LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
For the past several years, I have discussed the rapid
evolution underway in the transportation and logistics
industry and what ArcBest is doing to meet those
challenges head on.
During my tenure as president and CEO, my primary
goals have been to position our company to respond to
customer needs, ensure our employees have a thriving
workplace and deliver shareholder value. With those
goals in mind, we acquired Panther, signed a new labor
contract for ABF, formed a separate asset-light logistics
business, rebranded our company as ArcBest, acquired
truckload brokerage firms, and much more.
Once again, 2016 was another year of significant
advancement. In April, I was honored to take on the
additional role of board chairman. I feel a great sense
of duty to continue leading ArcBest into a bright future
in which we are able to thrive no matter what changes
come our way.
I was pleased to see our share price rise 29 percent
in 2016 as we continued to execute on our strategy to
better serve customers with the full array of logistics
services they need.
This performance was encouraging, but we also
recognized there was more work to do. After many
months of analysis and planning, in November we
announced an acceleration of this strategy with a new
corporate structure aimed at simplifying and presenting
our company as one logistics enterprise with creative
problem solvers who deliver integrated logistics
solutions, primarily under the ArcBest brand.
The January 1, 2017, realignment included:
• A unified sales structure under ArcBest
• A combination of ABF Logistics, ABF Moving and
Panther into a new asset-light logistics operation
• A unified approach to pricing, customer service,
marketing and capacity sourcing, and
• Consolidation of training and quality awareness
under ArcBest human resources.
The reason we undertook this massive effort was to
provide the best customer experience possible. Quite
simply, our customers had been asking for integrated
solutions from us and easier access to them.
I am confident that this enhanced market approach will
help us deliver best-in-class customer experience and
greater shareholder value. By marketing most of our
services as ArcBest, we are making it easier for our
customers to connect the dots about the full breadth
and scope of the logistics solutions we offer.
We also have significantly enhanced our excellent
customer service as it is well known in the industry and
appreciated by our customers. By combining previously
separate groups into one unified customer solutions
organization, we added an additional layer of
support to the foundation of excellent customer
experience. A newly redesigned ArcBest website
for one-stop customer access and engagement is
another building block in this effort.
As we usually see, there were many achievements
and awards for our company in 2016, but I would
like to highlight two of our major milestones.
In May, we were named to the Forbes America’s
Best Large Employers list. And in September, we
acquired Logistics & Distribution Services, adding
services to our logistics offerings in the form
of dedicated truckload capacity. This additional
acquisition in the brokerage space, plus organic
growth resulting from our strong market reputation
and customer relationships, means that 30 percent
of our 2016 revenue came from our asset-light
services. That is up significantly from just 7 percent
in 2009.
Going forward, we look to a future that will certainly
promise ongoing change. We are excited about our
new company structure and the renewed sense of
enthusiasm I see from our dedicated employees.
I am confident that all of our efforts in 2016 will
position us advantageously for the challenges and
opportunities that lie ahead.
Judy R. McReynolds
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
ArcBestSM delivers integrated solutions for a variety of supply
chain challenges. Our offerings include less-than-truckload
services via the ABF Freight® network, ground expedite solutions
through Panther Premium Logistics®, household moving under the
U-Pack® brand, and vehicle maintenance and repair from FleetNet
America®. From Fortune 100 companies to small businesses, our
customers trust and rely on ArcBest for their transportation and
logistics needs.
With a relentless focus on meeting our customers’ needs
and unique access to guaranteed transportation capacity,
we create solutions for even the most complex and
demanding supply chains. We are focused on providing the
best customer experience possible with seamless access
to a broad suite of logistics capabilities, including truckload,
LTL, international shipping, ground expedite, managed
transportation, and warehousing and distribution.
No matter the job, ArcBest finds a way.
2016 2015
(thousands, except per share data)
OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,700,219
$2,666,905
Operating income* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,970 75,496
Net income* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,652 44,854
Net income per diluted common share* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0. 71 $1.67
INFORMATION AT YEAR END
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,309,992 $1,262,909
Current por tion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64,143 44,910
Long-term debt (including capital leases and notes payable,
excluding current portion). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179,530 167,599
Stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 598,897 588,728
Stockholders’ equity per common share outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23.39 $ 22.77
Number of common shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,609 25,858
*2016 includes a restructuring charge of $10.3 million, or $0.24 per diluted common share after-tax.
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph and data table show a
comparison of the cumulative total return for ArcBest,
the Russell 2000® Index and a peer group index
selected by ArcBest for the five-year period ending
December 31, 2016:
ArcBest is a logistics company that provides
freight transportation services and logistics
solutions. Accordingly, it is important that ArcBest’s
performance be compared to that of other
companies with similar operations. Therefore, the
current peer group includes the following diversified
mix of ArcBest’s transportation and logistics related
competitors: Echo Global Logistics Inc., Forward Air
Corp., Hub Group Inc., J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Inc., Landstar System, Inc., Old Dominion Freight
Line, Inc., Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc.,
Saia, Inc., Swift Transportation Company, Werner
Enterprises, Inc., XPO Logistics, Inc. and YRC
Worldwide Inc.
Cumulative Total Return
12/31/14 12/31/15 12/31/16
12/31/11 12/31/12 12/31/13
ArcBest Corporation . . . . . $ 100.00 $ 50.05 $ 177.99 $ 246.04 $ 114.41 $ 150.33
Russell 2000® Index . . . . . $ 100.00 $ 116.35 $ 161.52 $ 169.42 $ 161.95 $ 196.45
153.29 $ 215.55
Peer Group Index . . . . . . . . $ 100.00 $ 120.33 $ 167.60 $ 206.82 $
The above comparisons assume $100 was invested
on December 31, 2011, in ArcBest’s Common Stock
with reinvestment of dividends. All calculations have
been prepared by Zacks Investment Research Inc.
The stockholder return shown on the graph above is
not necessarily indicative of future performance.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the fiscal year December 31, 2016.
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the transition period from to .
Commission file number 0-19969
ARCBEST CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
3801 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas
(Address of principal executive offices)
71-0673405
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
72903
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 479-785-6000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
Name of each exchange
on which registered
The NASDAQ Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller
reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2016, was $414,203,156.
The number of shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of February 22, 2017, was 25,610,021.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
in connection with the registrant’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting to be held May 2, 2017, are incorporated by reference in Part III of
this Form 10-K.
ARCBEST CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM
NUMBER
PAGE
NUMBER
3
5
15
30
30
31
31
32
34
35
63
66
109
109
112
112
112
112
112
112
113
114
115
Forward-Looking Statements
Item 1. Business
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Item 2.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
PART I
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Item 6.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
SIGNATURES
2
Forward-Looking Statements
PART I
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal
securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated by reference in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K, including, but not limited to, those under “Business” in Item 1, “Risk Factors” in Item 1A, “Legal
Proceedings” in Item 3, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”
in Item 7, are forward-looking statements. Terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,”
“foresee,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “scheduled,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions and the
negatives of such terms are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s
beliefs, assumptions, and expectations based on currently available information, are not guarantees of future performance,
and involve certain risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control). Although we believe that the
expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, we cannot provide assurance
that our expectations will prove to be correct. Actual outcomes and results could materially differ from what is expressed,
implied, or forecasted in these statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to:
a failure of our information systems, including disruptions or failures of services essential to our operations or
upon which our information technology platforms rely, data breach, and/or cybersecurity incidents;
not achieving some or all of the expected financial and operating benefits of our corporate restructuring or
incurring additional costs or operational inefficiencies as a result of the restructuring;
relationships with employees, including unions, and our ability to attract and retain employees;
unfavorable terms of, or the inability to reach agreement on, future collective bargaining agreements or a
workforce stoppage by our employees covered under ABF Freight’s collective bargaining agreement;
competitive initiatives and pricing pressures;
union and nonunion employee wages and benefits, including changes in required contributions to multiemployer
plans;
the cost, integration, and performance of any recent or future acquisitions;
general economic conditions and related shifts in market demand that impact the performance and needs of
industries we serve and/or limit our customers’ access to adequate financial resources;
governmental regulations;
environmental laws and regulations, including emissions-control regulations;
the loss or reduction of business from large customers;
litigation or claims asserted against us;
the cost, timing, and performance of growth initiatives;
the loss of key employees or the inability to execute succession planning strategies;
availability and cost of reliable third-party services;
our ability to secure independent owner operators and/or operational or regulatory issues related to our use of
their services;
default on covenants of financing arrangements and the availability and terms of future financing arrangements;
timing and amount of capital expenditures;
self-insurance claims and insurance premium costs;
availability of fuel, the effect of volatility in fuel prices and the associated changes in fuel surcharges on securing
increases in base freight rates, and the inability to collect fuel surcharges;
increased prices for and decreased availability of new revenue equipment, decreases in value of used revenue
equipment, and higher costs of equipment-related operating expenses such as maintenance and fuel and related
taxes;
potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets;
maintaining our intellectual property rights, brand, and corporate reputation;
seasonal fluctuations and adverse weather conditions;
regulatory, economic, and other risks arising from our international business;
antiterrorism and safety measures; and
other financial, operational, and legal risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in ArcBest Corporation’s
public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those
expressed in these forward-looking statements, please see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A.
3
All forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and all
subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly
qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made
and, other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
4
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
ArcBest Corporation
ArcBest Corporation® (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) is a logistics provider with
The Skill and The Will® to deliver integrated logistics solutions. The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1966. On
January 1, 2017, we realigned our company’s structure and focused our go-to-market approach under the ArcBestSM brand,
which was unveiled in 2014. Now most logistics services are offered under the ArcBest brand, while we continue to offer
a full array of asset-based less-than-truckload services through the ABF Freight® network and ground expedite services
under the Panther Premium Logistics® brand. Our offerings also include truckload, international air and ocean, time
critical, managed transportation, warehousing and distribution, do-it-yourself moving under the U-Pack® brand, and
vehicle maintenance and repair from FleetNet America®. Within the industry, our people are known as creative problem-
solvers with the drive and commitment to find the right solutions to the daily logistics challenges our customers face.
Our new corporate structure under the ArcBest brand, which was announced on November 3, 2016, better serves customers
by unifying the Company’s sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, and capacity sourcing functions. Under our new
structure, we are reporting our operating segment results as follows for the year ended December 31, 2016:
Asset-Based (formerly the Freight Transportation segment), which represents ABF Freight System, Inc. and
certain other subsidiaries, including ABF Freight System (B.C.), Ltd.; ABF Freight System Canada, Ltd.; ABF
Cartage, Inc.; and Land-Marine Cargo, Inc. (collectively “ABF Freight”);
ArcBest, a single asset-light logistics operation combining the previously reported operating segments of
Premium Logistics (Panther), Transportation Management (ABF Logistics), and Household Goods Moving
Services (ABF Moving);
FleetNet; and
Other and eliminations.
The ArcBest and FleetNet reportable segments, combined, represent our Asset-Light operations. The Company has
restated certain prior year operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation. There was no impact on
consolidated revenues, operating expenses, operating income, or earnings per share as a result of the restatements. See
additional disclosures related to our restated segment data in Note M to our consolidated financial statements included in
Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Strategy
Our new structure also accelerates our strategy to be a balanced, highly profitable, and financially sustainable enterprise,
providing integrated logistics solutions with the best possible customer experience. We work to build long-term
shareholder value by:
Expanding our revenue opportunities. We seek to expand our revenue opportunities through deepening our
existing customer relationships and securing new ones. We build relationships that last for decades and our
customers assign a high degree of value for the high level of service and professionalism we provide. When
customers talk about us, they say that we solve problems, we are easy to do business with, and we are good
partners who understand them.
Balancing our revenue and profit mix. We are differentiated from our competition in our ability to offer logistics
solutions with a wide variety of fulfillment options, which can include our own assets. As our Asset-Light
operations continue to grow alongside our Asset-Based services, we are balancing the mix of our revenue and
profits between our asset-based and asset-light businesses. This balance drives long-term financial sustainability
by making our business less capital-intensive relative to its size, and by reducing volatility in our business
performance through varying cycles, events, and/or environments.
Optimizing our cost structure. We are focused on profitable growth, which causes us to continually review our
costs and investment decisions accordingly. Our technology infrastructure enables business processes, insight
and analytics that allow us to optimize our cost structure, and we continue to invest in technology to transform
our business. Also, our enhanced market approach, which was deployed on January 1, 2017, is designed to
improve the customer experience while simultaneously driving added cost efficiency in our business.
5
We continually analyze where additional capital should be invested and where management resources should be focused
to improve relationships with customers and meet their expanding needs. Our management is focused on increasing returns
to our stockholders. In response to customers’ needs for expanded service offerings, we have strategically increased
investment in our Asset-Light operations. The additional resources invested in growing our Asset-Light operations is part
of management’s long-term strategy to ensure we are positioned to serve the changing marketplace through these
businesses and our traditional less-than-truckload (“LTL”) operations by providing a comprehensive suite of transportation
and logistics services. As part of this strategy, we have completed the following acquisitions and changes to our business
model:
On June 15, 2012, we acquired Panther Expedited Services, Inc., one of North America’s largest providers of
expedited freight transportation services with expanding service offerings in premium freight logistics and freight
forwarding. Our Expedite and premium logistics operations are reported in the ArcBest segment.
Effective July 1, 2013, we formed the segment previously reported as ABF Logistics in a strategic alignment of
the sales and operations functions of our logistics businesses.
On April 30, 2014, we acquired a privately-owned business which is reported within the FleetNet segment.
During 2014, we established our enterprise solutions group to offer more easily accessible transportation and
logistics solutions for our customers through a single point of contact.
On January 2, 2015, we acquired Smart Lines Transportation Group, LLC (“Smart Lines”), a privately-owned
truckload brokerage firm reported in the ArcBest segment.
On December 1, 2015, we acquired Bear Transportation Services, L.P. (“Bear”), a privately-owned truckload
brokerage firm reported in the ArcBest segment.
On September 2, 2016, we acquired Logistics & Distribution Services, LLC (“LDS”), a privately-owned logistics
and distribution firm with a focus on asset-light dedicated truckload business reported in the ArcBest segment.
On January 1, 2017, we realigned our company’s structure and focused our go-to-market approach under the
ArcBest brand.
Business Description
We deliver integrated solutions for a variety of supply chain challenges. Our offerings include LTL freight transportation
via the ABF Freight network, truckload and dedicated truckload logistics services through our ArcBest segment, ground
expedited solutions through the Panther Premium Logistics brand, do-it-yourself moving under the U-Pack brand and
vehicle maintenance and repair from FleetNet America. From Fortune 100 companies to small businesses, our customers
trust and rely on ArcBest Corporation for their transportation and logistics needs.
With a relentless focus on meeting our customers’ needs and unique access to guaranteed transportation capacity, we create
solutions for even the most complex and demanding supply chains. We are focused on providing the best customer
experience possible with seamless access to a broad suite of logistics capabilities, including LTL, truckload, international
air and ocean, ground expedite, managed transportation, warehousing and distribution, and moving services.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, no single customer accounted for more than 3% of our consolidated revenues, and
the 10 largest customers, on a combined basis, accounted for approximately 10% of our consolidated revenues. As of
December 2016, we had approximately 13,000 employees of which approximately 67% were members of labor unions.
Asset-Based Segment
Our Asset-Based segment provides LTL services through ABF Freight’s motor carrier operations. Asset-Based revenues,
which totaled $1.9 billion for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, accounted for approximately
70%, 71%, and 73% of our total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations in the respective year. For
the year ended December 31, 2016, no single customer accounted for more than 4% of revenues in the Asset-Based
segment, and the segment’s 10 largest customers, on a combined basis, accounted for approximately 12% of its revenues.
