leases , (“ASC Topic 842”) which is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases with terms greater than 12 months. The standard also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Topic 842 which provides an optional transition method that will give companies the option to use the effective date as the date of initial application upon transition. The Company plans to elect this transition method and, as a result, will not adjust comparative period financial information or make the new required lease disclosures for periods before the effective date. The Company has established an implementation team which is in the process of implementing the new accounting standard, including accumulating necessary information, assessing the current lease portfolio, and implementing software to meet the new reporting requirements. The Company is also evaluating current processes and controls and identifying necessary changes to support the adoption of the new standard. The Company anticipates it will exclude short-term leases from accounting under ASC Topic 842 and plans to elect the package of practical expedients upon transition that will retain lease classification and other accounting conclusions made in the assessment of existing lease contracts. Management expects the new standard to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets related to the addition of the right-of-use asset and associated lease liabilities; however, the impact on the consolidated statements of operations is expected to be minimal, if any. As the impact of this standard is non-cash in nature, no impact is expected on the Company’s 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. ASC Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement , (“ASC 350-40”) was amended by the FASB in August 2018 and is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020. The amendments to ASC 350-40 clarify the accounting treatment for implementation costs incurred by the customer in a cloud computing software arrangement. The amendments allow implementation costs of cloud computing arrangements to be capitalized using the same method prescribed by Subtopic 350-40, Internal-Use Software . The amendments to ASC 350-40 are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company plans to early adopt the amendments effective January 1, 2019. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement , was amended to modify the disclosure requirements of fair value measurements, primarily impacting the disclosures for Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: September 30 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents Cash deposits (1) $ 126,607 $ 86,510 Variable rate demand notes (1)(2) 17,980 19,744 Money market funds (3) 32,849 14,518 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 177,436 $ 120,772 Short-term investments Certificates of deposit (1) $ 75,879 $ 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, cash and cash equivalents totaling $85.2 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: September 30 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) 175,206 173,309 153,441 152,131 $ 290,206 $ 288,309 $ 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: September 30, 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) $ 32,849 $ 32,849 $ — $ — Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan (2) 2,628 2,628 — — Interest rate swaps (3) 1,761 — 1,761 — $ 37,238 $ 35,477 $ 1,761 $ — Liabilities: Contingent consideration (4) $ 4,472 $ — $ — $ 4,472 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 September 30, 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. At September 30, 2018, the fair value of the contingent consideration for an earn-out agreement related to the September 2016 acquisition of LDS was based on calculations performed for the earn-out period which ended August 31, 2018. Prior to September 30, 2018, the estimated fair value of contingent consideration was determined by assessing Level 3 inputs with a discounted cash flow approach using various probability-weighted scenarios. As of December 31, 2017, the Level 3 assessments utilized 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 of 12.5%. Subsequent changes to the fair value as a result of recurring assessments were 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 1,030 Balances at September 30, 2018 $ 4,472 (1) Payments released from escrow account that is reported in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Intangible assets consisted of the following: September 30, 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 $ 23,034 $ 37,397 $ 60,431 $ 19,745 $ 40,686 Driver network 3 3,200 3,200 — 3,200 3,200 — Other 9 1,032 654 378 1,032 549 483 13 64,663 26,888 37,775 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 $ 26,888 $ 70,075 $ 96,963 $ 23,494 $ 73,469 The future amortization for intangible assets and acquired software as of September 30, 2018 were as follows: Intangible Acquired Total Assets Software (1) (in thousands) 2018 $ 1,658 $ 1,128 $ 530 2019 5,463 4,482 981 2020 4,471 4,454 17 2021 4,418 4,412 6 2022 4,385 4,385 — Thereafter 18,914 18,914 — Total amortization $ 39,309 $ 37,775 $ 1,534 (1) Acquired software is reported in property, plant and equipment.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 $0.8 million and $3.5 million was recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The additional reductions relate 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 rate was 24.5% and 18.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to an effective tax rate of 38.6% and 34.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, a 32.74% blended federal statutory rate was applied to the two months ended February 28, 2018, and a 21.0% federal statutory rate was applied to the months of March 2018 through September 2018. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate primarily results from the $3.5 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 and nine months ended September 30, 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, the tax benefit from the vesting of stock awards, and changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance. As of September 30, 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 September 30, 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 $0.9 million and $0.8 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company had reserves for uncertain tax positions of $1.0 million and less than $0.1 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company paid state and foreign income taxes of $3.6 million and $1.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company received refunds of $1.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of federal and state income taxes that were paid in prior years.

