ABF Freight says Teamster accord to add value in LTL marketplace

The Trucker News Services

2/12/2008

FORT SMITH, Ark.— ABF Freight System Inc. reported Monday that the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) has ratified its new collective bargaining agreement. This five-year labor contract will become effective on April 1.

“This new labor agreement has been finalized seven weeks ahead of the expiration of the current contract,” said Robert A. Davidson, president and chief executive officer of Arkansas Best Corp. and ABF. “The increased labor flexibility contained in this agreement will improve the services offered to ABF’s customers and provide additional value in the LTL marketplace.”

The IBT notified ABF that there were two local supplemental agreements that did not receive a majority of votes. The issues related to these two local agreements will be discussed in the coming days, as is customary, ABF noted.

Arkansas Best Corp., headquartered in Fort Smith, is a transportation holding company. ABF Freight System Inc., Arkansas Best’s largest subsidiary, has been in continuous service since 1923. ABF provides transportation of less-than-truckload (“LTL”) general commodities throughout North America.