Note M to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains
additional segment financial information, including revenues, operating income, and total assets for the years ended
December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.
Our Asset-Based carrier, ABF Freight, has been in continuous service since 1923. ABF Freight System, Inc. is the
successor to Arkansas Motor Freight, a business originally organized in 1935 which was the successor to a local transfer
and storage carrier that was originally organized in 1923. ABF Freight expanded operations through several strategic
acquisitions and organic growth and is now one of the largest LTL motor carriers in North America, providing direct
6
service to more than 98% of U.S. cities having a population of 30,000 or more. ABF Freight provides interstate and
intrastate direct service to approximately 48,000 communities through 244 service centers in all 50 states, Canada, and
Puerto Rico. ABF Freight also provides motor carrier freight transportation services to customers in Mexico through
arrangements with trucking companies in that country.
Our Asset-Based operations offer transportation of general commodities through standard, time-critical, expedited, and
guaranteed LTL services — both nationally and regionally. General commodities include all freight except hazardous
waste, dangerous explosives, commodities of exceptionally high value, commodities in bulk, and those requiring special
equipment. Shipments of general commodities differ from shipments of bulk raw materials, which are commonly
transported by railroad, truckload tank car, pipeline, and water carrier. General commodities transported by our Asset-
Based operations include, among other things, food, textiles, apparel, furniture, appliances, chemicals, nonbulk petroleum
products, rubber, plastics, metal and metal products, wood, glass, automotive parts, machinery, and miscellaneous
manufactured products.
Our Asset-Based operations transport a wide variety of large and small shipments to geographically dispersed destinations.
Typically, LTL shipments are picked up at customers’ places of business and consolidated at a local service center.
Shipments are consolidated by destination for transportation by intercity units to their destination cities or to distribution
centers. At distribution centers, shipments from various service centers can be reconsolidated for other distribution centers
or, more typically, local service centers. After arriving at a local service center, a shipment is delivered to the customer by
local trucks operating from the service center. In some cases, when one large shipment or a sufficient number of different
shipments at one origin service center are going to a common destination, they can be combined to make a full trailer load.
A trailer is then dispatched to that destination without rehandling. The LTL transportation industry, which requires
networks of local pickup and delivery service centers combined with larger distribution facilities, is significantly more
infrastructure-intensive than truckload operations and, as such, has higher barriers to entry. Costs associated with an
expansive LTL network, including investments in or costs associated with real estate and labor costs related to local pickup,
delivery, and cross-docking of shipments, are to a large extent fixed in nature unless service levels are significantly
changed.
Our Asset-Based operations offer regional service with ABF Freight’s traditional long-haul model to facilitate our
customers’ next-day and second-day delivery needs in most areas throughout the United States. Development and
expansion of ABF Freight’s regional network required added labor flexibility, strategically positioned freight exchange
points, and increased door capacity at a number of key locations. Regional service offerings have resulted in reduced
transit times and allows for consistent and continuous LTL service. We define our Asset-Based regional market, which
represented approximately 60% of its tonnage in 2016, as tonnage moving 1,000 miles or less.
As of December 2016, our Asset-Based segment had approximately 11,000 employees. Employee compensation and
related costs, which amounted to 63.3% of Asset-Based revenues for 2016, are the largest component of the segment’s
operating expenses. As of December 2016, approximately 77% of the Asset-Based segment’s employees were covered
under a collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “ABF NMFA”), with the
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”), which extends through March 31, 2018. The ABF NMFA included a
7% wage rate reduction upon the November 3, 2013, implementation date, followed by wage rate increases of 2% on
July 1 in each of the next three years, which began in 2014, and a 2.5% increase on July 1, 2017; a one-week reduction in
annual compensated vacation effective for employee anniversary dates on or after April 1, 2013; the option to expand the
use of purchased transportation; and increased flexibility in labor work rules. The ABF NMFA and the related
supplemental agreements provide for continued contributions to various multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans
maintained for the benefit of our Asset-Based employees who are members of the IBT. The estimated net effect of the
November 3, 2013 wage rate reduction and the benefit rate increase which was applied retroactively to August 1, 2013
was an initial reduction of approximately 4% to the combined total contractual wage and benefit rate under the ABF
NMFA. Following the initial reduction, the combined contractual wage and benefit contribution rate under the ABF NMFA
is estimated to increase approximately 2.5% on a compounded annual basis throughout the contract period which extends
through March 31, 2018.
Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), pursuant to the Multiemployer
Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 (the “MPPA Act”), substantially expanded the potential liabilities of employers
who participate in multiemployer pension plans. Under ERISA, as amended by the MPPA Act, an employer who
contributes to a multiemployer pension plan and the members of such employer’s controlled group are jointly and severally
liable for their share of the plan’s unfunded vested benefits in the event the employer ceases to have an obligation to
7
contribute to the plan or substantially reduces its contributions to the plan (i.e., in the event of a complete or partial
withdrawal from the multiemployer plans). The Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014 (the “Reform Act”), which
was included in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 (the “CFCAA”) that was signed into
law on December 16, 2014, includes provisions to address the funding of multiemployer pension plans in critical and
declining status. Provisions of the Reform Act include, among others, providing qualifying plans the ability to self-correct
funding issues, subject to various requirements and restrictions, including applying to the U.S. Department of the Treasury
(the “Treasury Department”) for the suspension of certain benefits. Any actions taken by multiemployer pension plan
trustees under the Reform Act to improve funding will not reduce the benefit contribution rates ABF Freight is obligated
to pay under its current contract with the IBT, and we cannot determine with any certainty the contributions that will be
required under future collective bargaining agreements for ABF Freight’s contractual employees. See Note I to the
consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more specific
disclosures regarding the multiemployer pension plans to which ABF Freight contributes.
ABF Freight operates in a highly competitive industry which consists predominantly of nonunion motor carriers. Nonunion
competitors have a lower fringe benefit cost structure and less stringent labor work rules, and certain carriers also have
lower wage rates for their freight-handling and driving personnel. Wage and benefit concessions granted to certain union
competitors also allow for a lower cost structure than that of ABF Freight. ABF Freight has continued to address with the
IBT the effect of the wage and benefit cost structure on its operating results. The combined effect of cost reductions under
the ABF NMFA, lower cost increases throughout the contract period, and increased flexibility in labor work rules are
important factors in bringing ABF Freight’s labor cost structure closer in line with that of its competitors. However, under
its collective bargaining agreement, ABF Freight continues to pay some of the highest benefit contribution rates in the
industry. These rates include contributions to multiemployer pension plans, a portion of which are used to fund benefits
for individuals who were never employed by ABF Freight. Information provided by a large multiemployer pension plan
to which ABF Freight contributes indicates that approximately 50% of the plan’s benefit payments are made to retirees of
companies that are no longer contributing employers to that plan.
Asset-Light Operations
The ArcBest and FleetNet reportable segments, combined, represent our Asset-Light operations. Through unique methods
and processes, including technology solutions and the use of third-party service providers, our Asset-Light operations
provide various logistics and maintenance services without significant investment in revenue equipment or real estate.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the combined revenues of our Asset-Light operations totaled
$803.4 million, $765.4 million, and $694.5 million, respectively, accounting for approximately 30%, 29%, and 27% of
our total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations in the respective years. For the year ended
December 31, 2016, no single customer accounted for more than 5% of the ArcBest segment’s revenues, and the segment’s
10 largest customers, on a combined basis, accounted for approximately 15% of its revenues. Note M to our consolidated
financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains additional segment financial
information, including revenues, operating income, and total assets for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and
2014.
ArcBest Segment
As previously discussed in “Strategy” within this Business section, our ArcBest segment originated with the formation of
the ABF Logistics segment in July 2013, when we strategically aligned the sales and operations functions of our organic
logistics businesses. The ArcBest segment now also includes the former Panther and ABF Moving segments and the
acquired operations of Smart Lines, Bear, and LDS. As of December 2016, the ArcBest segment had approximately 1,000
employees. The ArcBest segment offers the following solutions:
Truckload
Our Truckload service provides third-party transportation brokerage by sourcing a variety of capacity solutions, including
dry van over the road and intermodal, flatbed, temperature-controlled, and specialized equipment, coupled with strong
technology and carrier- and customer-based Web tools. We offer a growing network of over 18,000 vetted service
providers. We offer services to 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. With the acquisition of LDS in 2016, we also provide
Truckload – Dedicated services to our customers.
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Expedite
Through the Panther Premium Logistics brand, we offer Expedite freight transportation services to commercial and
government customers and we offer premium logistics services that involve the rapid deployment of highly specialized
equipment to meet extremely specific linehaul requirements, such as temperature control, hazardous materials, geofencing
(routing a shipment across a mandatory, defined route with satellite monitoring and automated alerts concerning any
deviation from the route), specialized government cargo, security services, and life sciences. Through its premium logistics
service, ArcBest solves the toughest shipping and logistics challenges that customers face through a global network of
owner operators and contract carriers. Additional value is created for customers through seamless access to the ABF
Freight network.
Substantially all of the network capacity for our Expedite operations is provided by third-party contract carriers, including
owner operators, ground linehaul providers, cartage agents, and other transportation asset providers, which are selected
based on their ability to serve our customers effectively with respect to price, technology capabilities, geographic coverage,
and quality of service. Third-party owned vehicles are driven by independent contract drivers and by drivers engaged
directly by independent owners of multiple pieces of equipment, commonly referred to as fleet owners. Our Expedite
operations own a fleet of trailers, the communication devices used by its owner operators, and certain highly specialized
equipment, primarily temperature-controlled trailers, to meet the service requirements of certain customers.
International
Our International services provide international ocean and air shipping solutions by partnering with ocean shipping lines
and air freight carriers worldwide. As a non-vessel ocean common carrier (NVOCC), we provide less than container load
(LCL) and full container load (FCL) service, offering ocean transport to approximately 90% of the total ocean international
market to and from the United States.
Warehousing
We offer a full suite of warehousing and distribution services, including customized warehouse management through a
full range of inbound and outbound freight services. Our advanced software provides end-to-end inventory tracking,
visibility and real-time execution.
Managed Transportation
We also provide freight transportation and management services for customers. ArcBest seeks to offer value through
identifying specific challenges of customers’ supply chain needs and providing customized solutions utilizing technology,
both internally to manage its business processes and externally to provide shipment and inventory visibility to its
customers. Additional value is created for customers through seamless access to both the ABF Freight network and the
Panther network, offering unique access to guaranteed capacity.
Moving
Our Moving services offer flexibility and convenience to the way people move through targeted service offerings for the
“do it yourself” consumer, corporate account employee relocations, and military relocations. We offer these targeted
services at competitive prices that reflect the additional value customers find in Moving’s convenient, reliable service
offerings. Industry leading technology, customer-friendly interfaces, and supply chain solutions are combined to provide
a wide range of options customized to meet unique customer needs.
Other Logistics Services
We also provide other services to meet our customers’ logistics needs, such as, final mile, retail logistics, supply chain
optimization, and trade show shipping services.
FleetNet Segment
The FleetNet segment includes the results of operations of FleetNet America, Inc. (“FleetNet”), our subsidiary that
provides roadside assistance and maintenance management services for commercial vehicles to customers in the United
States and Canada through a network of third-party service providers. FleetNet began in 1953 as the internal breakdown
department for Carolina Freight Carriers Corp. In 1993, the department was incorporated as Carolina Breakdown Service,
Inc. to allow the opportunity for other trucking companies to take advantage of the established nationwide service. In 1995,
we purchased WorldWay Corporation, which operated various subsidiaries including Carolina Freight Carriers Corp. and
Carolina Breakdown Service, Inc. The name of Carolina Breakdown Service, Inc. was changed to FleetNet America, Inc.
in 1997. FleetNet’s operations were expanded with the acquisition of a privately-owned business on April 30, 2014.
FleetNet had approximately 300 employees as of December 2016.
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Competition, Pricing, and Industry Factors
Competition
We seek to offer value through identifying specific customer needs, then providing operational flexibility and seamless
access to our services in order to respond with customized solutions.
Our Asset-Based segment actively competes for freight business with other national, regional, and local motor carriers
and, to a lesser extent, with private carriage, domestic and international freight forwarders, railroads, and airlines. The
segment competes most directly with nonunion and union LTL carriers, including YRC Freight and YRC Regional
Transportation (reporting segments of YRC Worldwide Inc.), FedEx Freight, Inc. (included in the FedEx Freight operating
segment of FedEx Corporation), UPS Freight (a business unit of United Parcel Service, Inc.), Old Dominion Freight Line,
Inc., Saia, Inc., the LTL operating segment of Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc., and the LTL operations of XPO
Logistics, Inc. Competition is based primarily on price, service, and availability of flexible shipping options to customers.
The Asset-Based segment’s careful cargo handling and use of technology, both internally to manage its business processes
and externally to provide shipment visibility to its customers, are examples of how we add value to our services.
Our ArcBest segment operates in a very competitive asset-light logistics market that includes approximately 13,000 active
brokerage authorities, as well as asset-based truckload carriers and logistics companies, large expedited carriers including
FedEx Custom Critical, smaller expedited carriers, foreign and U.S.-based non-vessel-operating common carriers, freight
forwarders, internal shipping departments at companies that have substantial transportation requirements, smaller niche
service providers, and a wide variety of solution providers, including large integrated transportation companies as well as
regional warehouse and transportation management firms. ArcBest’s Moving services compete with truck rental, self-
move, and van line service providers, and a number of emerging self-move competitors who offer moving and storage
container service. Quality of service, technological capabilities, and industry expertise are critical differentiators among
the competition. In particular, companies with advanced technological systems that offer optimized shipping solutions,
real-time visibility of shipments, verification of chain of custody procedures, and advanced security have significant
operational advantages and create enhanced customer value. ArcBest’s performance in each of these areas of competitive
distinction has enabled the segment to secure business and help meet growth expectations within our Asset-Light
operations.
FleetNet strategically competes in the commercial vehicle maintenance and repair industry in two major sectors:
emergency roadside and preventive maintenance. FleetNet competes directly against other third-party service providers,
automotive fleet managers, leasing companies, and companies handling repairs in-house via individual service providers.
While no one company encompasses all of FleetNet’s service offerings, competition is based primarily on providing
maintenance solutions services. In partnership with best-in-class third-party vendors, FleetNet offers flexible, customized
solutions and utilizes technology to provide valuable information and data to minimize fleet downtime, reduce
maintenance events, and lower total maintenance costs for its customers.
Pricing
Approximately 35% of our Asset-Based business is subject to base LTL tariffs, which are affected by general rate
increases, combined with individually negotiated discounts. Rates on the other 65% of this business, including business
priced in the spot market, are subject to individual pricing arrangements that are negotiated at various times throughout
the year. The majority of the business that is subject to negotiated pricing arrangements is associated with larger customer
accounts with annually negotiated pricing arrangements, and the remaining business is priced on an individual shipment
basis considering each shipment’s unique profile, value we provide to the customer, and current market conditions.
Our Asset-Based and certain operations within our ArcBest segment charge a fuel surcharge which is based on the index
of national on-highway average diesel fuel prices published weekly by the U.S. Department of Energy. While the fuel
surcharge is one of several components in our overall rate structure, the actual rate paid by customers is governed by
market forces and the overall value of services provided to the customer.
Industry Factors
Various federal and state agencies exercise broad regulatory powers over the transportation industry, generally governing
such activities as operations of and authorization to engage in motor carrier freight transportation, operations of non-
vessel-operating common carriers, operations of ocean freight forwarders and ocean transportation intermediaries, safety,
contract compliance, insurance and bonding requirements, tariff and trade policies, customs, import and export,
employment practices, licensing and registration, taxation, environmental matters, data privacy and security, and financial
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reporting. The trucking industry faces rising costs, including costs of compliance with government regulations on safety,
equipment design and maintenance, driver utilization, and fuel economy, and rising costs in certain non-industry specific
areas, including health care and retirement benefits.