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING AR

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: September 30 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Credit Facility (interest rate of 3.5% (1) at September 30, 2018) $ 70,000 $ 70,000 Accounts receivable securitization borrowings (interest rate of 3.0% at September 30, 2018) 45,000 45,000 Notes payable (weighted-average interest rate of 3.3% at September 30, 2018) 175,206 153,441 Capital lease obligations (weighted-average interest rate of 5.6% at September 30, 2018) 320 478 290,526 268,919 Less current portion 54,556 61,930 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 235,970 $ 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 3.10% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2018. Scheduled maturities of long-term debt obligations as of September 30, 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 $ 63,922 $ 2,752 $ 1,609 $ 59,323 $ 238 Due after one year through two years 45,366 3,041 1,794 40,446 85 Due after two years through three years 43,085 3,030 1,789 38,259 7 Due after three years through four years 149,390 72,292 45,151 31,944 3 Due after four years through five years 16,257 — — 16,257 — Due after five years 1,771 — — 1,771 — Total payments 319,791 81,115 50,343 188,000 333 Less amounts representing interest 29,265 11,115 5,343 12,794 13 Long-term debt $ 290,526 $ 70,000 $ 45,000 $ 175,206 $ 320 (1) The future interest payments included in the scheduled maturities due are calculated using variable interest rates based on the LIBOR swap curve, plus the anticipated applicable margin. (2) Minimum payments of capital lease obligations include maximum amounts due under rental adjustment clauses contained in the capital lease agreements. Assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases were included in property, plant and equipment as follows: September 30 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Revenue equipment $ 276,268 $ 269,950 Land and structures (service centers) 1,794 1,794 Software 486 486 Service, office, and other equipment 5,941 100 Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases 284,489 272,330 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1) 87,868 87,691 Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases $ 196,621 $ 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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 3.10% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2018. The fair value of the interest rate swap of $0.5 million and $0.1 million was recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 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 3.24% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2018. The fair value of the interest rate swap of $1.2 million and $0.4 million was recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The unrealized gain on the interest rate swap instruments was reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and the change in the unrealized income on the interest rate swaps for the three months ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2018. Accounts Receivable Securitization Program The Company’s accounts receivable securitization program was amended and extended in August 2018 to modify certain covenants and conditions and extend the maturity date of the program to October 1, 2021. The program 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 September 30, 2018, $45.0 million was borrowed under the program. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the accounts receivable securitization program at September 30, 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 September 30, 2018, standby letters of credit of $17.6 million have been issued under the program, which reduced the available borrowing capacity to $62.4 million. In October 2018, the Company repaid $5.0 million of its borrowed amount under the accounts receivable securitization program. Letter of Credit Agreements and Surety Bond Programs As of September 30, 2018, the Company had letters of credit outstanding of $18.2 million (including $17.6 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 September 30, 2018, surety bonds outstanding related to the self-insurance program totaled $49.4 million. Notes Payable and Capital Leases The Company has financed the purchase of certain revenue equipment, other equipment, and software through promissory note arrangements, including $57.2 million and $71.6 million for revenue equipment, other equipment, and software during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. Subsequent to September 30, 2018, the Company financed the purchase of $16.7 million of revenue equipment through promissory note arrangements as of November 1, 2018.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30 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 1,136 1,073 27 26 209 265 Expected return on plan assets (363) (763) — — — — Amortization of prior service credit — — — — (23) (47) Pension settlement expense 518 943 — — — — Amortization of net actuarial loss (1) 494 703 20 20 76 173 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,785 $ 1,956 $ 47 $ 46 $ 354 $ 513 Nine Months Ended September 30 Nonunion Defined Supplemental Postretirement Benefit Pension Plan Benefit Plan Health Benefit Plan 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands) Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 275 $ 366 Interest cost 3,259 3,462 81 77 628 795 Expected return on plan assets (1,142) (4,984) — — — — Amortization of prior service credit — — — — (70) (142) Pension settlement expense 1,603 3,644 — — — — Amortization of net actuarial loss (1) 1,864 2,346 60 61 228 520 Net periodic benefit cost $ 5,584 $ 4,468 $ 141 $ 138 $ 1,061 $ 1,539 (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. In September 2018, the plan received a favorable determination letter from the IRS regarding qualification of the plan termination. Following receipt of the determination letter, the plan’s actuarial assumptions were updated to remeasure the benefit obligation on a plan termination basis as of September 30, 2018 in connection with recognition of the quarterly pension settlement charge. The Company made assumptions for participant benefit elections, rate of return, and discount rates, including the annuity contract interest rate. Following an election window in which participants may choose their form of benefit payment, the plan will distribute immediate lump sum benefit payments and then settle remaining plan liabilities for benefits with the purchase of nonparticipating annuity contracts from insurance companies. The Company recognized pension settlement expense as a component of net periodic benefit cost of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 of $0.5 million (pre-tax), or $0.4 million (after-tax), and $1.6 million (pre-tax), or $1.2 million (after-tax), respectively, related to $3.1 million and $11.6 million of lump-sum benefit distributions from the plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, pension settlement expense of $0.9 million (pre-tax), or $0.6 million (after-tax), and $3.6 million (pre-tax), or $2.2 million (after-tax), respectively, was recognized related to $5.8 million and $23.1 million of lump-sum distributions from the plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, which included a $7.6 million nonparticipating annuity contract purchased from an insurance company during the first quarter 2017 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. 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, will occur in fourth quarter 2018 and first quarter 2019. Based on currently available information provided by the plan’s actuary, the Company estimates that noncash pension settlement charges could total approximately $15.0 million to $21.0 million and are expected to be recognized partially in fourth quarter 2018 and partially in first quarter 2019, and cash funding could total approximately $13.0 million in first quarter 2019, although there can be no assurances in this regard. The final pension settlement charges and the actual amount the Company will be required to contribute to the plan to fund benefit distributions in excess of plan assets cannot be determined at this time, as the actual amounts are dependent on various factors, including final benefit calculations, the benefit elections made by plan participants, interest rates, the value of plan assets, 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. Liquidation of plan assets and settlement of plan obligations is expected to be complete in February 2019. The following table discloses the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2018: Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan (in thousands) Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligations at December 31, 2017 $ 137,417 Interest cost 3,259 Actuarial loss (1) 3,562 Benefits paid (11,781) Benefit obligations at September 30, 2018 132,457 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2017 124,831 Actual return on plan assets 2,028 Employer contributions 5,500 Benefits paid (11,781) Fair value of plan assets at September 30, 2018 120,578 Funded status at period end (2) $ (11,879) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 132,457 (1) Actuarial loss resulted from remeasurement of the benefit obligation for plan termination assumptions at September 30, 2018, partially offset an actuarial gain recognized as of June 30, 2018 related primarily to the impact of an increase in the discount rate at the June 30, 2018 remeasurement upon settlement compared to the discount rate at the December 31, 2017 measurement date. (2) Recognized within current portion of pension and postretirement liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2018. The Company did not have a minimum cash contribution requirement for the nonunion defined benefit pension plan for 2018; however, in anticipation of funding the nonunion pension plan for termination, the Company made a $5.5 million voluntary contribution to the plan in September 2018 which will be deductible for income tax purposes in the Company’s tax year ended February 28, 2018. The plan’s preliminary adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) is 108.77% 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 2018 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 2018 ABF NMFA, which will remain in effect through June 30, 2023. 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%. On July 9, 2018, ABF Freight reached a tentative agreement with the Teamster bargaining representatives for the Northern and Southern New England Supplemental Agreements on terms for new supplemental agreements to the 2018 ABF NMFA for 2018-2023 (the “New England Supplemental Agreements”). The New England Supplemental Agreements were ratified by the local unions in the region covered by the supplements on July 25, 2018. In accordance with the New England Supplemental Agreements, ABF Freight’s multiemployer pension plan obligation with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (the “New England Pension Fund”) was restructured under a transition agreement effective on August 1, 2018. The New England Pension Fund is a multiemployer pension plan in critical and declining status to which ABF Freight made approximately 3% of its total multiemployer pension contributions in 2017. The New England Pension Fund was previously restructured to utilize a “two pool approach,” which effectively subdivides the plan assets and liabilities between two groups of beneficiaries. In accordance with ABF Freight’s transition agreement with the New England Pension Fund, ABF Freight agreed to withdraw from the original pool to which it has historically been a participant (“Existing Employer Pool”) and transition to the direct attribution liability pool (“New Employer Pool”), which does not have an associated unfunded liability. The terms of the transition are pursuant to the Second Chance Policy on Retroactive Withdrawal Liability, as adopted by the New England Pension Fund. ABF Freight’s transition agreement with the New England Pension Fund triggered a withdrawal liability settlement which satisfies ABF Freight’s existing potential withdrawal liability obligations to the Existing Employer Pool and minimizes the potential for future increases in withdrawal liability under the New Employer Pool. ABF Freight transitioned to the New Employer Pool at a lower pension contribution rate than its previous contribution rate under the Existing Employer Pool, and the new contribution rate will be frozen for a period of 10 years. ABF Freight recognized a one-time charge of $37.9 million (pre-tax) to record the withdrawal liability as of June 30, 2018 when the transition agreement was determined to be probable. The withdrawal liability was partially settled through the initial lump sum cash payment of $15.1 million made in third quarter 2018, and the remainder will be settled with monthly payments to the New England Pension Fund over a period of 23 years with an initial aggregate present value of $22.8 million. In accordance with current tax law, these payments are deductible for income taxes when paid. As of September 30, 2018, the outstanding withdrawal liability totaled $22.7 million, of which $0.5 million and $22.2 million was recorded in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively. The fair value of the obligation was $23.0 million at September 30, 2018, which is equal to the present value of the future withdrawal liability payments, discounted at a 4.4% interest rate determined using the 20-year U.S. Treasury rate plus a spread (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	NOTE G – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows: September 30 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Pre-tax amounts: Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs $ (24,759) $ (25,768) Interest rate swap 1,761 481 Foreign currency translation (2,117) (1,894) Total $ (25,115) $ (27,181) After-tax amounts: Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs $ (22,357) $ (19,715) Interest rate swap 1,301 292 Foreign currency translation (1,564) (1,151) Total $ (22,620) $ (20,574) The following is a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the nine months ended September 30, 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 (1,206) (1,987) 946 (165) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 2,736 2,736 — — Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 1,530 749 946 (165) Balances at September 30, 2018 $ (22,620) $ (22,357) $ 1,301 $ (1,564) Balances at December 31, 2016 $ (23,417) $ (21,886) $ (329) $ (1,202) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (2,712) (3,158) 241 205 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 3,928 3,928 — — Net current-period other comprehensive income 1,216 770 241 205 Balances at September 30, 2017 $ (22,201) $ (21,116) $ (88) $ (997) (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) Nine Months Ended September 30 2018 2017 (in thousands) Amortization of net actuarial loss $ (2,152) $ (2,927) Amortization of prior service credit 70 142 Pension settlement expense (1,603) (3,644) Total, pre-tax (3,685) (6,429) Tax benefit 949 2,501 Total, net of tax $ (2,736) $ (3,928) (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 Second quarter $ $ $ 0.08 $ 2,078 Third quarter $ $ $ 0.08 $ 2,063 On October 30, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share to stockholders of record as of November 13, 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 nine months ended September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	NOTE H – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Stock Awards As of September 30, 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 229,560 $ 44.50 Vested (54,039) $ 23.88 Forfeited (1) (5,611) $ 24.27 Outstanding – September 30, 2018 1,629,170 $ 25.97 1) Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands, except share and per share data) Basic Numerator: Net income $ 40,776 $ 14,788 $ 51,963 $ 23,158 Effect of unvested restricted stock awards (98) (44) (128) (106) Adjusted net income $ 40,678 $ 14,744 $ 51,835 $ 23,052 Denominator: Weighted-average shares 25,697,509 25,671,535 25,670,435 25,699,306 Earnings per common share $ 1.58 $ 0.57 $ 2.02 $ 0.90 Diluted Numerator: Net income $ 40,776 $ 14,788 $ 51,963 $ 23,158 Effect of unvested restricted stock awards (94) (43) (124) (104) Adjusted net income $ 40,682 $ 14,745 $ 51,839 $ 23,054 Denominator: Weighted-average shares 25,697,509 25,671,535 25,670,435 25,699,306 Effect of dilutive securities 1,098,150 721,824 1,037,824 674,076 Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions 26,795,659 26,393,359 26,708,259 26,373,382 Earnings per common share $ 1.52 $ 0.56 $ 1.94 $ 0.87 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. For each of the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, outstanding stock awards of 0.1 million were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have the effect of increasing the earnings per share.