We are subject to various laws, rules, and regulations and are required to obtain and maintain various licenses and permits,
some of which are difficult to obtain. The ArcBest segment’s network of third-party contract carriers must comply with
the safety and fitness regulations of the Department of Transportation (the “DOT”), including those relating to drug and
alcohol testing and hours of service. Any future modifications to these rules and other regulations impacting the
transportation industry may impact our operating practices and costs.
In December 2015, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (the “FMCSA”) issued a final rule regarding the
requirements for interstate commercial trucks to install electronic logging devices (“ELDs”) to monitor compliance with
hours-of-service regulations. Motor carriers will be required to be in compliance with the mandate by December 2017. As
of February 1, 2017, ELDs were fully operational for electronic logging purposes on ABF Freight’s city and road tractors.
ABF Freight has also completed the process of integrating existing reporting with the new ELD solution which allows for
the electronic capture of drivers’ hours of service. Although costs were incurred to comply with the ELD mandate,
management expects the devices and the integrated reporting to improve administrative, dispatch, operational, and
maintenance efficiencies.
Our operations are impacted by seasonal fluctuations which are described in “Seasonality” within Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
Technology
Our advancements in technology are important to customer service and provide a competitive advantage. The majority of
the applications of information technology we use have been developed internally and tailored specifically for customer
or internal business processing needs.
We make information readily accessible to our customers through various electronic pricing, billing, and tracking services,
including an application for mobile devices which allows customers to access information about their shipments and
request shipment pickup. Online functions tailored to the services requested by customers include bill of lading generation,
pickup planning, customer-specific price quotations, proactive tracking, customized e-mail notification, logistics reporting,
dynamic rerouting, and extensible markup language (XML) connectivity. This technology allows customers to incorporate
data from our systems directly into their own Web site or backend information systems. As a result, our customers can
provide shipping information and support directly to their own customers.
Expedite freight transportation customers of the ArcBest segment communicate their freight needs, typically on a
shipment-by-shipment basis, by means of telephone, email, internet, or Electronic Data Interchange (“EDI”). The
information about each shipment is entered into a proprietary operating system which facilitates selection of a contracted
carrier or carriers based on the carrier’s service capability, equipment availability, freight rates, and other relevant factors.
Once the contracted carrier is selected, the cost for the transportation has been agreed upon, and the contract carrier has
committed to provide the transportation, we are in contact with the contract carrier through numerous means of
communication (including EDI, its proprietary Web site, email, fax, telephone, and mobile applications) and utilize
satellite tracking and communication units on the vehicles to continually update the position of equipment to meet
customers’ requirements as well as to track the status of the shipment from origin to delivery. The satellite tracking and
communication system automatically updates our fully-integrated internal software and provides customers with real-time
electronic updates.
Insurance, Safety, and Security
Generally, claims exposure in the freight transportation and logistics industry consists of workers’ compensation, third-
party casualty, and cargo loss and damage. We are effectively self-insured for $1.0 million of each workers’ compensation
loss and generally $1.0 million of each third-party casualty loss. We are also self-insured for each cargo loss, up to a
$0.3 million deductible for our Asset-Based segment and a $0.1 million deductible for our ArcBest segment. We maintain
insurance that we believe is adequate to cover losses in excess of such self-insured amounts or deductibles. However, we
cannot provide assurance that our insurance coverage will provide adequate protection under all circumstances or against
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all potential losses. We have experienced situations where excess insurance carriers have become insolvent. We pay
assessments and fees to state guaranty funds in states where we have workers’ compensation self-insurance authority. In
some of these states, depending on the specific state’s rules, the guaranty funds may pay excess claims if the insurer cannot
pay due to insolvency. However, there can be no certainty of the solvency of individual state guaranty funds.
We have been able to obtain what we believe to be adequate insurance coverage for 2017 and are not aware of any matters
which would significantly impair our ability to obtain adequate insurance coverage at market rates for our operations in
the foreseeable future. A material increase in the frequency or severity of accidents, cargo claims, or workers’
compensation claims or the material unfavorable development of existing claims could have a material adverse effect on
our cost of insurance and results of operations.
As evidenced by being an eight-time winner of the American Trucking Associations’ Excellence in Security Award, a
seven-time winner of the President’s Trophy for Safety, and a six-time winner of the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention
Award, management believes its Asset-Based operations have one of the best safety records and one of the lowest cargo
claims ratios in the LTL industry.
Our operations are subject to cargo security and transportation regulations issued by the Transportation Security
Administration (“TSA”) and regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. We are not able to
accurately predict how past or future events will affect government regulations and the transportation industry. We believe
that any additional security measures that may be required by future regulations could result in additional costs; however,
other carriers would be similarly affected.
Environmental and Other Government Regulations
We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things: emissions
control, transportation of hazardous materials, underground and aboveground storage tanks, stormwater pollution
prevention, contingency planning for spills of petroleum products, and disposal of waste oil.
In August 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(the “NHTSA”) established a national program to reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions and establish new fuel
efficiency standards for commercial vehicles beginning in model year 2014 and extending through model year 2018. The
new tractors our Asset-Based segment has placed in service since 2014 are equipped with engines that meet such standards.
In August 2016, the EPA and the NHTSA jointly finalized a national program establishing the second phase of greenhouse
gas emissions (“EPA/NHTSA Phase 2”), imposing new fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles,
such as those operated by our Asset-Based segment, and also instituting fuel efficiency improvement technology
requirements for trailers beginning with model year 2018 and extending through model year 2027. The vehicle and engine
rules cover model years 2021-2027. A number of states have individually enacted, and California and certain other states
may continue to enact, legislation relating to engine emissions, fuel economy, and/or fuel formulation, such as regulations
enacted by the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”). At the present time, management believes that these regulations
may not result in significant net additional overall costs should the technologies developed for tractors, as required in the
EPA/NHTSA Phase 2 rulemaking, prove to be as cost-effective as forecasted by the EPA/NHTSA. However, although
fuel consumption and emissions may be reduced under the new standards, emission-related regulatory actions have
historically resulted in increased costs of revenue equipment, diesel fuel, and equipment maintenance, and future
legislation, if enacted, could result in increases in these and other costs. We are unable to determine with any certainty the
effects of any future climate change legislation beyond the currently enacted regulations, and there can be no assurance
that more restrictive regulations than those previously described will not be enacted either federally or locally.
Our Asset-Based operations 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. Management believes we are in
substantial compliance with all such regulations. The underground storage tanks are required to have leak detection
systems, and we are not aware of any leaks from such tanks that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on our operating results.
Certain of our Asset-Based service center facilities operate with non-discharge certifications or stormwater permits under
the federal Clean Water Act (“CWA”). The stormwater permits require periodic monitoring and reporting of stormwater
sampling results and establish maximum levels of certain contaminants that may be contained in such samples.
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We have received notices from the EPA and others that we have 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 our subsidiaries’ involvement in waste disposal or waste
generation at such sites, we have either agreed to de minimis settlements or determined that our obligations, other than
those specifically accrued with respect to such sites, would involve immaterial monetary liability, although there can be
no assurance in this regard. It is anticipated that the resolution of our environmental matters could take place over several
years. Our reserves for environmental cleanup costs are estimated based on management’s experience with similar
environmental matters and on testing performed at certain sites.
Reputation and Responsibility
Our Company and our brands are consistently recognized for best-in-class performance.
Brands
The value of our brands is critical to our success. The ABF Freight brand is recognized in the industry for our Asset-Based
segment’s leadership in commitment to quality, customer service, safety, and technology. Independent research has
consistently shown that ABF Freight is regarded as a premium service provider, and that the ABF Freight brand stands for
excellence in the areas of customer service, reliability, strategic business partnership, and tactical problem solving. The
Panther Premium Logistics brand within the operations of our ArcBest segment is also synonymous with premium service
that surpasses customer expectations. Customers rely on the Panther Premium Logistics brand when their shipment cannot
fail, and contract carriers look to the Panther Premium Logistics brand for unique opportunities to grow their business
profitably.
We have registered or are pursuing registration of various marks or designs as trademarks in the United States, including
but not limited to “ArcBest,” “ABF Freight,” “FleetNet America,” “Panther Premium Logistics,” “U-Pack,” and “The
Skill & The Will.” For some marks, we also have registered or are pursuing registration in certain other countries. We
believe these marks or designs are of significant value to our business and play an important role in enhancing brand
recognition and executing our marketing strategy.
Contributions & Awards
We have a corporate culture focused on quality service and responsibility. Our employees are committed to the
communities in which they live and work. We make financial contributions to a number of charitable organizations, many
of which are supported by our employees. These employees volunteer their time and expertise and many serve as officers
or board members of various charitable organizations. In our hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas, we have been a long-
time supporter of the United Way of Fort Smith Area and its 34 partner organizations. In 2016, with employee support,
we again earned the United Way’s coveted Pacesetter award by setting the standard for leadership and community support.
As a past winner of the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Award, we have been recognized by the Arkansas
Community Foundation for the service that our employees provide to exemplify the spirit of good citizenship, concern for
the community, and support of worthy philanthropic endeavors.
In January 2016, the Company was named to Chief Executive Magazine’s “2016 Best Companies for Leaders List.”
Rankings are affected by a company’s reputation among its peers as a source for well-rounded talent. Five criteria were
considered, including having a formal leadership process in place and the CEO’s commitment level to leadership-
development programs. The Company also received the Circle of Excellence award from the National Business Research
Institute for its effort in increasing employee engagement. In May 2016, ArcBest Corporation was named to Forbes’
“America’s Best Employers” list for 2016. The Company was also ranked 13th in The Commercial Carrier Journal’s 2016
list of “Top 250 For-Hire Carriers.”
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Asset-Based Segment
In 2016, our Asset-Based carrier ABF Freight was named to Inbound Logistics’ list of “Top 100 Trucking Companies.”
For the fourth consecutive year and the fifth time overall, ABF Freight received the “Quest for Quality Award” from
Logistics Management magazine. ABF Freight has been ranked in the top 25 on Selling Power magazine’s list of “Best
Companies to Sell For” for 14 consecutive years. Marking the eighth year in a row to be honored by Training magazine,
ABF Freight was listed thirteenth in the “Training Top 125” in February 2017. For the fourth consecutive year and the
sixth time in the last seven years, ABF Freight was named as the “National LTL Carrier of the Year” by the National
Shippers Strategic Transportation Council, which recognizes transportation providers on a quantitative scale in the areas
of customer service, operational excellence, pricing, business relationship, leadership, and technology. In July 2016, ABF
Freight was selected as a SupplyChainBrain “2016 Great Supply Chain” partner.
Our Asset-Based segment is dedicated to safety and security in providing transportation and freight-handling services to
its customers. As previously discussed in “Insurance, Safety, and Security” within this Business section, ABF Freight is
an eight-time winner of the American Trucking Associations’ Excellence in Security Award, a seven-time winner of the
President’s Trophy for Safety, and a six-time winner of the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award. In January 2017,
two ABF Freight drivers were named by the American Trucking Associations as captains of the 2017-2018 “America’s
Road Team,” continuing the tradition of ABF Freight’s representation in this select program based on the drivers’
exceptional safety records and their strong commitment to safety and professionalism.
We are actively involved in efforts to promote a cleaner environment by reducing both fuel consumption and emissions.
For many years, our Asset-Based segment has voluntarily limited the maximum speed of its trucks, which reduces fuel
consumption and emissions and contributes to ABF Freight’s excellent safety record. Our Asset-Based segment utilizes
engine idle management programming to automatically shut down engines of parked tractors. Fuel consumption and
emissions have also been minimized through a strict equipment maintenance schedule. In 2015, our Asset-Based segment
began voluntarily installing aerodynamic aids on its fleet of over-the-road trailers to further enhance fuel economy and
reduce emissions. In 2006, ABF Freight was accepted in the EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership, a collaboration
between the EPA and the freight transportation industry that helps freight shippers, carriers, and logistics companies reduce
greenhouse gases and diesel emissions. In recognition of ABF Freight’s industry leadership in freight supply chain
environmental performance and energy efficiency, the EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership awarded ABF Freight a
SmartWay Excellence Award in 2014. For the past seven years, ABF Freight was recognized in Inbound Logistics’ annual
list of supply chain partners committed to sustainability. Furthermore, in association with the American Trucking
Associations’ Sustainability Task Force, ABF Freight has participated in other opportunities to address environmental
issues.
ArcBest Segment
Our ArcBest segment was recognized by Transport Topics on the “Top Freight Brokerage Firms of 2016” list, ranking
21st – up from 30th in 2015. In recognition of our Expedite operations’ commitment to quality, Panther Premium Logistics
was awarded the “Quest for Quality Award” by Logistics Magazine for the fourth consecutive year. In 2016, Panther
received the “National Expedited Carrier of Year” award for the second consecutive year by the National Shippers
Strategic Transportation Council.
Financial Information About Geographic Areas
Classifications of operations or revenues by geographic location beyond the descriptions previously provided are
impractical and, therefore, are not provided. Our foreign operations are not significant.
Available Information
We file our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, amendments
to those reports, proxy and information statements, and other information electronically with the SEC. All reports and
financial information filed with, or furnished to, the SEC can be obtained, free of charge, through our Web site located at
arcb.com or through the SEC Web site located at sec.gov as soon as reasonably practical after such material is
electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information contained on our Web site does not constitute part of
this Annual Report on Form 10-K nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
The nature of the business activities we conduct subjects us to certain hazards and risks. This Risk Factors section discusses
some of the material risks relating to our business activities, including business risks affecting the transportation industry
in general as well as risks specific to our Company that are largely out of our control. Other risks are described in
“Competition, Pricing, and Industry Factors” within Business included in Part I, Item 1 and in Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk included in Part II, Item 7A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These risks are not the
only risks we face. We may also be negatively impacted by a sustained interruption in our systems or operations, including,
but not limited to, infrastructure damage, the loss of a key location such as a distribution center, or a significant disruption
to the electric grid, or by a significant decline in demand for our services, each of which may arise from adverse weather
conditions or natural calamities; illegal acts, including terrorist attacks; and/or other market disruptions. We could also be
affected by additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial. If any
of these risks or circumstances actually occurs, it could materially harm our business, results of operations, financial
condition, and cash flows and impair our ability to implement business plans or complete development activities as
scheduled. In that case, the market price of our common stock could decline.
We are dependent on our information technology systems, and a systems failure, data breach, or other cyber
incident could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We depend on the proper functioning and availability of our information systems, including communications and data
processing systems, and proprietary software programs, that are integral to the efficient operation of our business.
Cybersecurity attacks and other cyber incidents that impact the availability, reliability, speed, accuracy, or other proper
functioning of these systems or that result in confidential data being compromised could have a significant impact on our
operations. We utilize certain software applications provided by third parties, or provide underlying data which is utilized
by third parties who provide certain outsourced administrative functions, either of which may increase the risk of a
cybersecurity incident. A significant cyber incident, including denial of service, system failure, security breach, intentional
or inadvertent acts by employees, disruption by malware, or other damage, could interrupt or delay our operations, damage
our reputation, cause a loss of customers, cause errors or delays in financial reporting, expose us to a risk of loss or
litigation, and/or cause us to incur significant time and expense to remedy such an event, any of which could have a
material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Certain of our information technology needs are provided by third parties, and we have limited control over the operation,
quality, or maintenance of services provided by our vendors or whether they will continue to provide services that are
essential to our business. The efficient and uninterrupted operation of our information technology systems depends upon
the Internet, global communications providers, satellite-based communications systems, the electric grid, electric utility
providers, and telecommunications providers; and our information technology systems are vulnerable to interruption by
adverse weather conditions or natural calamities, power loss, telecommunications failures, terrorist attacks, Internet
failures, computer viruses, and other events beyond our control. Disruptions or failures in the services upon which our
information technology platforms rely, or in other services provided to us by outside service providers upon which we rely
to operate our business and report financial results, may adversely affect our operations and the services we provide, which
could increase our costs or result in a loss of customers that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations
and financial condition. Additionally, we license a variety of software that supports our operations, and thus these
operations depend on our ability to maintain these licenses. We have no guarantees that we will be able to continue these
licensing arrangements with the current licensors, or that we can replace the functions provided by these licenses, on
commercially reasonable terms or at all.
We may not achieve some or all of the expected financial and operating benefits of our corporate restructuring and
the restructuring may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
On November 3, 2016, we announced our plan to implement a new corporate structure to unify our sales, pricing, customer
service, marketing, and capacity sourcing functions effective January 1, 2017, and to allow us to operate as one logistics
provider under the ArcBestSM brand, as previously discussed in “Business” included in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K. As a result of this plan, we eliminated approximately 130 positions and recorded $10.3 million of
restructuring charges in operating expenses during the fourth quarter of 2016, the majority of which are non-cash, for
impairment of software, contract and lease terminations, severance, and relocation expenses (see Note O to the Company’s
consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). We estimate we will
incur additional charges of approximately $2.0 million in 2017 related to the restructuring.
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The calculation of anticipated charges, as well as cost savings and other benefits, resulting from our corporate restructuring
are based on estimates and assumptions which are subject to uncertainties. Implementation of the restructuring plan is
costly and disruptive to certain aspects of our business. We may incur additional, unexpected costs or our estimates and
assumptions may otherwise prove to be inaccurate, and we may not be able to obtain the cost savings and benefits that
were initially anticipated in connection with our restructuring. Restructuring can require a significant amount of
management and other employees’ time and focus, which may divert attention from operating and growing our business,
and we may experience inefficiencies during transitional periods of our restructuring. If we incur additional costs or fail
to achieve some or all of the expected benefits of restructuring, it could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
We depend on our employees to support our business operations and future growth opportunities. If our
relationship with our employees deteriorates, if we have difficulty attracting and retaining employees, or if our
Asset-Based segment is unable to reach agreement on future collective bargaining agreements, we could be faced
with labor inefficiencies, disruptions, or stoppages, or delayed growth, which could have a material adverse effect
on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
As of December 2016, approximately 77% of our Asset-Based segment’s employees were covered under the ABF NMFA,
the collective bargaining agreement with the IBT which extends through March 31, 2018. The terms of future collective
bargaining agreements or the inability to agree on acceptable terms for the next contract period may result in a work
stoppage, the loss of customers, or other events that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, financial condition, and cash flows. We could also experience a loss of customers or a reduction in our potential
share of business in the markets we serve if shippers limit their use of unionized freight transportation service providers
because of the risk of work stoppages.
We have not historically experienced any significant long-term difficulty in attracting or retaining qualified drivers and
freight-handling personnel for our Asset-Based operations, although short-term difficulties have been encountered in
certain situations, such as periods of significant increases in tonnage levels, and the available pool of drivers has been
declining. Difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers and freight-handling personnel or contractually required
increases in compensation or fringe benefit costs could affect our profitability and our ability to grow. Government
regulations or the adverse impact of certain legislative actions that result in shortages of qualified drivers could also impact
our ability to grow the company. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain qualified drivers, we could incur higher
driver recruiting expenses or a loss of business. In addition to difficulties we may experience in driver retention, if we are
unable to effectively manage our relationship with the IBT, we could be less effective in ongoing relations and future
negotiations, which could lead to operational inefficiencies and increased operating costs.
Our ability to maintain and grow our business will also depend, in part, on our ability to retain and attract additional sales
representatives and other key operational personnel and properly incentivize them to obtain new customers, maintain
existing customer relationships, and efficiently manage our business. If we are unable to maintain or expand our sales and
operational workforce, our ability to increase our revenues and operate our business could be negatively impacted.
We operate in a highly competitive industry, and our business could suffer if we are unable to adequately address
downward pricing pressures and other factors that could adversely affect our profitability and ability to compete
in the transportation industry.
We face significant competition in local, regional, national, and, to a lesser extent, international markets. Our Asset-Based
segment competes with many other LTL carriers of varying sizes, including both union and nonunion LTL carriers and,
to a lesser extent, with truckload carriers and railroads. Our ArcBest segment competes with domestic and global logistics
service providers which compete in one or more segments of the transportation industry. Numerous factors could adversely
impact our ability to compete effectively in the transportation and logistics industry, retain our existing customers, or
attract new customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial
condition, and cash flows. These competitive factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Some of our competitors have greater capital resources, a lower cost structure, or greater market share than we
do or have other competitive advantages. The trend toward consolidation in the transportation industry could
continue to create larger LTL carriers with greater financial resources and other competitive advantages relating
to their size. Our Asset-Based segment could experience some competitive difficulties if the remaining LTL
carriers, in fact, realize advantages because of their size. Industry consolidations could also result in our
competitors providing a more comprehensive set of services at competitive prices.
Our Asset-Based segment competes primarily with nonunion motor carriers who generally have a lower fringe
benefit cost structure for their freight-handling and driving personnel than union carriers, and have greater
operating flexibility because they are subject to less stringent labor work rules. Wage and benefit concessions
granted to certain union competitors allow for a lower cost structure than that of our Asset-Based segment. Under
its current collective bargaining agreement, ABF Freight continues to pay some of the highest benefit contribution
rates in the industry, which continues to adversely impact the operating results of our Asset-Based segment
relative to our competitors in the LTL industry.
Some of our competitors, such as railroads, are outside the motor carrier freight transportation industry and certain
challenges specific to the motor carrier freight transportation industry, including the competitive freight rate
environment; capacity restraints in times of growing freight volumes; increased costs and potential shortages of
commercial truck drivers; changes to driver hours-of-service requirements; increased costs of fuel and other
operating expenses; and costs of compliance with existing and potential legal and environmental regulations,
could result in the service offerings of these competitors being more competitive.
Some of our competitors periodically reduce their prices to gain business, especially during times of reduced
growth rates in the economy, which limits our ability to maintain or increase prices. If customers select
transportation service providers based on price alone rather than the total value offered, we may be unable to
maintain our operating margins or to maintain or grow tonnage levels.
Customers periodically accept bids from multiple carriers for their shipping needs, and this process may depress
prices or result in the loss of some business to competitors.
Customers may reduce the number of carriers they use by selecting “core carriers” as approved transportation
service providers, and in some instances, we may not be selected.
Certain of our competitors may offer a broader portfolio of services or more effectively bundle their service
offerings, which could impair our ability to maintain or grow our share of one or more markets in which we
compete.
Competition in the LTL industry from asset-light logistics and freight brokerage companies may adversely affect
customer relationships and prices in our Asset-Based operations. Conversely, the operations of our ArcBest
segment may be adversely impacted if customers develop their own logistics operations, thus reducing demand
for our services, or if shippers shift business to truckload brokerage companies or asset-based trucking companies
that also offer brokerage services in order to secure access to those companies’ trucking capacity, particularly in
times of tight industry-wide capacity. Our FleetNet operations also face a competitive disadvantage from
companies which insource their fleet repair and maintenance services.
To keep pace with advances in technology and client demands, we must anticipate market trends and enhance our
information technology systems and continue to develop innovative services and capabilities in order to remain
competitive. Our customers may not be willing to accept higher freight rates to cover the costs of our increased
investments in technology.
We could be obligated to make additional significant contributions to multiemployer pension plans.
ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries reported in our Asset-Based operating segment (“ABF Freight”)
contribute to multiemployer pension and health and welfare plans 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 its
collective bargaining agreement with the IBT and other related supplemental agreements.
The multiemployer plans to which ABF Freight contributes, which have been established pursuant to the Taft-Hartley Act,
are jointly-trusteed (half of the trustees of each plan are selected by the participating employers, the other half by the IBT)
and cover collectively-bargained employees of multiple unrelated employers. Due to the inherent nature of multiemployer
pension plans, there are risks associated with participation in these plans that differ from single-employer plans. Assets
received by the plans are not segregated by employer, and contributions made by one employer can be and are used to
provide benefits to current and former employees of other employers. If a participating employer in a multiemployer
pension plan no longer contributes to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining
participating employers. If a participating employer in a multiemployer pension plan completely withdraws from the plan,
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it owes to the plan its proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded vested benefits, referred to as a withdrawal liability. A
complete withdrawal generally occurs when the employer permanently ceases to have an obligation to contribute to the
plan. Withdrawal liability is also owed in the event the employer withdraws from a plan in connection with a mass
withdrawal, which generally occurs when all or substantially all employers withdraw from the plan pursuant to an
agreement in a relatively short period of time. Were ABF Freight to completely withdraw from certain multiemployer
pension plans, whether in connection with a mass withdrawal or otherwise, under current law, we would have material
liabilities for our share of the unfunded vested liabilities of each such plan.
The 25 multiemployer pension plans to which ABF Freight contributes vary greatly in size and in funded status. ABF
Freight’s obligations to these plans are specified in the ABF NMFA, which was implemented on November 3, 2013 and
will remain in effect through March 31, 2018. The funding obligations to the multiemployer pension plans are intended to
satisfy the requirements imposed by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “PPA”), which was permanently extended by
the Reform Act under the CFCAA. Through the term of its current collective bargaining agreement, ABF Freight’s
obligations generally will be satisfied by making the specified contributions when due. However, we cannot determine
with any certainty the contribution amounts that will be required under future collective bargaining agreements for ABF
Freight’s contractual employees.
Several of the multiemployer pension plans to which ABF Freight contributes are underfunded and, in some cases,
significantly underfunded. The underfunded status of these plans developed over many years, and we believe that an
improved funded status will also take time to be achieved if it can be achieved at all. In addition, the highly competitive
industry in which we operate could impact the viability of contributing employers. The reduction or loss of contributions
by member employers, the impact of market risk on plan assets and liabilities, and the effect of any one or combination of
the aforementioned business risks, all of which are outside our control, have the potential to adversely affect the funded
status of the multiemployer pension plans, potential withdrawal liabilities, and our future contribution requirements.
Based on the most recent annual funding notices we have received, most of which are for plan years ended December 31,
2015, approximately 60% of ABF Freight’s contributions to multiemployer pension plans are made to plans that are in
“critical and declining status”, including the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan (the “Central
States Pension Plan”). Critical and declining status is applicable to critical status plans under the PPA that are projected to
become insolvent anytime in the current plan year or during the next 14 plan years, or if the plan is projected to become
insolvent within the next 19 plan years and either the plan’s ratio of inactive participants to active participants exceeds two
to one or the plan’s funded percentage is less than 80%. Approximately 4% of ABF Freight’s contributions to
multiemployer pension plans are made to plans that are in “critical status” (generally less than 65% funded) but not in
“critical and declining status” and approximately 3% of its contributions are made to plans that are in “endangered status”
(generally more than 65% but less than 80% funded), as defined by the PPA.
Approximately one-half of our ABF Freight’s multiemployer pension contributions are made to the Central States Pension
Plan. The funded percentage of the Central States Pension Plan, as set forth in information provided by the Central States
Pension Plan, was 42.1%, 47.9%, and 48.4% as of January 1, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. In September 2015, the
Central States Pension Plan filed an application with the Treasury Department seeking approval under the Reform Act for
a pension rescue plan, which included benefit reductions for participants in the Central States Pension Plan in an attempt
to avoid the insolvency of the plan that otherwise is projected by the plan to occur. In May 2016, the Treasury Department
denied the Central States Pension Plan’s proposed rescue plan. The trustees of the Central States Pension Plan subsequently
announced that a new rescue plan would not be submitted and stated that it is not possible to develop and implement a
new rescue plan that complies with the final Reform Act regulations issued by the Treasury Department on April 26, 2016.
Although the future of the Central States Pension Plan is impacted by a number of factors, without legislative action, the
plan is currently projected to become insolvent within 10 years or less. ABF Freight’s current collective bargaining
agreement with the IBT provides for contributions to the Central States Pension Plan through March 31, 2018, and it is
ABF Freight’s understanding that its contribution rate is not expected to increase during this period (though there are no
guarantees). ABF Freight’s contribution rates are made in accordance with its collective bargaining agreements with the
IBT and other related supplemental agreements. In consideration of high multiemployer plan contribution rates, several of
the plans in addition to Central States Pension Plan have frozen contribution rates at current levels under ABF Freight’s
current collective bargaining agreement. Future contribution rates will be determined through the negotiation process for
contract periods following the term of the current collective bargaining agreement. ABF Freight pays some of the highest
benefit contribution rates in the industry and continues to address the effect of the segment’s wage and benefit cost structure
on its operating results in discussions with the IBT.
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We may be unsuccessful in realizing all or any part of the anticipated benefits of any recent or future acquisitions.
As part of our long-term strategy to ensure we are positioned to serve our customers within the changing marketplace by
providing a comprehensive suite of transportation and logistics services, we have strategically invested in our ArcBest
segment with the acquisitions of Logistics & Distribution Services, LLC during 2016 and Smart Lines Transportation
Group, LLC and Bear Transportation Services, L.P. during 2015. We continue to evaluate acquisition candidates and may
acquire assets and businesses that we believe complement our existing assets and business or enhance our service offerings.
The processes of evaluating acquisitions and performing due diligence procedures include risks which may adversely
impact the success of our selection of candidates, pricing of the transaction, and ability to integrate critical functional areas
of the acquired business. Further, we may not be able to acquire any additional companies at all or on terms favorable to
us, even though we may have incurred expenses in evaluating and pursuing the strategic transactions.
Acquisitions may require substantial capital or the incurrence of substantial indebtedness or may involve the dilutive
issuance of equity securities. If we consummate any future acquisitions, our capitalization and results of operations may
change significantly. We may be unable to generate sufficient revenue or earnings from the operation of an acquired
business to offset our acquisition or investment costs. The degree of success of our acquisitions will depend, in part, on
our ability to realize anticipated cost savings and growth opportunities. Our success in realizing these benefits and the
timing of this realization depends, in part, upon the successful integration of any acquired businesses. The possible
difficulties of integration include, among others:
retention of customers, key employees, and third-party service providers;
unanticipated issues in the assimilation and consolidation of information, communications, and other systems,
including additional systems training and other labor inefficiencies;
consolidation of corporate and administrative infrastructures;
difficulties and costs of on-boarding employees to our policies, procedures, business culture, and benefits and
compensation programs, which may be inconsistent with those of the acquired company;
difficulties managing businesses that are outside our historical core competency;
inefficiencies and difficulties that arise because of unfamiliarity with potentially new markets or geographic areas
and new assets and the businesses associated with them;
the effect on internal controls and compliance with the regulatory requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002;
increased tax liability or other tax risk if future earnings are less than anticipated or there is a change in the tax
deductibility of certain items; and
other unanticipated issues, expenses, and liabilities, including previously unknown liabilities associated with the
acquired business for which we have no recourse under applicable indemnification provisions.
The risks involved in successful integration could be heightened if we complete a large acquisition or multiple acquisitions
within a short period of time. The diversion of management’s attention from our current operations to the acquired
operations and any difficulties encountered in combining operations, including underestimation of the resources required
to support the acquisitions, could prevent us from realizing the full benefits anticipated from the acquisitions, and within
the anticipated timeframe, and could adversely impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition. If
acquired operations fail to generate sufficient cash flows, we may incur impairments of goodwill, intangibles, and other
assets in the future.