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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. 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. Reclassifications have been made to the prior period operating segment expenses in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to conform to the current year presentation of segment expenses and the presentation of components of net periodic benefit cost in other income (costs) in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with the amendment to ASC Topic 715. The adoption of this accounting policy is further discussed in Note A and the detail of net periodic benefit costs is 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 (“ABF Freight”). 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 extreme 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 Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands) REVENUES Asset-Based $ 585,290 $ 517,417 $ 1,626,644 $ 1,496,310 ArcBest 205,449 195,749 587,369 524,554 FleetNet 50,494 39,568 145,045 116,307 Other and eliminations (15,075) (8,454) (39,549) (21,435) Total consolidated revenues $ 826,158 $ 744,280 $ 2,319,509 $ 2,115,736 OPERATING EXPENSES (1) Asset-Based Salaries, wages, and benefits $ 292,082 $ 287,270 $ 848,611 $ 853,554 Fuel, supplies, and expenses 64,133 57,395 191,366 174,326 Operating taxes and licenses 12,261 11,712 35,927 35,726 Insurance 9,448 8,348 24,055 23,068 Communications and utilities 4,308 4,575 12,964 13,260 Depreciation and amortization 22,200 20,543 64,492 61,777 Rents and purchased transportation 70,946 55,381 180,332 154,996 Shared services 58,354 47,608 160,786 137,712 Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge (2) — — 37,922 — Gain on sale of property and equipment (123) (7) (522) (599) Other 1,531 757 3,778 3,935 Restructuring costs (3) — 95 — 268 Total Asset-Based 535,140 493,677 1,559,711 1,458,023 ArcBest Purchased transportation 164,322 155,894 475,614 417,313 Supplies and expenses 3,522 3,853 10,290 11,265 Depreciation and amortization 3,558 3,015 10,563 9,511 Shared services 23,453 22,447 68,857 62,691 Other 2,546 2,854 6,973 8,192 Restructuring costs (3) — — 152 875 Gain on sale of subsidiaries (4) (1,945) (152) (1,945) (152) Total ArcBest 195,456 187,911 570,504 509,695 FleetNet 49,406 38,646 141,407 113,617 Other and eliminations (9,899) (2,696) (24,049) (8,208) Total consolidated operating expenses $ 770,103 $ 717,538 $ 2,247,573 $ 2,073,127 (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, these costs are no longer classified within operating expenses within this table. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation of segment expenses and the presentation of components of net periodic benefit cost in other income (costs). (2) ABF Freight recorded a one-time charge in second quarter 2018 for the multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement it entered into with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (see Note F). (3) Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure (see Note K). (4) Gains recognized in the 2018 and 2017 periods relate to the sale of the ArcBest segment’s military moving businesses in December 2017 and 2016, respectively. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands) OPERATING INCOME (1) Asset-Based $ 50,150 $ 23,740 $ 66,933 $ 38,287 ArcBest 9,993 7,838 16,865 14,859 FleetNet 1,088 922 3,638 2,690 Other and eliminations (5,176) (5,758) (15,500) (13,227) Total consolidated operating income $ 56,055 $ 26,742 $ 71,936 $ 42,609 OTHER INCOME (COSTS) Interest and dividend income $ 1,120 $ 346 $ 2,360 $ 905 Interest and other related financing costs (2,470) (1,706) (6,542) (4,410) Other, net (1)(2) (714) (1,314) (4,038) (3,548) Total other income (costs) (2,064) (2,674) (8,220) (7,053) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES $ 53,991 $ 24,068 $ 63,716 $ 35,556 (1) As previously discussed in this Note, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 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 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 Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands) OPERATING EXPENSES Salaries, wages, and benefits $ 363,348 $ 349,294 $ 1,048,018 $ 1,023,803 Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services 265,042 235,346 742,338 651,131 Fuel, supplies, and expenses 82,188 75,716 245,718 226,666 Depreciation and amortization (1) 28,026 25,497 81,699 76,821 Other 31,449 30,948 91,112 91,975 Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge (2) — — 37,922 — Restructuring costs (3) 50 737 766 2,731 $ 770,103 $ 717,538 $ 2,247,573 $ 2,073,127 (1) Includes amortization of intangible assets. (2) ABF Freight recorded a one-time charge in second quarter 2018 for the multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement it entered into with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (see Note F). (3) Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure (see Note K).

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	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 less than $0.1 million and $0.8 million of restructuring charges in operating expenses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and recorded $0.7 million and $2.7 million, primarily for employee-related costs, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The Company estimates it will incur restructuring charges of approximately $1.0 million during 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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 $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Amounts accrued reflect management’s best estimate of the future undiscounted exposure related to identified properties based on current environmental regulations, management’s experience with similar environmental matters, and testing performed at certain sites.

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION _2

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications have been made to the prior period operating segment expenses in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to conform to the current year presentation of segment expenses and the presentation of components of net periodic benefit cost in other income (costs) in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with the amendment to ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits , which was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 (see the Adopted Accounting Pronouncements section within this Note). There was no change to consolidated net income or earnings per share as a result of the change in presentation under the new standard.
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 consist primarily 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 a historical expectation of discounts to be 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 utilizes a third-party carrier for pickup and delivery but remains primarily responsible to the customer for delivery and maintains 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 revenue. Service fee revenue for the FleetNet segment is recognized upon response to the service event. Repair and routine maintenance service 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 $0.8 million and $0.6 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and are recorded in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. 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 revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was an increase of $0.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and the impact to purchased transportation expense was an increase of $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, 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 was 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, the SBP, and the 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 and $5.8 million was reclassified from operating expenses to other income (costs) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. There was no change to consolidated net income or earnings per share as a result of the change in presentation under the new standard. In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (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 nine months ended September 30, 2018. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued Final Rule 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification , in August 2018. The Company will apply the disclosure requirements of the final rule in its 2018 Annual Report on Form 10‑K and will modify its consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity for interim periods, beginning with its first quarter 2019 Quarterly Form on 10-Q, to include changes in stockholders’ equity for each current and comparative quarterly period presented. The final rule is not expected to have a significant impact on the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures. ASC Subtopic 715-20, Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans , was amended to eliminate certain disclosure requirements related to defined benefit plans. The changes are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures. The Company plans to early adopt these amendments in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. ASC Topic 842, Leases , (“ASC Topic 842”) which is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases with terms greater than 12 months. The standard also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures designed to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Topic 842 which provides an optional transition method that will give companies the option to use the effective date as the date of initial application upon transition. The Company plans to elect this transition method and, as a result, will not adjust comparative period financial information or make the new required lease disclosures for periods before the effective date. The Company has established an implementation team which is in the process of implementing the new accounting standard, including accumulating necessary information, assessing the current lease portfolio, and implementing software to meet the new reporting requirements. The Company is also evaluating current processes and controls and identifying necessary changes to support the adoption of the new standard. The Company anticipates it will exclude short-term leases from accounting under ASC Topic 842 and plans to elect the package of practical expedients upon transition that will retain lease classification and other accounting conclusions made in the assessment of existing lease contracts. Management expects the new standard to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets related to the addition of the right-of-use asset and associated lease liabilities; however, the impact on the consolidated statements of operations is expected to be minimal, if any. As the impact of this standard is non-cash in nature, no impact is expected on the Company’s 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. ASC Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement , (“ASC 350-40”) was amended by the FASB in August 2018 and is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020. The amendments to ASC 350-40 clarify the accounting treatment for implementation costs incurred by the customer in a cloud computing software arrangement. The amendments allow implementation costs of cloud computing arrangements to be capitalized using the same method prescribed by Subtopic 350-40, Internal-Use Software . The amendments to ASC 350-40 are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company plans to early adopt the amendments effective January 1, 2019. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement , was amended to modify the disclosure requirements of fair value measurements, primarily impacting the disclosures for Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures. 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 FAI_2

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Schedule components of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, and restricted funds	September 30 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents Cash deposits (1) $ 126,607 $ 86,510 Variable rate demand notes (1)(2) 17,980 19,744 Money market funds (3) 32,849 14,518 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 177,436 $ 120,772 Short-term investments Certificates of deposit (1) $ 75,879 $ 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	September 30 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) 175,206 173,309 153,441 152,131 $ 290,206 $ 288,309 $ 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	September 30, 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) $ 32,849 $ 32,849 $ — $ — Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan (2) 2,628 2,628 — — Interest rate swaps (3) 1,761 — 1,761 — $ 37,238 $ 35,477 $ 1,761 $ — Liabilities: Contingent consideration (4) $ 4,472 $ — $ — $ 4,472 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 September 30, 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. At September 30, 2018, the fair value of the contingent consideration for an earn-out agreement related to the September 2016 acquisition of LDS was based on calculations performed for the earn-out period which ended August 31, 2018. Prior to September 30, 2018, the estimated fair value of contingent consideration was determined by assessing Level 3 inputs with a discounted cash flow approach using various probability-weighted scenarios. As of December 31, 2017, the Level 3 assessments utilized 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 of 12.5%. Subsequent changes to the fair value as a result of recurring assessments were recognized in operating income.
Schedule of changes in fair value of the liabilities	(in thousands) Balances at December 31, 2017 $ 6,970 Payments (1) (3,528) Change in fair value included in operating expenses 1,030 Balances at September 30, 2018 $ 4,472 (1) Payments released from escrow account that is reported in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Schedule of intangible assets	September 30, 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 $ 23,034 $ 37,397 $ 60,431 $ 19,745 $ 40,686 Driver network 3 3,200 3,200 — 3,200 3,200 — Other 9 1,032 654 378 1,032 549 483 13 64,663 26,888 37,775 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 $ 26,888 $ 70,075 $ 96,963 $ 23,494 $ 73,469
Schedule of future amortization for intangible assets and acquired software	Intangible Acquired Total Assets Software (1) (in thousands) 2018 $ 1,658 $ 1,128 $ 530 2019 5,463 4,482 981 2020 4,471 4,454 17 2021 4,418 4,412 6 2022 4,385 4,385 — Thereafter 18,914 18,914 — Total amortization $ 39,309 $ 37,775 $ 1,534 (1) Acquired software is reported in property, plant and equipment.

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING _2

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Schedule of long-term debt	September 30 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Credit Facility (interest rate of 3.5% (1) at September 30, 2018) $ 70,000 $ 70,000 Accounts receivable securitization borrowings (interest rate of 3.0% at September 30, 2018) 45,000 45,000 Notes payable (weighted-average interest rate of 3.3% at September 30, 2018) 175,206 153,441 Capital lease obligations (weighted-average interest rate of 5.6% at September 30, 2018) 320 478 290,526 268,919 Less current portion 54,556 61,930 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 235,970 $ 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 3.10% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 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 $ 63,922 $ 2,752 $ 1,609 $ 59,323 $ 238 Due after one year through two years 45,366 3,041 1,794 40,446 85 Due after two years through three years 43,085 3,030 1,789 38,259 7 Due after three years through four years 149,390 72,292 45,151 31,944 3 Due after four years through five years 16,257 — — 16,257 — Due after five years 1,771 — — 1,771 — Total payments 319,791 81,115 50,343 188,000 333 Less amounts representing interest 29,265 11,115 5,343 12,794 13 Long-term debt $ 290,526 $ 70,000 $ 45,000 $ 175,206 $ 320 (1) The future interest payments included in the scheduled maturities due are calculated using variable interest rates based on the LIBOR swap curve, plus the anticipated applicable margin. (2) Minimum payments of capital lease obligations include maximum amounts due under rental adjustment clauses contained in the capital lease agreements.
Schedule of assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	September 30 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Revenue equipment $ 276,268 $ 269,950 Land and structures (service centers) 1,794 1,794 Software 486 486 Service, office, and other equipment 5,941 100 Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases 284,489 272,330 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1) 87,868 87,691 Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases $ 196,621 $ 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 POSTRETIREM_2