Our business is cyclical in nature, and we are subject to general economic factors and instability in financial and
credit markets that are largely beyond our control, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial
condition, and results of operations.
Our business is cyclical in nature and tends to reflect general economic conditions. Our performance is affected by
recessionary economic cycles, downturns in customers’ business cycles, and changes in their business practices. Our
tonnage and shipment levels are directly affected by industrial production and manufacturing, distribution, residential and
commercial construction, and consumer spending, in each case, primarily in the North American economy, as well as our
customers’ inventory levels and available tractor and trailer capacity in the trucking industry. We are also subject to risks
related to disruption of world markets that could affect shipments between countries and could adversely affect the volume
of freight in the market and related pricing. Recessionary economic conditions may result in a general decline in demand
for freight transportation and logistics services. The pricing environment generally becomes more competitive during
periods of slow economic growth and economic recessions, which adversely affects the profit margin for our services. In
certain market conditions, we may have to accept more freight from freight brokers, where freight rates are typically lower,
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or we may be forced to incur more non-revenue miles to obtain loads. Economic conditions could adversely affect our
customers’ business levels, the amount of transportation services they require, and their ability to pay for our services, thus
negatively impacting our working capital and our ability to satisfy our financial obligations and covenants of our financing
arrangements. Because a portion of our costs are fixed, it may be difficult for us to quickly adjust our structure
proportionately with fluctuations in volume levels. Customers encountering adverse economic conditions or facing credit
issues could experience cash flow difficulties and, thus, represent a greater potential for payment delays or uncollectible
accounts receivable, and, as a result, we may be required to increase our allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable.
Our obligation to pay third-party service providers is not contingent upon payment from our customers, and we extend
credit to certain of these customers which increases our exposure to uncollectible receivables.
Given the economic conditions of recent years, current economic uncertainties, and the potential impact on our business,
there can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions regarding the pricing environment and economic conditions,
which are made for purposes of impairment tests related to operating assets and deferred tax assets, will prove to be
accurate.
We depend on suppliers for equipment, parts, and services that are critical to our operations. A disruption in the availability
or a significant increase in the cost to obtain these supplies, resulting from the effect of adverse economic conditions or
related financial constraints on our suppliers’ business levels or otherwise, could adversely impact our business and results
of operations.
We are affected by the instability in the financial and credit markets that from time to time has created volatility in various
interest rates and returns on invested assets in recent years. We are subject to market risk due to variable interest rates on
our accounts receivable securitization program and the revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) outstanding under our
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Although we have an interest rate swap agreement to mitigate a portion of our
interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under our Credit Facility, of which $70.0 million
remains outstanding at the end of February 2017, from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest, changes in interest rates
may increase our financing costs related to our Credit Facility, future borrowings against our accounts receivable
securitization program, new note payable or capital lease arrangements, or additional sources of financing. Interest rates
are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and
political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Furthermore, future financial market disruptions may adversely
affect our ability to refinance our Credit Facility and accounts receivable securitization program, maintain our letter of
credit arrangements or, if needed, secure alternative sources of financing. If any of the financial institutions that have
extended credit commitments to us are adversely affected by economic conditions, disruption to the capital and credit
markets, or increased regulation, they may become unable to fund borrowings under their credit commitments or otherwise
fulfill their obligations to us, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to borrow additional funds, and thus have
an adverse effect on our operations and financial condition. (See Note G to our consolidated financial statements included
in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of our financing arrangements.)
Our qualified nonunion defined benefit pension plan trust holds investments in equity and debt securities. Declines in the
value of plan assets resulting from instability in the financial markets, general economic downturn, or other economic
factors beyond our control could further diminish the funded status of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan and
potentially increase our requirement to make contributions to the plan. A change in the interest rates used to calculate our
funding requirements under the PPA may impact contributions required to fund our plan. Significant plan contribution
requirements could reduce the cash available for working capital and other business needs and opportunities. An increase
in required pension plan contributions may adversely impact our financial condition and liquidity. Substantial future
investment losses on pension plan assets would increase pension expense in the years following the losses. In addition, a
change in the discount rate used to calculate our obligations for our nonunion defined benefit pension plan and
postretirement health benefit plan for financial statement purposes would impact the accumulated benefit obligation and
expense for these plans. An increase in expense for these pension and postretirement plans may adversely impact our
results of operations. We could also experience losses on investments related to our cash surrender value of variable life
insurance policies, which may negatively impact our results of operations.
Furthermore, it is not possible to predict the effects of actual or threatened armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, or political
and/or civil unrest on the economy or on consumer confidence in the United States or the impact, if any, on our future
results of operations or financial condition.
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Our business operations are subject to numerous governmental regulations, and costs of compliance with, or
liability for violations of, existing or future regulations could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations.
Various federal and state agencies exercise broad regulatory powers over the transportation industry, generally governing
such activities as operations of and authorization to engage in motor carrier freight transportation, operations of non-
vessel-operating common carriers, operations of ocean freight forwarders and ocean transportation intermediaries, safety,
contract compliance, insurance and bonding requirements, tariff and trade policies, customs, import and export,
employment practices, licensing and registration, taxation, environmental matters, data privacy and security, and financial
reporting. We could become subject to new or more restrictive regulations, such as regulations relating to engine emissions,
drivers’ hours of service, occupational safety and health, ergonomics, or cargo security. Increases in costs to comply with
such regulations or the failure to comply, which could subject us to penalties or revocation of our permits or licenses, could
increase our operating expenses or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations. Such
regulations could also influence the demand for transportation services.
Our failures, or the failures of our contracted owner operators and third-party carriers, to comply with DOT safety
regulations or downgrades in our safety rating could have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial
condition. A downgrade in our safety rating could cause us to lose the ability to self-insure. The loss of our ability to self-
insure for any significant period of time could materially increase insurance costs or we could experience difficulty in
obtaining adequate levels of insurance coverage.
ABF Freight System, Inc. also holds a federal Hazardous Materials Safety Permit (“HMSP”) issued by the FMCSA for
our Asset-Based segment’s transportation of certain types and amounts of hazardous materials. In February 2017, ABF
Freight System, Inc. was notified that the FMCSA would be conducting a compliance review of its records and safety
management practices. In the event our Asset-Based segment loses the ability to operate with a HMSP due to revocation
or suspension of the permit, either following the compliance review or at some time in the future, the segment could
experience a loss of business which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our ArcBest segment utilizes third-party service providers who are subject to similar regulation requirements as previously
mentioned. If the operations of these providers are impacted to the extent that a shortage of quality third-party service
providers occurs, there could be a material adverse effect on our ArcBest segment’s business and results of operations.
Also, activities by these providers that violate applicable laws or regulations could result in government or third party
actions against us. Although third-party service providers with whom we contract agree to abide by our policies and
procedures, we may not be aware of, and may therefore be unable to remedy, violations by them.
Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, the violation of which could result in
substantial fines or penalties. The costs of compliance with existing and future environmental laws and regulations
may be significant and could adversely impact our results of operations.
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations dealing with the handling of hazardous materials and similar
matters. We may transport or arrange for the transportation of hazardous materials and explosives, and we operate in
industrial areas where truck terminals and other industrial activities are located and where groundwater or other forms of
environmental contamination could occur. At certain facilities of our Asset-Based operations, we store fuel in underground
and aboveground tanks and/or we operate with non-discharge certifications or stormwater permits under the federal Clean
Water Act. We may be subject to substantial fines or civil penalties if we fail to obtain proper certifications or permits or
if we do not comply with required testing provisions. Our operations involve the risks of, among others, fuel spillage or
leakage, environmental damage, and hazardous waste disposal. Under certain environmental laws, we could be subject to
strict liability for any costs relating to contamination at our past or present facilities and at third-party waste disposal sites,
as well as costs associated with the cleanup of accidents involving our vehicles. Although we have instituted programs to
monitor and control environmental risks and promote compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations,
violations of applicable laws or regulations may subject us to cleanup costs and liabilities not covered by insurance or in
excess of our applicable insurance coverage, including substantial fines, civil penalties, or civil and criminal liability, as
well as bans on making future shipments in particular geographic areas, any of which could adversely affect our business,
results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition, if any damage or injury occurs as a result of our
transportation of hazardous materials or explosives, we may be subject to claims from third parties and bear liability for
such damage or injury.
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Concern over climate change, including the impact of global warming, has led to significant legislative and regulatory
efforts to limit carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions, and some form of federal, state, or regional climate change
legislation is possible in the future. We are unable to determine with any certainty the effects of any future climate change
legislation. However, emission-related regulatory actions have historically resulted in increased costs of revenue
equipment, diesel fuel, and equipment maintenance, and future legislation, if enacted, could impose substantial costs on
us that may adversely impact our results of operations. Such regulatory actions have also required vendors to introduce
new engines, and the maintenance demands and reliability of vehicles equipped with these newly designed engines, as
well as the residual values realized from the disposition of these vehicles, is uncertain. Such regulatory actions may also
require changes in our operating practices and impair equipment productivity. We are also subject to increasing customer
sensitivity to sustainability issues, and we may be subject to additional requirements related to customer-led initiatives or
their efforts to comply with environmental programs. Until the timing, scope, and extent of any future regulation or
customer requirements become known, we cannot predict their effect on our cost structure, business, or results of
operations. Furthermore, although we are committed to mandatory and voluntary sustainability practices, increased
awareness and any adverse publicity about greenhouse gas emissions emitted by companies in the transportation industry
could harm our reputation or reduce customer demand for our services.
The loss or reduction in business from one or more large customers could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
Although we do not have a significant customer concentration, the growth of our business could be materially impacted
and our results of operations would be adversely affected if we lost all or a portion of the business of some of our large
customers because they: chose to divert all or a portion of their business with us to one of our competitors; demanded
pricing concessions for our services; required us to provide enhanced services that increase our costs; or developed their
own shipping and distribution capabilities.
We are subject to litigation risks that could result in significant expenditures and have other material adverse
effects on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
The nature of our business exposes us to the potential for various claims and litigation, including class-action litigation
and other legal proceedings brought by customers, suppliers, employees, or other parties, related to labor and employment,
competitive matters, personal injury, property damage, cargo claims, safety and contract compliance, environmental
liability, and other matters. We are subject to risk and uncertainties related to liabilities, including damages, fines, penalties,
and substantial legal and related costs, that may result from these claims and litigation. Some or all of our expenditures to
defend, settle, or litigate these matters may not be covered by insurance or could impact our cost and ability to obtain
insurance in the future. Also, litigation can be disruptive to normal business operations and could require a substantial
amount of time and effort by our management team. Any material litigation or a catastrophic accident or series of accidents
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Our business reputation
and our relationship with our customers, suppliers, and employees may also be adversely impacted by our involvement in
legal proceedings.
We establish reserves based on our assessment of legal matters and contingencies. Subsequent developments related to
legal claims asserted against us may affect our assessment and estimates of our recorded legal reserves and may require
us to make payments in excess of our reserves, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of
operations.
Our initiatives to grow our business operations or to manage our cost structure to business levels may take longer
than anticipated or may not be successful.
Developing service offerings requires ongoing investment in personnel and infrastructure, including operating and
management information systems. Depending upon the timing and level of revenues generated from our growth initiatives,
the related results of operations and cash flows we anticipate from these initiatives and additional service offerings may
not be achieved. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, our business, results of operations, and financial
condition may be adversely affected.
Our growth plans place significant demands on our management and operating personnel and we may not be able to hire,
train, and retain the appropriate personnel to manage and grow these services. Hiring new employees may increase training
costs and may result in temporary labor inefficiencies. In addition, as we focus on growing the businesses in our ArcBest
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segment, we may encounter difficulties in adapting our corporate structure or in developing and maintaining effective
partnerships among our operating segments which could hinder our operational, financial, and strategic objectives.
Furthermore, we may invest significant resources to enter or expand our services in markets with established competitors
and in which we will encounter new competitive challenges, and we may not be able to successfully gain market share
which could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
We also face challenges and risks in implementing initiatives to manage our cost structure to business levels, as portions
of salaries, wages, and benefits are fixed in nature and the adjustments which would otherwise be necessary to align the
labor cost structure to corresponding business levels are limited as we strive to maintain customer service. We may not be
able to appropriately adjust our cost structure to changing market demands, and we may incur additional costs related to
purchased transportation and/or labor inefficiencies experienced while, and for a time following, training employees who
were hired to manage growth or were brought onboard from companies we have acquired. These costs of managing our
cost structure could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We periodically
evaluate and modify the network of our Asset-Based operations to reflect changes in customer demands and to reconcile
the segment’s infrastructure with tonnage levels and the proximity of customer freight, and there can be no assurance that
these network changes, to the extent such network changes are made, will result in a material improvement in our Asset-
Based segment’s results of operations.
Our management team is an important part of our business and loss of key employees could impair our business,
results of operations, and financial condition.
We benefit from the leadership and experience of our senior management team and other key employees and depend on
their continued services to successfully implement our business strategy. The unexpected loss of key employees or inability
to execute our succession planning strategies could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and
financial condition if we are unable to secure replacement personnel that have sufficient experience in our industry and in
the management of our business.
We depend on services provided by third parties, and increased costs or disruption of these services, and claims
arising from these services, could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows,
and customer relationships.
A reduction in the availability of rail services or services provided by third-party capacity providers to meet customer
requirements, as well as higher utilization of third-party agents to maintain service levels in periods of tonnage growth,
could increase purchased transportation costs which we may be unable to pass along to our customers. If a disruption or
reduction in transportation services from our rail or other third-party service providers were to occur, we could be faced
with business interruptions that could cause us to fail to meet the needs of our customers. In addition, we may not be able
to negotiate competitive contracts with railroads or other third-party service providers to expand our capacity, add
additional routes, or obtain services at costs which are acceptable to us or our customers. If these situations occur, our
business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and customer relationships could be adversely impacted.
Our ability to secure the services of such third-party service providers is affected by many risks beyond our control. The
inability to obtain the services of reliable third parties at competitive prices; the shortage of quality third-party providers,
including owner operators for our Expedite operations and drivers of contracted truckload carriers for our brokerage
operations; shortages in available cargo capacity; equipment shortages in the transportation industry, particularly among
contracted truckload carriers; changes in regulations impacting transportation; labor disputes; or a significant interruption
in service or stoppage in third-party transportation services could have a material adverse effect on the operating results
of our Asset-Light businesses.
Third-party providers can be expected to increase their prices based on market conditions or to cover increases in operating
expenses. These providers are subject to industry regulations which may have a significant impact on their operations,
causing them to increase prices or exit the industry. Increased industry demand for these transportation services may reduce
available capacity and such a reduction or other changes in these services offered by third parties may increase pricing or
otherwise change the services we are able to offer to our customers. If we are unable to correspondingly increase the prices
we charge to our customers, or if we are unable to secure sufficient third-party services to meet our commitments to our
customers, there could be a material adverse impact on the operations, revenues, and profitability of our Asset-Light
businesses and our customer relationships.
23
In addition, we may be subject to claims arising from services provided by third parties, particularly in connection with
the operations of our ArcBest segment, which are dependent on third-party contract carriers. From time to time, the drivers
who are employees, owner operators, or independent contractors working for third-party carriers that we contract with are
involved in accidents that may result in cargo loss or damage, other property damage, or serious personal injuries. As a
result, claims may be asserted against us for actions by such drivers or for our actions in retaining them. We may also incur
claims in connection with third-party vendors utilized in FleetNet’s operations. Our third-party contract carriers and other
vendors may not agree to bear responsibility for such claims or we may become responsible if they are unable to pay the
claims, for example, due to bankruptcy proceedings, and such claims may exceed the amount of our insurance coverage
or may not be covered by insurance at all.