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
Summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost	Three Months Ended September 30 Nonunion Defined Supplemental Postretirement Benefit Pension Plan Benefit Plan Health Benefit Plan 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands) Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 92 $ 122 Interest cost 1,136 1,073 27 26 209 265 Expected return on plan assets (363) (763) — — — — Amortization of prior service credit — — — — (23) (47) Pension settlement expense 518 943 — — — — Amortization of net actuarial loss (1) 494 703 20 20 76 173 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,785 $ 1,956 $ 47 $ 46 $ 354 $ 513 Nine Months Ended September 30 Nonunion Defined Supplemental Postretirement Benefit Pension Plan Benefit Plan Health Benefit Plan 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands) Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 275 $ 366 Interest cost 3,259 3,462 81 77 628 795 Expected return on plan assets (1,142) (4,984) — — — — Amortization of prior service credit — — — — (70) (142) Pension settlement expense 1,603 3,644 — — — — Amortization of net actuarial loss (1) 1,864 2,346 60 61 228 520 Net periodic benefit cost $ 5,584 $ 4,468 $ 141 $ 138 $ 1,061 $ 1,539 (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 3,259 Actuarial loss (1) 3,562 Benefits paid (11,781) Benefit obligations at September 30, 2018 132,457 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2017 124,831 Actual return on plan assets 2,028 Employer contributions 5,500 Benefits paid (11,781) Fair value of plan assets at September 30, 2018 120,578 Funded status at period end (2) $ (11,879) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 132,457 (1) Actuarial loss resulted from remeasurement of the benefit obligation for plan termination assumptions at September 30, 2018, partially offset an actuarial gain recognized as of June 30, 2018 related primarily to the impact of an increase in the discount rate at the June 30, 2018 remeasurement upon settlement compared to the discount rate at the December 31, 2017 measurement date. (2) Recognized within current portion of pension and postretirement liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2018.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	September 30 December 31 2018 2017 (in thousands) Pre-tax amounts: Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs $ (24,759) $ (25,768) Interest rate swap 1,761 481 Foreign currency translation (2,117) (1,894) Total $ (25,115) $ (27,181) After-tax amounts: Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs $ (22,357) $ (19,715) Interest rate swap 1,301 292 Foreign currency translation (1,564) (1,151) Total $ (22,620) $ (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 (1,206) (1,987) 946 (165) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 2,736 2,736 — — Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 1,530 749 946 (165) Balances at September 30, 2018 $ (22,620) $ (22,357) $ 1,301 $ (1,564) Balances at December 31, 2016 $ (23,417) $ (21,886) $ (329) $ (1,202) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (2,712) (3,158) 241 205 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 3,928 3,928 — — Net current-period other comprehensive income 1,216 770 241 205 Balances at September 30, 2017 $ (22,201) $ (21,116) $ (88) $ (997) (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) .
Summary of the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component	Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs (1)(2) Nine Months Ended September 30 2018 2017 (in thousands) Amortization of net actuarial loss $ (2,152) $ (2,927) Amortization of prior service credit 70 142 Pension settlement expense (1,603) (3,644) Total, pre-tax (3,685) (6,429) Tax benefit 949 2,501 Total, net of tax $ (2,736) $ (3,928) (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 Second quarter $ $ $ 0.08 $ 2,078 Third quarter $ $ $ 0.08 $ 2,063

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Summary of the Company's restricted stock unit award program	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 229,560 $ 44.50 Vested (54,039) $ 23.88 Forfeited (1) (5,611) $ 24.27 Outstanding – September 30, 2018 1,629,170 $ 25.97 1) Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands, except share and per share data) Basic Numerator: Net income $ 40,776 $ 14,788 $ 51,963 $ 23,158 Effect of unvested restricted stock awards (98) (44) (128) (106) Adjusted net income $ 40,678 $ 14,744 $ 51,835 $ 23,052 Denominator: Weighted-average shares 25,697,509 25,671,535 25,670,435 25,699,306 Earnings per common share $ 1.58 $ 0.57 $ 2.02 $ 0.90 Diluted Numerator: Net income $ 40,776 $ 14,788 $ 51,963 $ 23,158 Effect of unvested restricted stock awards (94) (43) (124) (104) Adjusted net income $ 40,682 $ 14,745 $ 51,839 $ 23,054 Denominator: Weighted-average shares 25,697,509 25,671,535 25,670,435 25,699,306 Effect of dilutive securities 1,098,150 721,824 1,037,824 674,076 Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions 26,795,659 26,393,359 26,708,259 26,373,382 Earnings per common share $ 1.52 $ 0.56 $ 1.94 $ 0.87

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
OPERATING SEGMENT DATA
Schedule of reportable operating segment information	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands) REVENUES Asset-Based $ 585,290 $ 517,417 $ 1,626,644 $ 1,496,310 ArcBest 205,449 195,749 587,369 524,554 FleetNet 50,494 39,568 145,045 116,307 Other and eliminations (15,075) (8,454) (39,549) (21,435) Total consolidated revenues $ 826,158 $ 744,280 $ 2,319,509 $ 2,115,736 OPERATING EXPENSES (1) Asset-Based Salaries, wages, and benefits $ 292,082 $ 287,270 $ 848,611 $ 853,554 Fuel, supplies, and expenses 64,133 57,395 191,366 174,326 Operating taxes and licenses 12,261 11,712 35,927 35,726 Insurance 9,448 8,348 24,055 23,068 Communications and utilities 4,308 4,575 12,964 13,260 Depreciation and amortization 22,200 20,543 64,492 61,777 Rents and purchased transportation 70,946 55,381 180,332 154,996 Shared services 58,354 47,608 160,786 137,712 Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge (2) — — 37,922 — Gain on sale of property and equipment (123) (7) (522) (599) Other 1,531 757 3,778 3,935 Restructuring costs (3) — 95 — 268 Total Asset-Based 535,140 493,677 1,559,711 1,458,023 ArcBest Purchased transportation 164,322 155,894 475,614 417,313 Supplies and expenses 3,522 3,853 10,290 11,265 Depreciation and amortization 3,558 3,015 10,563 9,511 Shared services 23,453 22,447 68,857 62,691 Other 2,546 2,854 6,973 8,192 Restructuring costs (3) — — 152 875 Gain on sale of subsidiaries (4) (1,945) (152) (1,945) (152) Total ArcBest 195,456 187,911 570,504 509,695 FleetNet 49,406 38,646 141,407 113,617 Other and eliminations (9,899) (2,696) (24,049) (8,208) Total consolidated operating expenses $ 770,103 $ 717,538 $ 2,247,573 $ 2,073,127 (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, these costs are no longer classified within operating expenses within this table. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation of segment expenses and the presentation of components of net periodic benefit cost in other income (costs). (2) ABF Freight recorded a one-time charge in second quarter 2018 for the multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement it entered into with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (see Note F). (3) Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure (see Note K). (4) Gains recognized in the 2018 and 2017 periods relate to the sale of the ArcBest segment’s military moving businesses in December 2017 and 2016, respectively. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands) OPERATING INCOME (1) Asset-Based $ 50,150 $ 23,740 $ 66,933 $ 38,287 ArcBest 9,993 7,838 16,865 14,859 FleetNet 1,088 922 3,638 2,690 Other and eliminations (5,176) (5,758) (15,500) (13,227) Total consolidated operating income $ 56,055 $ 26,742 $ 71,936 $ 42,609 OTHER INCOME (COSTS) Interest and dividend income $ 1,120 $ 346 $ 2,360 $ 905 Interest and other related financing costs (2,470) (1,706) (6,542) (4,410) Other, net (1)(2) (714) (1,314) (4,038) (3,548) Total other income (costs) (2,064) (2,674) (8,220) (7,053) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES $ 53,991 $ 24,068 $ 63,716 $ 35,556 (1) As previously discussed in this Note, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 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 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 Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 (in thousands) OPERATING EXPENSES Salaries, wages, and benefits $ 363,348 $ 349,294 $ 1,048,018 $ 1,023,803 Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services 265,042 235,346 742,338 651,131 Fuel, supplies, and expenses 82,188 75,716 245,718 226,666 Depreciation and amortization (1) 28,026 25,497 81,699 76,821 Other 31,449 30,948 91,112 91,975 Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge (2) — — 37,922 — Restructuring costs (3) 50 737 766 2,731 $ 770,103 $ 717,538 $ 2,247,573 $ 2,073,127 (1) Includes amortization of intangible assets. (2) ABF Freight recorded a one-time charge in second quarter 2018 for the multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability resulting from the transition agreement it entered into with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (see Note F). (3) Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure (see Note K).

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION _3

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Organization) (Details) - segment	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 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		69.00%
Vacation accrual period	5 days
Estimated increase in compounded annual contractual wage and benefit contribution rates (as a percent)		2.00%
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		83.00%

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION _4

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Financial Statement Presentation) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Net income	$ 40,776	$ 14,788	$ 51,963	$ 23,158
ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits | Adjustment
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Net income		$ 0		$ 0
EPS (in dollars per share)		$ 0		$ 0

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION _5

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Other Recognition and Disclosure) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Recognition and Disclosure
Deferred revenue	$ 0.8	$ 0.6
Revenue, Practical Expedient, Incremental Cost of Obtaining Contract	true
Revenue, Practical Expedient, Remaining Performance Obligation	true

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION _6

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (ASC Topic 606) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
ASC Topic 606
Retained earnings	$ 488,158		$ 488,158			$ 438,379
Revenues	826,158	$ 744,280	2,319,509	$ 2,115,736
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	600		1,400
Purchased transportation	$ 600		$ 1,100

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION _7

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Other Accounting Pronouncements) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Decrease in operating expenses		$ 770,103	$ 717,538	$ 2,247,573	$ 2,073,127
Increase in other cost		714	1,314	4,038	3,548
Net income		$ 40,776	14,788	51,963	23,158
ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits | Adjustment
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Decrease in operating expenses			(2,400)		(5,800)
Increase in other cost			2,400		5,800
Net income			$ 0		$ 0
EPS (in dollars per share)			$ 0		$ 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				$ 51,963
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 FAI_3

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Cash, Investments and Restricted Funds) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 177,436	$ 120,772
Short-term investments	75,879	56,401
Concentrations of Credit Risk of Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents which are not FDIC-insured	85,200	61,100
Cash deposits
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	126,607	86,510
Variable rate demand notes
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	17,980	19,744
Money market funds
Fair value disclosure
Cash and cash equivalents	32,849	14,518
Certificates of deposit
Fair value disclosure
Short-term investments	$ 75,879	$ 56,401

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAI_4

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Carrying Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	$ 290,206	$ 268,441
Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	288,309	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 borrowings | Carrying Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	45,000	45,000
Level 2 | Accounts receivable securitization borrowings | Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	45,000	45,000
Level 2 | Notes payable | Carrying Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	175,206	153,441
Level 2 | Notes payable | Fair Value
Fair value disclosure
Debt obligations	$ 173,309	$ 152,131

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAI_5

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - Recurring basis $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)item
Assets:
Assets	$ 37,238	$ 17,358
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets:
Money market funds	32,849	14,518
Other long-term assets
Assets:
Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan	2,628	2,359
Interest rate swaps	1,761	481
Liabilities:
Fair value of interest rate swap, asset	1,761	481
Accrued and other long term liabilities
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	4,472	6,970
Level 1
Assets:
Assets	35,477	16,877
Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents
Assets:
Money market funds	32,849	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	2,628	2,359
Level 2
Assets:
Assets	1,761	481
Level 2 | Other long-term assets
Assets:
Interest rate swaps	1,761	481
Liabilities:
Fair value of interest rate swap, asset	1,761	481
Level 3 | Accrued and other long term liabilities
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	$ 4,472	$ 6,970
Level 3 | Accrued and other long term liabilities | LDS | Discount Rate
Liabilities:
Measurement input | item		0.125

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAI_6

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (FV - Level 3) (Details) - Contingent Consideration $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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	1,030
Balance at end of period	$ 4,472

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 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 ASSET_3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Intangible) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-lived intangible assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period	13 years
Cost	$ 64,663	$ 64,663
Accumulated Amortization	26,888	23,494
Net Value	37,775	41,169
Total intangible assets
Cost	96,963	96,963
Net Value	70,075	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	23,034	19,745
Net Value	$ 37,397	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	654	549
Net Value	$ 378	$ 483

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_4

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Future amortization for intangible assets and acquired software
2,018	$ 1,658
2,019	5,463
2,020	4,471
2,021	4,418
2,022	4,385
Thereafter	18,914
Total amortization	39,309
Future amortization for intangible assets
2,018	1,128
2,019	4,482
2,020	4,454
2,021	4,412
2,022	4,385
Thereafter	18,914
Net Value	37,775	$ 41,169
Future amortization for acquired software
2,018	530
2,019	981
2,020	17
2,021	6
Total amortization, Acquired software	$ 1,534

INCOME TAXES (Tax Reform Act) (

INCOME TAXES (Tax Reform Act) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		7 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Impact of Tax Reform Act
Statutory federal rate (as a percent)	32.74%			21.00%	21.00%		35.00%
Provisional reduction of deferred tax liabilities due to Tax Reform Act		$ 0.8			$ 3.5		$ 24.5
State tax, low end of range of rate (as a percent)					6.00%
State tax, high end of range of rate (as a percent)					6.50%
Effective tax rate (as a percent)		24.50%	38.60%		18.40%	34.90%
Provisional reduction in current income tax expense due Tax Reform Act reflecting use of fiscal year rather than calendar year federal income tax filing							1.3
Alternative fuel tax credit							$ 1.2

INCOME TAXES (Deferred taxes) (

INCOME TAXES (Deferred taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Valuation allowance	$ 0.9	$ 0.8

INCOME TAXES (Uncertain Tax Pos

INCOME TAXES (Uncertain Tax Positions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income taxes
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	$ 1
Maximum
Income taxes
Reserve for uncertain tax positions		$ 0.1

INCOME TAXES (Taxes Paid) (Deta

INCOME TAXES (Taxes Paid) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes paid (in dollars)	$ 3.6	$ 1.2
Income tax refunds received (in dollars)	$ 1.1	$ 0.2