Our engagement of independent contractor drivers to provide a portion of the capacity for our Expedite operations
within our ArcBest segment exposes us to different risks than we face with our employee drivers. If we have
difficulty in securing independent owner-operators or if we experience operational or regulatory issues related to
our use of these contract drivers, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely
affected.
The driver fleet of the Expedite operations within our ArcBest segment is made up of independent owner operators and
individuals. We face intense competition in attracting and retaining qualified owner operators from the available pool of
drivers and fleets, and we may be required to increase owner operator compensation or take other measures to remain an
attractive option for owner operators, which may negatively impact our results of operations. If we are not able to maintain
our delivery schedules due to a shortage of drivers or if we are required to increase our rates to offset increases in labor
costs, our services may be less competitive which could have an adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, as these
independent owner operators and individuals are third-party service providers, rather than our employees, they may decline
loads of freight from time to time which may impede our ability to deliver freight in a timely manner. If we fail to meet
certain customer needs or incur increased expenses to do so, this could adversely affect the business, financial condition,
and results of operations of our ArcBest segment.
We pay independent contractor drivers a fuel surcharge that increases with the increase in fuel prices. A significant increase
or rapid fluctuation in fuel prices could cause the fuel surcharge we pay to independent contractors to be higher than the
revenue we receive under our customer fuel surcharge programs, which could adversely impact the results of operations
of our ArcBest segment.
Many states have initiated enforcement programs to evaluate the classification of independent contractors, and class
actions and other lawsuits have arisen in our industry seeking to reclassify independent contractor drivers as employees
for a variety of purposes, including workers’ compensation, wage-and-hour, and health care coverage. There can be no
assurance that legislative, judicial, or regulatory authorities will not introduce proposals or assert interpretations of existing
rules and regulations resulting in the reclassification of the owner operators of the Expedite operations within our ArcBest
segment as employees. In the event of such reclassification of our owner operators, we could be exposed to various
liabilities and additional costs and our business and results of operations could be adversely affected. These liabilities and
additional costs could include exposure, for both future and prior periods, under federal, state, and local tax laws, and
workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, labor, and employment laws, as well as potential liability for penalties
and interest, which could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition of our ArcBest
segment.
Our Credit Facility and accounts receivable securitization program contain customary financial and other
customary restrictive covenants that may limit our future operations. A default under these financing
arrangements or changes in regulations which impact the availability of funds or our costs to borrow under our
financing arrangements could cause a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition, and results of
operations.
The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which governs our Credit Facility, contains representations and warranties,
conditions, and events of default 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, and sales of assets. Our
accounts receivable securitization program also contains affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default that are
customary for financings of this type, including a maximum adjusted leverage ratio and requirements to maintain certain
characteristics of the receivables, such as rates of delinquency, default, and dilution.
24
If we default under the terms of our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement or our accounts receivable securitization
program and fail to obtain appropriate amendments to or waivers under the applicable financing arrangement, our
borrowings under such facilities could be immediately declared due and payable. In the event of a default under either of
these facilities, we could automatically default on the other of these facilities and on our outstanding notes payable and
other financing agreements, unless the lenders to these facilities choose not to exercise remedies or to otherwise allow us
to cure the default. If we fail to pay the amount due under our Credit Facility or accounts receivable securitization program,
the lenders could proceed against the collateral by which our Credit Facility is secured, our borrowing capacity may be
limited, or the facilities could be terminated. If acceleration of outstanding borrowings occurs or if the facilities are
terminated, we may have difficulty borrowing additional funds sufficient to refinance the accelerated debt or entering into
new credit or debt arrangements, and, if available, the terms of the financing may not be acceptable. A default under our
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement or accounts receivable securitization program, changes in regulations which
impact the availability of funds or our costs to borrow under our financing arrangements, or our inability to renew our
financing arrangements with terms that are acceptable to us, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and
financial condition.
In addition, failing to achieve certain financial ratios as required by our Credit Facility and accounts receivable
securitization program could adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, make strategic acquisitions or
investments, or plan for or react to market conditions or otherwise execute our business strategies.
We have significant ongoing capital requirements that could have a material adverse effect on our business,
profitability, and growth if we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations or obtain sufficient financing
on favorable terms or properly forecast capital needs to correspond with business volumes.
We have significant ongoing capital requirements. If we are not able to generate sufficient cash from operations in the
future, our growth could be limited; it may be necessary for us to utilize our existing financing arrangements to a greater
extent or enter into additional financing or leasing arrangements, possibly on less favorable terms; or our revenue
equipment may have to be held for longer periods, which would result in increased expenditures for maintenance.
Forecasting business volumes involves many factors, including general economic trends and the impact of competition,
which are subject to uncertainty and beyond our control. If we do not accurately forecast our future capital investment
needs, especially for revenue equipment, in relation to corresponding business levels, we could have excess capacity or
insufficient capacity. In addition, our Credit Facility contains provisions that could limit our level of annual capital
expenditures. If we were unable to properly forecast capital needs and/or were unable to generate sufficient cash from
operations, obtain adequate financing at acceptable terms, or if our capital spending was otherwise limited, there could be
an adverse effect on our business, profitability, and growth.
Claims expenses or the cost of maintaining our insurance could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial condition.
Claims may be asserted against us for accidents or for cargo loss or damage, property damage, personal injury, and
workers’ compensation occurring in our operations. Claims may also be asserted against us for accidents involving the
operations of third-party service providers that we utilize for our Asset-Light businesses, for our actions in retaining their
services, or for loss or damage to our customers’ goods for which we are determined to be responsible. Such claims against
us may not be covered by insurance policies or may exceed the amount of insurance coverage, which could adversely
impact our results of operations and financial condition. We have established liabilities which are adjusted to reflect our
claims experience; however, actual claims costs and legal expenses may exceed our estimates. If the frequency and/or
severity of claims increase, our operating results could be adversely affected. The timing of the incurrence of these costs
could significantly and adversely impact our operating results. We are primarily self-insured for workers’ compensation,
third-party casualty loss, and cargo loss and damage claims for the operations of our Asset-Based segment and certain of
our other subsidiaries. We also self-insure for medical benefits for our eligible nonunion personnel. Because we self-insure
for a significant portion of our claims exposure and related expenses, our insurance and claims expense may be volatile.
If we lose our ability to self-insure for any significant period of time, insurance costs could materially increase and we
could experience difficulty in obtaining adequate levels of insurance coverage in that event. Our self-insurance program
for third-party casualty claims is conducted under a federal program administered by a government agency. If the
government were to terminate the program or if we were to be excluded from the program, our insurance costs could
increase. Additionally, if our third-party insurance carriers or underwriters leave the trucking sector, it could materially
increase our insurance costs or collateral requirements, or create difficulties in finding insurance in excess of our self-
25
insured retention limits. We could also experience additional increases in our insurance premiums or deductibles in the
future due to market conditions or if our claims experience worsens. If our insurance or claims expense increases, or if we
decide to increase our insurance coverage in the future, and we are unable to offset any increase in expense with higher
revenues, our earnings could be adversely affected. In some instances, certain insurance could become unavailable or
available only for reduced amounts of coverage. If we were to incur a significant liability for which we were not fully
insured, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Significant increases in health care costs related to medical inflation, claims experience, current and future federal and
state laws and regulations, and other cost components that are beyond our control could significantly increase the costs of
our self-insured medical plans and postretirement medical costs, or require us to adjust the level of benefits offered to our
employees. In particular, with the passage in 2010 of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the “PPACA”),
we are required to provide health care benefits to all full-time employees that meet certain minimum requirements of
coverage and affordability, or otherwise be subject to a payment per employee based on the affordability criteria set forth
in the PPACA. Many of these requirements have been phased in over time, with the majority of the most impactful
provisions affecting us having begun in the second quarter of 2015. The PPACA also requires individuals to obtain
coverage or face individual penalties, so employees who are currently eligible but have elected not to participate in our
health care plans may ultimately find it more advantageous to do so. In general, implementing the requirements of health
care reform has imposed additional administrative costs. The costs of maintaining and monitoring compliance and reports
and other effects of these new healthcare requirements, including any failure to comply, may significantly increase our
health care coverage costs and could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Further
regulatory action relating to the PPACA is expected as a result of the outcome of the recent U.S. presidential election,
which could result in changes to healthcare eligibility, design, and cost structure that could have an adverse impact on our
business and operating costs.
We have programs in place with multiple surety companies for the issuance of unsecured surety bonds in support of our
self-insurance program for workers’ compensation and third-party casualty. Estimates made by the states and the surety
companies of our future exposure for our self-insurance liabilities could influence the amount and cost of additional letters
of credit and surety bonds required to support our self-insurance program, and we may be required to maintain secured
surety bonds in the future which could increase the amount of our cash equivalents and short-term investments restricted
for use and unavailable for operational or capital requirements.
We depend heavily on the availability of fuel for our trucks. Fuel shortages, changes in fuel prices, and the inability
to collect fuel surcharges could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial
condition, and cash flows.
The transportation industry is dependent upon the availability of adequate fuel supplies. A disruption in our fuel supply
resulting from natural or man-made disasters, armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, actions by producers, or other political,
economic, and market factors that are beyond our control could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, financial condition, and cash flows. We maintain fuel storage and pumping facilities at our distribution centers
and certain other terminals; however, we may experience shortages in the availability of fuel at certain locations and may
be forced to incur additional expense to ensure adequate supply on a timely basis to prevent a disruption to our service
schedules.
Fuel represents a significant operating expense for us, and we do not have any long-term fuel purchase contracts or any
hedging arrangements to protect against fuel price increases. Fuel prices fluctuate greatly due to factors beyond our control,
such as global supply and demand for crude oil, political events, price and supply decisions by oil producing countries and
cartels, terrorist activities, and hurricanes and other natural or man-made disasters, and fuel prices have fluctuated
significantly in recent years. Significant increases in fuel prices or fuel taxes resulting from these or other economic or
regulatory changes which are not offset by base freight rate increases or fuel surcharges could have an adverse impact on
our results of operations.
Our Asset-Based segment and the Expedite operations of our ArcBest segment charge a fuel surcharge based on an index
of national diesel fuel prices. Although revenues from fuel surcharges generally offset increases in direct diesel fuel costs,
we incur certain fuel costs that cannot be recovered with fuel surcharges, and other operating costs have been, and may
continue to be, impacted by fluctuating fuel prices. The total impact of energy prices on other nonfuel-related expenses is
difficult to ascertain. We cannot predict, with reasonable certainty, future fuel price fluctuations, the impact of energy
prices on other cost elements, recoverability of fuel costs through fuel surcharges, and the effect of fuel surcharges on our
26
overall rate structure or the total price that we will receive from our customers. Whether fuel prices fluctuate or remain
constant, operating results may be adversely affected if competitive pressures limit our ability to recover fuel surcharges.
Throughout 2016, the fuel surcharge mechanism generally continued to have market acceptance among our customers;
however, certain nonstandard pricing arrangements have limited the amount of fuel surcharge recovered. The negative
impact on operating margins of capped fuel surcharge revenue during periods of increasing fuel costs is more evident
when fuel prices remain above the maximum levels recovered through the fuel surcharge mechanism on certain accounts.
Also, because our fuel surcharge recovery lags behind changes in fuel prices, our fuel surcharge recovery may not capture
in any particular period the increased costs we pay for fuel, especially in periods in which fuel prices rapidly increase. In
periods of declining fuel prices, our fuel surcharge percentages also decrease, which negatively impacts our revenues, and
the revenue decline may be disproportionate to our fuel costs. While the fuel surcharge is one of several components in
our overall rate structure, the actual rate paid by customers is governed by market forces and the overall value of services
provided to the customer. When fuel surcharges constitute a higher proportion of the total freight rate paid, our customers
are less receptive to increases in base freight rates. Prolonged periods of inadequate base rate improvements could
adversely impact operating results as elements of costs, including contractual wage rates, continue to increase. Further,
during periods of low freight volumes, shippers can use their negotiating leverage to impose less compensatory fuel
surcharge policies.
Higher fuel prices cause customers of our FleetNet segment to seek cost savings throughout their businesses which may
result in a reduction of miles driven and/or a deferral of maintenance practices that may reduce the volume of our
maintenance service events, resulting in an adverse impact on the segment’s results of operations, financial condition and
cash flows.
Increased prices for, or decreases in the availability of, new revenue equipment and decreases in the value of used
revenue equipment, as well as higher costs of equipment-related operating expenses, could adversely affect our
results of operations and cash flows.
In recent years, manufacturers have raised the prices of new revenue equipment significantly due to increased costs of
materials and, in part, to offset their costs of compliance with new tractor engine and emissions system design requirements
intended to reduce emissions, which have been mandated by the EPA, the NHTSA, and various state agencies such as
those described in “Environmental and Other Government Regulations” within Business included in Part I, Item 1 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K. Greenhouse gas emissions regulations are likely to continue to impact the design and cost
of equipment utilized in our operations as well as fuel costs. A number of states have mandated, and California and certain
other states may continue to individually mandate, additional emission-control requirements for equipment which could
increase equipment and fuel costs for entire fleets that operate in interstate commerce. If new equipment prices increase
more than anticipated, we could incur higher depreciation and rental expenses than anticipated. Our third-party capacity
providers, including owner operators of the Expedite operations of our ArcBest segment, are also subject to increased
regulations and higher equipment and fuel prices which will, in turn, increase our costs for utilizing their services or may
cause certain providers to exit the industry which could lead to a capacity shortage and further increase our costs of securing
third-party services. If we are unable to fully offset any such increases in expenses with freight rate increases and/or
improved fuel economy, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Reduced fuel demand due to improved fuel economy may result in legislative efforts to increase fuel taxes which, if
enacted, could significantly increase our costs. If we are not able to adequately increase our freight rates, recover fuel
surcharges, or recognize fuel economy savings to offset increases in equipment and maintenance costs, and if we are not
able to offset fuel tax increases through reductions in other excise taxes or through increases in the rates we charge our
customers, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We may face difficulty in purchasing new equipment due to decreased supply. From time to time, some original equipment
manufacturers (“OEMs”) of tractors and trailers may reduce their manufacturing output due to, for example, lower demand
for their products in economic downturns or a shortage of component parts. Component suppliers may either reduce
production or be unable to increase production to meet OEM demand, creating periodic difficulty for OEMs to react in a
timely manner to increased demand for new equipment and/or increased demand for replacement components as economic
conditions change. At times, market forces may create market situations in which demand outstrips supply. In those
situations, we may face reduced supply levels and/or increased acquisition costs. An inability to continue to obtain an
adequate supply of new tractors or trailers for our Asset-Based operations could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations, and financial condition.
27
During prolonged periods of decreased business levels, we and other trucking companies may make strategic fleet
reductions, which could result in an increase in the supply of used equipment. When the supply exceeds the demand for
used revenue equipment, the general market value of used revenue equipment decreases. Used equipment prices are also
subject to substantial fluctuations based on availability of financing and commodity prices for scrap metal. If market prices
for used revenue equipment decline, corresponding decreases in our established salvage values on equipment being used
in our Asset-Based operations would increase our depreciation expense, and we could incur impairment losses on assets
held for sale which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our total assets include goodwill and intangibles. If we determine that these items have become impaired in the
future, our earnings could be adversely affected.
As of December 31, 2016, we had recorded goodwill of $108.9 million and intangible assets, net of accumulated
amortization, of $80.5 million. Our goodwill and intangible assets resulted primarily from acquisitions in the ArcBest
segment. The Expedite, Truckload, and Moving service lines within our ArcBest segment have significant goodwill and
are each evaluated as a separate reporting unit for the impairment assessment of goodwill and intangible assets. Our annual
impairment evaluations of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in 2016, 2015, and 2014 produced no indication
of impairment of the recorded balances. However, significant declines in business levels or other changes in cash flow
assumptions or other factors that negatively impact the fair value of the operations of our reporting units could result in
impairment and a resulting non-cash write-off of a significant portion of our goodwill and intangible assets, which would
have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our corporate reputation and our business depend on a variety of intellectual property rights, including
trademarks, domain names, trade secrets, copyrights, patents, and licenses and other contractual rights. If we are
unable to maintain our corporate reputation, our brands, and other intellectual property rights, or if we face claims
of infringement of third-party rights, our business may suffer. The costs and resources expended to enforce or
protect our rights or to defend against infringement claims could adversely impact our business, results of
operations, and financial condition.
ArcBest is recognized as a multi-faceted logistics provider with creative problem solvers who deliver integrated logistics
solutions. Beyond this fundamental marketplace recognition of our collective brand identity, our other key brands represent
additional unique value in their target markets. The ABF Freight brand is well-recognized in the industry for our Asset-
Based operations’ leadership in its commitment to quality, customer service, safety, and technology. The Panther Premium
Logistics brand within the operations of our ArcBest segment is synonymous with premium service. Our business depends,
in part, on our ability to maintain the image of our brands. Service, performance, and safety issues, whether actual or
perceived and whether as a result of our actions or those of our third-party contract carriers and their drivers and owner
operators or other third-party service providers, could adversely impact our customers’ image of our brands, including
ArcBest, ABF Freight, Panther Premium Logistics, and U-Pack and result in the loss of business or impede our growth
initiatives. Adverse publicity regarding labor relations, legal matters, environmental concerns, and similar matters, whether
or not justified, could have a negative impact on our reputation and may result in the loss of customers and our inability
to secure new customer relationships. Our business and our image could also be negatively impacted by a breach of our
corporate policies by employees or vendors. With the increased use of social media outlets, adverse publicity can be
disseminated quickly and broadly, making it increasingly difficult for us to effectively respond. Damage to our reputation
and loss of brand equity could reduce demand for our services and thus have an adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, and financial condition, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value
of our brands.
We have registered or are pursuing registration of various marks or designs as trademarks in the United States, including
but not limited to “ArcBest,” “ABF Freight,” “FleetNet America,” “Panther Premium Logistics,” “U-Pack,” and “The
Skill & The Will.” For some marks, we also have registered or are pursuing registration in certain other countries. At
times, competitors may adopt service or trade names or logos or designs similar to ours, thereby impeding our ability to
build brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion. In addition, there could be potential trade name or trademark
infringement claims brought by owners of other registered trademarks or trademarks that incorporate variations of our
registered trademarks. From time to time, we have acquired or attempted to acquire Internet domain names held by others
when such names have caused consumer confusion or had the potential to cause consumer confusion. Additionally, our
business and operations utilize and depend upon both internally developed and purchased technology, either of which
could be infringed upon, or subject to claims of infringement. Any of our intellectual property rights related to trademarks,
trade secrets, domain names, copyrights, patents, or other intellectual property, whether owned or licensed, could be
28
challenged or invalidated, or misappropriated or infringed upon, by third parties. Our efforts to obtain, enforce, or protect
our proprietary rights, or to defend against a third-party infringement claim, may be ineffective and could result in
substantial costs and diversion of resources and could adversely impact our corporate reputation, business, results of
operations, and financial condition.
Our results of operations could be impacted by seasonal fluctuations or adverse weather conditions.
Our operations are impacted by seasonal fluctuations which affect tonnage and shipment levels and, consequently,
revenues and operating results. Freight shipments and operating costs of our Asset-Based and ArcBest operating segments
can be adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. The first quarter of each year generally has the lowest tonnage
levels; at the same time, operating expenses may increase due to, among other things, a decline in fuel economy because
of higher fuel density in colder temperatures, higher accident frequency, increased claims, and potentially higher
equipment repair expenditures caused by harsh weather. Expedite shipments of our ArcBest segment may decline due to
post-holiday slowdowns during winter months and plant shutdowns during summer months. Emergency roadside service
events of the FleetNet segment are influenced by seasonal variations, and service event volume is generally lower during
mild weather conditions. Business levels of the moving services provided by our ArcBest segment are generally lower in
the non-summer months when demand for moving services is typically lower. In addition to the impact of weather on
seasonal business trends, severe weather events and natural disasters, such as harsh winter weather, floods, hurricanes,
earthquakes, tornadoes, or lightning strikes, could disrupt our operations or the operations of our customers or disrupt fuel
supplies or increase fuel costs, each of which could adversely affect our business levels and operating results. Climate
change may have an influence on the severity of weather conditions, which could adversely affect our freight shipments
and business levels and, consequently, our operating results.
We are subject to certain risks arising from our international business.
We provide transportation and logistics services to and from international locations and are, therefore, subject to risks of
international business, including, but not limited to, changes in the economic strength of certain foreign countries; social,
political, and economic instability; the ability to secure space on third-party aircraft, ocean vessels, and other modes of
transportation; burdens of complying with a wide variety of international and United States regulations, including export
and import laws as well as different liability standards and less developed legal systems; difficulties in enforcing
contractual obligations and intellectual property rights; and changes in foreign exchange rates. Additional risks associated
with our international business include restrictive trade policies and imposition of duties, taxes, or government royalties
imposed by foreign governments, and changes in international tax laws and regulations. In addition, natural disasters,
pandemics, acts of terrorism, and insurrections could impede our ability to provide satisfactory services to customers in
international locations.
We are also subject to compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and hold Customs-Trade Partnership
Against Terrorism (“C-TPAT’) status for businesses within our Asset-Based and ArcBest segments. Failure to comply
with the FCPA and local regulations in the conduct of our international business operations may result in criminal and
civil penalties against us. If we are unable to maintain our C-TPAT status, we may face a loss of certain business due to
customer requirements to deal only with C-TPAT participating carriers, because of the enhanced levels of supply chain
security provided by participating in the C-TPAT program. In addition, loss of C-TPAT status may result in significant
border delays, which could cause our international operations to be less efficient than competitors also operating
internationally.
Our business could be harmed by antiterrorism measures.
As a result of actual or threatened terrorist attacks on the United States, federal, state, and municipal authorities have
implemented and may implement in the future various security measures, including checkpoints and travel restrictions on
large trucks. Although many companies would be adversely affected by any slowdown in the availability of freight
transportation, the negative impact could affect our business disproportionately. For example, we offer specialized services
that guarantee on-time delivery. If security measures disrupt the timing of deliveries, we could fail to meet the needs of
our customers or could incur increased costs in order to do so. Additional security measures may also reduce productivity
of our drivers and third-party transportation service providers, which would increase our operating costs. There can be no
assurance that new antiterrorism measures will not be implemented and that such new measures will not have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
29
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
The Company believes that its facilities are suitable and adequate and that they have sufficient capacity to meet current
business requirements; although recent and expected business growth has required the Company to obtain additional office
space.
The Company owns its corporate headquarters office building in Fort Smith, Arkansas, which contains 196,800 square
feet. To support growth of its operating subsidiaries, the Company previously announced its plans to construct a call center
facility and office building in Fort Smith, Arkansas, a portion of which will replace leased space. Construction of the new
building commenced in April 2015 with an anticipated completion date in late Spring 2017. Certain of the Company’s
subsidiaries will continue to operate from the existing corporate headquarters office building after the new facility is
constructed.
Asset-Based Segment
As of December 31, 2016, the Asset-Based segment operated out of 245 terminal facilities, 10 of which also serve as
distribution centers. The Company owns 76 of these facilities and leases the remainder from nonaffiliates. Asset-Based
distribution centers are as follows:
Owned:
Dayton, Ohio
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Kansas City, Missouri
Atlanta, Georgia
South Chicago, Illinois
North Little Rock, Arkansas
Dallas, Texas
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Leased from nonaffiliate:
Salt Lake City, Utah
Asset-Light Operations
No. of Doors Square Footage
330
333
150
252
226
274
196
196
85
250,700
196,200
174,600
166,200
158,200
152,800
150,500
144,200
71,000
89
53,900
The ArcBest segment owns a general office building and service bay in Medina, Ohio totaling 59,600 square feet.
Additionally, The ArcBest segment leases two office and warehouse locations in Sparks, Nevada totaling approximately
144,600 square feet, three sales office locations in Fort Smith, Arkansas totaling approximately 58,600 square feet, one
office location in Wichita Falls, Texas totaling approximately 15,400 square feet, and 8 other locations with approximately
34,500 square feet of office and warehouse space. The Company sold certain properties located in Wichita Falls, Texas as
part of the divesting of certain subsidiaries on December 30, 2016. See Note A to the consolidated financial statements
included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more specific disclosures regarding this transaction.
The FleetNet segment owns its offices located in Cherryville, North Carolina containing approximately 38,900 square feet
and leases 8,800 square feet of secondary office space in Charlotte, North Carolina.
30
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Various legal actions, the majority of which arise in the normal course of business, are pending. These legal actions are
not expected to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our financial condition, results of
operations, or cash flows. We maintain liability insurance against certain risks arising out of the normal course of its
business, subject to certain self-insured retention limits. We have accruals for certain legal, environmental, and self-
insurance exposures. For information related to our environmental and legal matters, see Note P to our consolidated
financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
31
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information, Dividends and Holders
The common stock of ArcBest Corporation (the “Company”) trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”)
under the symbol “ARCB.” The following table sets forth the high and low recorded sale prices of the common stock
during the periods indicated as reported by NASDAQ and the cash dividends declared:
High
Low
Cash
Dividend
2015
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
2016
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
$ 46.75 $ 36.95 $ 0.06
0.06
0.06
0.08
39.78
34.97
28.80
31.21
24.80
19.97
$ 23.92 $ 16.43 $ 0.08
0.08
0.08
0.08
22.52
20.00
33.95
14.85
15.40
18.60
As of February 22, 2017, there were 25,610,021 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding, which were held by
259 stockholders of record.
On January 31, 2017, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share to stockholders of record on
February 14, 2017. The Company expects to continue to pay quarterly dividends in the foreseeable future, although there
can be no assurance in this regard since future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend
upon the Company’s future earnings, capital requirements, and financial condition, contractual restrictions applying to the
payment of dividends under the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (see Note G to the Company’s
consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), and other factors.
32
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company has a program to repurchase its common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.
The program has no expiration date but may be terminated at any time at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Repurchases
may be made either from the Company’s cash reserves or from other available sources. As of December 31, 2016 and
2015, treasury shares totaled 2,565,399 and 2,080,187, respectively. Under the repurchase program, the Company
purchased 419,692 shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and purchased 65,520 shares during the three
months ended December 31, 2016 as summarized in the following table, leaving $37.7 million available for repurchase
under the program.
of Shares
Purchased
Total Number Average
Price Paid
Per Share(1)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Announced
Program
Maximum
Total Number of
Shares Purchased Approximate Dollar
as Part of Publicly Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Program(2)
10/1/2016-10/31/2016
11/1/2016-11/30/2016
12/1/2016-12/31/2016
Total
— $
52,720
12,800
65,520 $
—
28.75
31.19
29.23
— $
52,720 $
12,800 $
65,520
39,645
38,129
37,730
(1) Represents the weighted average price paid per common share including commission.
(2)
In January 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $25.0 million common stock repurchase program. The Board of
Directors authorized an additional $50.0 million in July 2005. In October 2015, the Board of Directors extended the share
repurchase program, making a total of $50.0 million available for purchases.
33
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table includes selected financial and operating data for the Company as of and for each of the five years in
the period ended December 31, 2016. This information should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Item 8, “Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data,” in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2016
2015
Year Ended December 31
2014
(in thousands, except per share data)
2013
2012(1)
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues
Operating income (loss)(2)
Income (loss) before income taxes(2)
Income tax provision (benefit)
Net income (loss)(2)
Earnings (loss) per common share, diluted(2)
Cash dividends declared per common share(3)
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt (including notes payable and capital
leases, excluding current portion)
Other Data:
Net capital expenditures, including assets acquired
through notes payable and capital leases(4)
Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets
Amortization of intangibles
$ 2,700,219 $ 2,666,905 $ 2,612,693 $ 2,299,549 $ 2,065,999
(14,568)
(16,992)
(9,260)
(7,732)
(0.31)
0.12
19,070
19,461
3,650
15,811
0.59
0.12
75,496
72,734
27,880
44,854
1.67
0.26
69,239
70,612
24,435
46,177
1.69
0.15
28,970
28,287
9,635
18,652
0.71
0.32
1,309,992
64,143
1,262,909
44,910
1,127,622
25,256
1,017,326
31,513
1,034,462
43,044
179,530
167,599
102,474
81,332
112,941
142,833
98,814
4,239
152,378
89,040
4,002
85,880
81,870
4,352
24,211
84,215
4,174
68,854
85,493
2,261
(1) On June 15, 2012, the Company acquired Panther Expedited Services, Inc. Panther’s operations have been included in the
consolidated results of operations since the acquisition date.
(2) 2016 includes restructuring costs of $10.3 million (pre-tax), or $6.3 million (after-tax) or $0.24 per diluted share, related to the
realignment of the Company’s corporate structure (see Note O to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in
Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
(3) The Company’s Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend to $0.06 per share in October 2014 and to $0.08 per share
in October 2015.
(4) Capital expenditures are shown net of proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment.
34
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ArcBest Corporation® (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) provides a comprehensive
suite of freight transportation services and integrated logistics solutions. On November 3, 2016, we announced our plan to
implement a new corporate structure to unify our sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, and capacity sourcing
functions, and allow us to operate as one logistics provider under the ArcBestSM brand. Under our new structure, our
operations are conducted through our three reportable operating segments:
Asset-Based (formerly the Freight Transportation segment), which consists of ABF Freight System, Inc. and
certain other subsidiaries (“ABF Freight”);
ArcBest, which represents the combined operations of the former Premium Logistics (Panther), Transportation
Management (ABF Logistics), and Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving) segments; and
FleetNet (formerly the Emergency & Preventative Maintenance segment).
The ArcBest and the FleetNet reportable segments combined represent our Asset-Light operations. See additional segment
descriptions in “Business” included in Part I, Item 1 and in Note M to our consolidated financial statements included in
Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Certain restatements have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation,
which reflects our new corporate structure. Segment revenues and expenses were adjusted to eliminate certain
intercompany charges consistent with the manner in which they are reported under the new corporate operating structure.
There was no impact on consolidated revenues, operating expenses, operating income, or earnings per share as a result of
the restatements. See Note O to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K for further discussion of restructuring activities.
References to the Company, including “we,” “us,” and “our,” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are primarily to the
Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
ORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided to assist
readers in understanding our financial performance during the periods presented and significant trends which may impact
our future performance. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the
related notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. MD&A includes forward-looking
statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the statements made in this
section due to a number of factors that are discussed in “Forward-Looking Statements” of Part I and “Risk Factors” of
Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. MD&A is comprised of the following:
Results of Operations includes:
an overview of consolidated results with 2016 compared to 2015 and 2015 compared to 2014, and a
consolidated Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“Adjusted
EBITDA”) schedule;
a financial summary and analysis of the Asset-Based segment results of 2016 compared to 2015 and 2015
compared to 2014, including a discussion of key actions and events that impacted the results;
a financial summary and analysis of the results of the Asset-Light operations for 2016 compared to 2015 and
2015 compared to 2014, including a discussion of key actions and events that impacted the results; and
a discussion of other matters impacting operating results including seasonality, effects of inflation, economic
conditions, environmental and legal matters, and information technology and cybersecurity.
Liquidity and Capital Resources provides an analysis of key elements of the cash flow statements, borrowing
capacity and contractual cash obligations, including a discussion of financing arrangements and financial
commitments.