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING _3

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Summary) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 290,526	$ 268,919
Less current portion	54,556	61,930
Long-term debt, less current portion	235,970	206,989
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	63,922
Due after one year through two years	45,366
Due after two years through three years	43,085
Due after three years through four years	149,390
Due after four years through five years	16,257
Due after five years	1,771
Total payments	319,791
Less amounts representing interest	29,265
Long-term debt	290,526	268,919
Credit Facility
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 70,000	70,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.50%
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	$ 2,752
Due after one year through two years	3,041
Due after two years through three years	3,030
Due after three years through four years	72,292
Total payments	81,115
Less amounts representing interest	11,115
Long-term debt	70,000	70,000
Credit Facility | Interest rate swap agreement
Long-term debt obligations
Amount of borrowings covered by the interest rate swap	$ 50,000
Effective fixed interest rate on hedged borrowings (as a percent)	3.10%
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 45,000	45,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.00%
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	$ 1,609
Due after one year through two years	1,794
Due after two years through three years	1,789
Due after three years through four years	45,151
Total payments	50,343
Less amounts representing interest	5,343
Long-term debt	45,000	45,000
Notes payable
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 175,206	153,441
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)	3.30%
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	$ 59,323
Due after one year through two years	40,446
Due after two years through three years	38,259
Due after three years through four years	31,944
Due after four years through five years	16,257
Due after five years	1,771
Total payments	188,000
Less amounts representing interest	12,794
Long-term debt	175,206	153,441
Capital lease obligations
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term debt	$ 320	478
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)	5.60%
Payments under long-term debt obligations
Due in one year or less	$ 238
Due after one year through two years	85
Due after two years through three years	7
Due after three years through four years	3
Total payments	333
Less amounts representing interest	13
Long-term debt	$ 320	$ 478

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING _4

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Assets Sec) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Arrangements
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	$ 284,489	$ 272,330
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	87,868	87,691
Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	196,621	184,639
Revenue equipment
Financing Arrangements
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases	276,268	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	$ 5,941	$ 100

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING _5

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Financing arrangements - Credit Facility) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 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 _6

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Financing arrangements - Interest rate swaps) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 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 assets
Financing Arrangements
Fair value of interest rate swap, asset		$ 0.5	$ 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)		3.10%
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 of interest rate swap, asset		$ 1.2	$ 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)		3.24%

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING _7

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Financing arrangements - Securitization program) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018
Financing Arrangements
Borrowings under accounts receivable securitization program		$ 10,000
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings
Financing Arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 125,000
Additional borrowing capacity that may be requested			25,000
Amount outstanding			45,000
Outstanding letters of credit			17,600
Remaining borrowing capacity			$ 62,400
Subsequent Event
Financing Arrangements
Repayment of accounts receivable securitization	$ 5,000

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING _8

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Financing arrangements - Letters of credit & Surety bonds (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings
Financing Arrangements
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 17.6
Letter of Credit Agreements
Financing Arrangements
Outstanding letters of credit	18.2
Surety bonds
Financing Arrangements
Outstanding surety bonds under uncollateralized bond programs	$ 49.4

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING _9

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Financing arrangements - Notes payable & Capital leases) (Details) - Notes payable - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 01, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue equipment, other equipment and software
Financing Arrangements
Equipment financed during the period under notes payable		$ 57.2	$ 71.6
Subsequent Event | Revenue equipment
Financing Arrangements
Equipment financed during the period under notes payable	$ 16.7

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_3

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Components of cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Pension settlement expense			$ 1,603	$ 3,644
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	$ 1,136	$ 1,073	3,259	3,462
Expected return on plan assets	(363)	(763)	(1,142)	(4,984)
Pension settlement expense	518	943	1,603	3,644
Amortization of net actuarial loss	494	703	1,864	2,346
Net periodic benefit cost	1,785	1,956	5,584	4,468
Supplemental Benefit Plan
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	27	26	81	77
Amortization of net actuarial loss	20	20	60	61
Net periodic benefit cost	47	46	141	138
Postretirement Health Benefit Plan
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	92	122	275	366
Interest cost	209	265	628	795
Amortization of prior service credit	(23)	(47)	(70)	(142)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	76	173	228	520
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 354	$ 513	$ 1,061	$ 1,539

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_4

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Nonunion) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)person	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Pension settlement expense, pre-tax							$ 1,603	$ 3,644
Pension settlement expense, net of tax			$ 384	$ 577			1,190	2,227
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Pension settlement expense, pre-tax			518	943			1,603	3,644
Pension settlement expense, net of tax			400	600			1,200	2,200
Lump-sum distributions			$ 3,100	$ 5,800			11,600	$ 23,100
Premium paid to purchase nonparticipating annuity contract					$ 7,600
Number of plan participants for which vested pension benefits were settled | person					50
Employer contributions	$ 5,500						$ 5,500
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Forecast
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Employer contributions		$ 13,000
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Minimum | Forecast
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Pension settlement expense, pre-tax						$ 15,000
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Maximum | Forecast
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Pension settlement expense, pre-tax						$ 21,000

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_5

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Funded status) (Details) - Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of period				$ 137,417
Interest cost		$ 1,136	$ 1,073	3,259	$ 3,462
Actuarial loss				3,562
Benefits paid				(11,781)
Benefit obligations at end of period	$ 132,457	132,457		132,457
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period				124,831
Actual return on plan assets				2,028
Employer contributions	5,500			5,500
Benefits paid				(11,781)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	120,578	120,578		120,578
Funded status at period end	(11,879)	(11,879)		(11,879)
Accumulated benefit obligation	132,457	$ 132,457		132,457
Employer contributions	$ 5,500			$ 5,500
Adjusted funding target attainment percentage						108.77%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_6

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Multiemployer Plans) (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 01, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)plan	Dec. 31, 2017
Multiemployer Plans
Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge (pre-tax)				$ 37,922
Multiemployer pension plans | Asset-Based
Multiemployer Plans
Number of multiemployer plans to which ABF Freight currently contributes | plan				25
Maximum projected time to insolvency for plans in "critical and declining" status				14 years
Maximum projected time to insolvency for plans in "critical and declining" status if additional criteria apply				19 years
Threshold ratio of inactive to active participants for greater insolvency period to determine "critical and declining" status				2
Threshold funded percentage for greater insolvency period to determine "critical and declining" status				80.00%
Multiemployer pension plans | Central States Pension Plan | Asset-Based
Multiemployer Plans
Approximate proportion of multiemployer pension plan contributions (as a percent)				50.00%
Multiemployer pension plans | New England Pension Fund | Asset-Based
Multiemployer Plans
Approximate proportion of multiemployer pension plan contributions (as a percent)					3.00%
Contribution rate frozen period (in years)	10 years
Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge (pre-tax)		$ 37,900
Initial lump sum payment of withdrawal liability			$ 15,100
Withdrawal liability monthly payments period (in years)		23 years
Aggregate present value of monthly payments		$ 22,800
Outstanding withdrawal liability			22,700	$ 22,700
Fair value of withdrawal obligation			$ 23,000	$ 23,000
Discount rate (as a percent)			4.40%	4.40%
Multiemployer pension plans | New England Pension Fund | Asset-Based | Accrued expenses
Multiemployer Plans
Outstanding withdrawal liability			$ 500	$ 500
Multiemployer pension plans | New England Pension Fund | Asset-Based | Other long-term liabilities
Multiemployer Plans
Outstanding withdrawal liability			$ 22,200	$ 22,200

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (AOCI) (De

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total after-tax amount	$ 705,091	$ 651,462
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	(25,115)	(27,181)
Total after-tax amount	(22,620)	(20,574)	$ (22,201)	$ (23,417)
Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	(24,759)	(25,768)
Total after-tax amount	(22,357)	(19,715)	(21,116)	(21,886)
Interest Rate Swap
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	1,761	481
Total after-tax amount	1,301	292	(88)	(329)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total pre-tax amount	(2,117)	(1,894)
Total after-tax amount	$ (1,564)	$ (1,151)	$ (997)	$ (1,202)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (AOCI comp

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (AOCI comp) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 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 (LOSS), net of tax	$ (4,778)	$ (175)	1,530	$ 1,216
Balances	705,091		705,091
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			(1,206)	(2,712)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			2,736	3,928
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax			1,530	1,216
Balances	(22,620)	(22,201)	(22,620)	(22,201)
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			(1,987)	(3,158)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			2,736	3,928
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax			749	770
Balances	(22,357)	(21,116)	(22,357)	(21,116)
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			946	241
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax			946	241
Balances	1,301	(88)	1,301	(88)
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			(165)	205
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax			(165)	205
Balances	$ (1,564)	$ (997)	$ (1,564)	$ (997)
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	$ (3,685)	$ (6,429)
Tax benefit	949	2,501
Total, net of tax	(2,736)	(3,928)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	(2,152)	(2,927)
Amortization of prior service credit
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	70	142
Pension settlement expense
Significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
Total, pre-tax	$ (1,603)	$ (3,644)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Dividends

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Dividends) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Dividends on Common Stock
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)		$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.24	$ 0.24
Dividend Amount		$ 2,060	$ 2,058	$ 2,058	$ 2,063	$ 2,078	$ 2,066	$ 6,176
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Treasury Stock
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased during the period	$ 201	$ 6,019
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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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)	229,560
Vested (in shares)	(54,039)
Forfeited (in shares)	(5,611)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,629,170
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	44.50
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	23.88
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	24.27
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 25.97

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Basic and D

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Basic, numerator:
Net income	$ 40,776	$ 14,788	$ 51,963	$ 23,158
Effect of unvested restricted stock unit awards	(98)	(44)	(128)	(106)
Adjusted net income	$ 40,678	$ 14,744	$ 51,835	$ 23,052
Basic, denominator:
Weighted-average shares	25,697,509	25,671,535	25,670,435	25,699,306
Earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.58	$ 0.57	$ 2.02	$ 0.90
Diluted, numerator:
Net income	$ 40,776	$ 14,788	$ 51,963	$ 23,158
Effect of unvested restricted stock unit awards	(94)	(43)	(124)	(104)
Adjusted net income	$ 40,682	$ 14,745	$ 51,839	$ 23,054
Diluted, denominator:
Weighted-average shares	25,697,509	25,671,535	25,670,435	25,699,306
Effect of dilutive securities	1,098,150	721,824	1,037,824	674,076
Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions	26,795,659	26,393,359	26,708,259	26,373,382
Earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.52	$ 0.56	$ 1.94	$ 0.87

EARNINGS PER SHARE (AntiDil) (D

EARNINGS PER SHARE (AntiDil) (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Stock awards
Antidilutive securities
Outstanding stock awards not included in calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share (in shares)	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA - (Rev a

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA - (Rev and Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
REVENUES
Revenues		$ 826,158	$ 744,280	$ 2,319,509	$ 2,115,736
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits		363,348	349,294	1,048,018	1,023,803
Fuel, supplies, and expenses		82,188	75,716	245,718	226,666
Depreciation and amortization		28,026	25,497	81,699	76,821
Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge				37,922
Gain on sale of property and equipment				(188)	(257)
Other		31,449	30,948	91,112	91,975
Restructuring costs		50	737	766	2,731
Gain on sale of subsidiaries				(1,945)	(152)
Total consolidated operating expenses		770,103	717,538	2,247,573	2,073,127
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME		56,055	26,742	71,936	42,609
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income		1,120	346	2,360	905
Interest and other related financing costs		(2,470)	(1,706)	(6,542)	(4,410)
Other, net		(714)	(1,314)	(4,038)	(3,548)
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (COSTS)		(2,064)	(2,674)	(8,220)	(7,053)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		53,991	24,068	63,716	35,556
Asset-Based | Multiemployer pension plans | New England Pension Fund
OPERATING EXPENSES
Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge	$ 37,900
Operating Segments | Asset-Based
REVENUES
Revenues		585,290	517,417	1,626,644	1,496,310
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits		292,082	287,270	848,611	853,554
Fuel, supplies, and expenses		64,133	57,395	191,366	174,326
Operating taxes and licenses		12,261	11,712	35,927	35,726
Insurance		9,448	8,348	24,055	23,068
Communications and utilities		4,308	4,575	12,964	13,260
Depreciation and amortization		22,200	20,543	64,492	61,777
Rents and purchased transportation		70,946	55,381	180,332	154,996
Shared services		58,354	47,608	160,786	137,712
Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge				37,922
Gain on sale of property and equipment		(123)	(7)	(522)	(599)
Other		1,531	757	3,778	3,935
Restructuring costs			95		268
Total consolidated operating expenses		535,140	493,677	1,559,711	1,458,023
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME		50,150	23,740	66,933	38,287
Operating Segments | ArcBest
REVENUES
Revenues		205,449	195,749	587,369	524,554
OPERATING EXPENSES
Purchased transportation		164,322	155,894	475,614	417,313
Supplies and expenses		3,522	3,853	10,290	11,265
Depreciation and amortization		3,558	3,015	10,563	9,511
Shared services		23,453	22,447	68,857	62,691
Other		2,546	2,854	6,973	8,192
Restructuring costs				152	875
Gain on sale of subsidiaries		(1,945)	(152)	(1,945)	(152)
Total consolidated operating expenses		195,456	187,911	570,504	509,695
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME		9,993	7,838	16,865	14,859
Operating Segments | FleetNet
REVENUES
Revenues		50,494	39,568	145,045	116,307
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total consolidated operating expenses		49,406	38,646	141,407	113,617
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME		1,088	922	3,638	2,690
Other and eliminations
REVENUES
Revenues		(15,075)	(8,454)	(39,549)	(21,435)
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total consolidated operating expenses		(9,899)	(2,696)	(24,049)	(8,208)
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME		$ (5,176)	$ (5,758)	$ (15,500)	$ (13,227)

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA - (Opera

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA - (Operating Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits		$ 363,348	$ 349,294	$ 1,048,018	$ 1,023,803
Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services		265,042	235,346	742,338	651,131
Fuel, supplies, and expenses		82,188	75,716	245,718	226,666
Depreciation and amortization		28,026	25,497	81,699	76,821
Other		31,449	30,948	91,112	91,975
Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge				37,922
Restructuring costs		50	737	766	2,731
Total consolidated operating expenses		$ 770,103	$ 717,538	$ 2,247,573	$ 2,073,127
Asset-Based | Multiemployer pension plans | New England Pension Fund
OPERATING EXPENSES
Multiemployer pension fund withdrawal liability charge	$ 37,900

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Details)

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Charges and Impairment
Restructuring charges	$ 50	$ 737	$ 766	$ 2,731
Severance and other
Restructuring Charges and Impairment
Restructuring charges		$ 700	$ 800	$ 2,700
Maximum | Severance and other
Restructuring Charges and Impairment
Restructuring charges	$ 100
Forecast
Restructuring Charges and Impairment
Restructuring charges					$ 1,000

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMEN_2

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS (Environmental Matters) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 | $	$ 0.6	$ 0.4