Income Taxes provides an analysis of the effective tax rates and deferred tax balances, including deferred tax
asset valuation allowances.
35
Critical Accounting Policies discusses those accounting policies that are important to understanding certain of
the material judgments and assumptions incorporated in the reported financial results.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements discusses accounting standards that are not yet effective for our financial
statements but are expected to have a material effect on our future results of operations or financial condition.
The key indicators necessary to understand our operating results include:
For the Asset-Based segment:
overall customer demand for Asset-Based transportation services, including the impact of economic factors;
volume of transportation services provided, primarily measured by average daily shipment weight
(“tonnage”), which influences operating leverage as tonnage levels vary;
prices obtained for services, primarily measured by yield (“revenue per hundredweight”), including fuel
surcharges; and
ability to manage cost structure, primarily in the area of salaries, wages, and benefits (“labor”), with the total
cost structure measured by the percent of operating expenses to revenue levels (“operating ratio”).
For the Asset-Light operations:
primarily customer demand for logistics and premium transportation services combined with economic
factors which influence the number of shipments or service events used to measure changes in business
levels;
prices obtained for services, primarily measured by revenue per shipment or event;
net revenue for the ArcBest segment, which is defined as revenues less purchased transportation operating
expense; and
management of operating costs.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Results
REVENUES
Asset-Based
ArcBest
FleetNet
Other and eliminations
Total consolidated revenues
OPERATING INCOME
Asset-Based
ArcBest
FleetNet
Other and eliminations
Total consolidated operating income
NET INCOME
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
2016
Year Ended December 31
2015
(in thousands, except per share data)
2014
1,916,394 $
640,734
162,629
(19,538)
2,700,219 $
1,916,579 $
590,436
174,952
(15,062)
2,666,905 $
1,928,531
535,915
158,581
(10,334)
2,612,693
33,571 $
6,864
2,425
(13,890)
28,970 $
62,436 $
20,792
2,954
(10,686)
75,496 $
50,093
22,654
3,122
(6,630)
69,239
18,652 $
44,854 $
46,177
0.71 $
1.67 $
1.69
$
$
$
$
$
$
Our consolidated revenues, which totaled $2.7 billion for 2016, increased 1.2% compared to 2015, preceded by a 2.1%
increase in 2015 revenues compared to 2014. The year-over-year increase in consolidated revenues for 2016 reflects a
5.0% increase in revenues of our Asset-Light operations, on a combined basis, driven by incremental revenues from
businesses acquired. The increase in consolidated revenues for 2015, compared to 2014, reflects a 10.0% increase in our
Asset-Light revenues offset, in part, by a 0.6% decrease in Asset-Based revenues.
36
Asset-Based revenues represented 70%, 71%, and 73% of total revenues before other revenues and intercompany
eliminations for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Asset-Based revenues for 2016 were relatively consistent with 2015,
as the 1.3% improvement in yield, as measured by billed revenue per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges, was offset
by the 1.8% decline in tonnage per day. The 0.6% decrease in Asset-Based revenues in 2015, as compared to 2014, was
primarily due to lower fuel surcharges associated with decreased fuel prices in 2015 and a decline in tonnage levels.
As a result of business acquisitions and growth due to strategic investments in personnel and infrastructure in recent years,
our Asset-Light operations have become a larger proportion of consolidated revenues, generating 30%, 29%, and 27% of
total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The 5.0%
increase in revenues of our Asset-Light operations, on a combined basis, for 2016 compared to 2015 reflects an 8.5%
increase in revenues of the ArcBest segment resulting from the acquisitions of Logistics & Distribution Services, LLC
(“LDS”) in September 2016 and Bear Transportation Services, L.P. (“Bear”) in December 2015, offset, in part, by a decline
in revenues of the FleetNet segment due to lower service event volume. Our Asset-Light revenues, on a combined basis,
increased 10.0% in 2015 compared to 2014, reflecting higher business volumes due, in part, to more comprehensive
customer services being offered across our consolidated enterprise and from acquisitions in the ArcBest segment of Smart
Lines Transportation Group, LLC (“Smart Lines”) in January 2015 and Bear in December 2015.
Consolidated operating income decreased $46.5 million in 2016 compared to 2015. The operating income decline reflects
restructuring costs of $10.3 million in 2016 related to the realignment of our corporate structure (see Note O to our
consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details). The
soft economic environment combined with a surplus of transportation capacity which impacted available business levels
and operating margins also contributed to the decline in our consolidated operating results for 2016 versus 2015.
Consolidated operating income increased $6.3 million in 2015 compared to 2014, due primarily to operating efficiencies
in the Asset-Based operations. The year-over-year changes in consolidated operating income, net income, and per share
amounts for 2016 and 2015 reflect the operating results of our operating segments, which are discussed in further detail
within the Results of Operations, as well as the items described below.
Consolidated operating results for 2016 and 2015 were negatively impacted by increases in nonunion healthcare costs of
$9.7 million in 2016 over 2015 and $6.1 million in 2015 over 2014, primarily due to an increase in both the number of
health claims filed and in the average cost per claim. Unfavorable experience in third-party casualty and workers’
compensation claims of our Asset-Based segment resulted in costs which were higher by $5.4 million, or 13.2%, in 2016
compared to 2015. The impact of these costs on the year-over-year comparisons was partially offset by decreases in other
nonunion benefit costs of $4.2 million in 2016 compared to 2015 and $2.2 million in 2015 compared to 2014.
Consolidated pension settlement charges relate primarily to our nonunion defined benefit pension plan. We incurred
pension settlement charges of $3.2 million in both 2016 and 2015, and $6.6 million in 2014. We expect to continue to
recognize pension settlement expense related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan estimated to approximate
$1.0 million per quarter during 2017; however, the amount of quarterly pension settlement expense will fluctuate based
on the amount of lump-sum benefit distributions paid to participants, actual returns on plan assets, and changes in the
discount rate used to remeasure the accumulated benefit obligation of the plan upon settlement. We also anticipate the
nonunion defined benefit pension plan to purchase a nonparticipating annuity contract from an insurance company in 2017
to settle the pension obligation related to the vested benefits of those receiving monthly benefit payments from the plan,
which is approximately 50 plan participants and beneficiaries at the end of February 2017. Pension settlement expense
will be impacted in the quarter in which the nonparticipating annuity contract is purchased.
The “Other and eliminations” line of operating income includes transaction costs of $0.6 million associated with the LDS
acquisition in 2016 and $1.4 million associated with the acquisitions of SmartLines and Bear in 2015. For 2016 and 2015,
“Other and eliminations” also includes investments to provide an improved platform for revenue growth and to enhance
our ability to offer our comprehensive transportation and logistics services across multiple operating segments. This
initiative involves developing and implementing integrated solutions for shippers with wide-ranging transportation needs
and facilitating access to our services through a single point of contact.
The year-over-year comparisons of consolidated net income and earnings per share for 2016 versus 2015 were also
impacted by the effective tax rates, as further described within the Income Taxes section of MD&A, and changes in the
cash surrender value of life insurance policies, which is reported below the operating income line on the consolidated
statements of operations. A portion of our cash surrender value of variable life insurance policies have investments, through
separate accounts, in equity and fixed income securities and, therefore, are subject to market volatility. Life insurance
37
proceeds and changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies contributed $0.11 to diluted earnings per share
in 2016, compared to $0.01 per share in 2015 and $0.15 per share in 2014.
Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”)
We report our financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). However,
management believes that certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios, such as Adjusted EBITDA, utilized for
internal analysis provide analysts, investors, and others the same information that we use internally for purposes of
assessing our core operating performance and provides meaningful comparisons between current and prior period results,
as well as important information regarding performance trends. Accordingly, using these measures improves
comparability in analyzing our performance because it removes the impact of items from operating results that, in
management's opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a key
measure of performance and for business planning. The measure is particularly meaningful for analysis of our operating
performance, because it excludes amortization of acquired intangibles and software of the Asset-Light businesses, which
are significant expenses resulting from strategic decisions rather than core daily operations. Additionally, Adjusted
EBITDA is a primary component of the financial covenants contained in our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
(see Financing Arrangements within the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of MD&A). Other companies may
calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently; therefore, our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly
titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an
alternative for, our reported results. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a better measurement than operating
income, operating cash flow, net income, or earnings per share, as determined under GAAP.
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
Net income
Interest and other related financing costs
Income tax provision
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of share-based compensation
Amortization of net actuarial losses of benefit plans and pension settlement expense
Restructuring charges
Transaction costs
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
Asset-Based Operations
Asset-Based Segment Overview
2016
2014
Year Ended December 31
2015
($ thousands)
$ 18,652 $ 44,854 $ 46,177
3,190
24,435
86,222
6,998
9,300
—
—
$ 176,322
5,150
9,635
103,053
7,588
8,173
10,313
601
$ 163,165
4,400
27,880
93,042
8,029
7,432
—
1,408
$ 187,045
The Asset-Based segment consists of ABF Freight System, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ArcBest Corporation, and
certain other subsidiaries. Our Asset-Based operations are affected by general economic conditions, as well as a number
of other factors that are more fully described in “Business” in Item 1 and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K. The key performance factors and operating results for the Asset-Based segment are discussed in
the following paragraphs.
The Asset-Based segment represented approximately 70% of our 2016 total revenues before other revenues and
intercompany eliminations. As of December 2016, approximately 77% of Asset-Based employees were covered under a
collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “ABF NMFA”), with the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”), which extends through March 31, 2018. The ABF NMFA included a 7% wage rate
reduction effective on the November 3, 2013 implementation date, followed by wage rate increases of 2% on July 1 in
each of the next three years, which began in 2014, and a 2.5% increase on July 1, 2017; a one-week reduction in annual
compensated vacation effective for employee anniversary dates on or after April 1, 2013; the option to expand the use of
purchased transportation; and increased flexibility in labor work rules. The ABF NMFA and the related supplemental
agreements provide for continued contributions to various multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans maintained
for the benefit of Asset-Based employees who are members of the IBT. The estimated net effect of the November 3, 2013
wage rate reduction and the benefit rate increase which was applied retroactively to August 1, 2013 was an initial reduction
of approximately 4% to the combined total contractual wage and benefit rate under the ABF NMFA. Following the initial
38
reduction, the combined contractual wage and benefit contribution rate under the ABF NMFA is estimated to increase
approximately 2.5% on a compounded annual basis throughout the contract period which extends through March 31, 2018.
Tonnage
The level of tonnage managed by the Asset-Based segment is directly affected by industrial production and manufacturing,
distribution, residential and commercial construction, consumer spending, primarily in the North American economy, and
capacity in the trucking industry. Operating results are affected by economic cycles, customers’ business cycles, and
changes in customers’ business practices. The Asset-Based segment actively competes for freight business based primarily
on price, service, and availability of flexible shipping options to customers. The Asset-Based segment seeks to offer value
through identifying specific customer needs, then providing operational flexibility and seamless access to its services and
those of our Asset-Light operations in order to respond with customized solutions.
Pricing
The industry pricing environment, another key factor to our Asset-Based results, influences the ability to obtain appropriate
margins and price increases on customer accounts. Externally, pricing is typically measured by billed revenue per
hundredweight, which is a reasonable, although approximate, measure of price change. Generally, freight is rated by a
class system, which is established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. Light, bulky freight typically
has a higher class and is priced at a higher revenue per hundredweight than dense, heavy freight. Changes in the rated class
and packaging of the freight, along with changes in other freight profile factors such as average shipment size, average
length of haul, freight density, and customer and geographic mix, can affect the average billed revenue per hundredweight
measure.
Approximately 35% of Asset-Based business is subject to base LTL tariffs, which are affected by general rate increases,
combined with individually negotiated discounts. Rates on the other 65% of Asset-Based business, including business
priced in the spot market, are subject to individual pricing arrangements that are negotiated at various times throughout
the year. The majority of the business that is subject to negotiated pricing arrangements is associated with larger customer
accounts with annually negotiated pricing arrangements, and the remaining business is priced on an individual shipment
basis considering each shipment’s unique profile, value provided to the customer, and current market conditions. Since
pricing is established individually by account, the Asset-Based segment focuses on individual account profitability rather
than a single measure of billed revenue per hundredweight when considering customer account or market evaluations. This
is due to the difficulty of quantifying, with sufficient accuracy, the impact of changes in freight profile characteristics,
which is necessary in estimating true price changes.
Fuel
The transportation industry is dependent upon the availability of adequate fuel supplies. The Asset-Based segment charges
a fuel surcharge which is based on the index of national on-highway average diesel fuel prices published weekly by the
U.S. Department of Energy. Although revenues from fuel surcharges generally more than offset increases in direct diesel
fuel costs, other operating costs have been, and may continue to be, impacted by fluctuating fuel prices. The total impact
of energy prices on other nonfuel-related expenses is difficult to ascertain. Management cannot predict, with reasonable
certainty, future fuel price fluctuations, the impact of energy prices on other cost elements, recoverability of fuel costs
through fuel surcharges, and the effect of fuel surcharges on the overall rate structure or the total price that the segment
will receive from its customers. While the fuel surcharge is one of several components in the overall rate structure, the
actual rate paid by customers is governed by market forces and the overall value of services provided to the customer.
During periods of changing diesel fuel prices, the fuel surcharge and associated direct diesel fuel costs also vary by
different degrees. Depending upon the rates of these changes and the impact on costs in other fuel- and energy-related
areas, operating margins could be impacted. Fuel prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years. Whether fuel prices
fluctuate or remain constant, operating results may be adversely affected if competitive pressures limit our ability to
recover fuel surcharges. Throughout 2016, the fuel surcharge mechanism generally continued to have market acceptance
among customers; however, certain nonstandard pricing arrangements have limited the amount of fuel surcharge
recovered. The negative impact on operating margins of capped fuel surcharge revenue during periods of increasing fuel
costs is more evident when fuel prices remain above the maximum levels recovered through the fuel surcharge mechanism
on certain accounts.
39
In periods of declining fuel prices, fuel surcharge percentages also decrease, which negatively impacts the total billed
revenue per hundredweight measure and, consequently, revenues, and the revenue decline may be disproportionate to our
fuel costs. To better align fuel surcharges to fuel- and energy-related expenses and provide more stability to account
profitability as fuel prices change, we may, from time to time, revise our standard fuel surcharge program which impacts
approximately 40% of Asset-Based shipments and primarily affects noncontractual customers. The Asset-Based segment
made revisions to the fuel surcharge scale effective February 4, 2015, and again effective February 1, 2016, to establish
surcharge rates for fuel prices at the lower end of the scale and to better align with expected fuel costs. Despite the revisions
to the fuel surcharge program and the transition of certain nonstandard pricing arrangements to base LTL freight rates in
recent years, 2016 revenue compared to 2015 and 2015 revenue compared to 2014 were negatively impacted by lower fuel
surcharge revenue due to a decline in the nominal fuel surcharge rate, while total fuel costs were also lower. The segment’s
operating results will continue to be impacted by further changes in fuel prices and the related fuel surcharges.
Labor Costs
Labor costs, including retirement and healthcare benefits for contractual employees that are provided through a number of
multiemployer plans (see Note I to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K), are impacted by contractual obligations under the ABF NMFA and other related supplemental agreements.
Total salaries, wages, and benefits, amounted to 63.3%, 61.2%, and 58.0% of revenues for 2016, 2015, and 2014,
respectively. Changes in salaries, wages, and benefits expense as a percentage of revenues are discussed in the Asset-
Based Segment Results section that follows.
ABF Freight operates in a highly competitive industry which consists predominantly of nonunion motor carriers. Nonunion
competitors have a lower fringe benefit cost structure and less stringent labor work rules, and certain carriers also have
lower wage rates for their freight-handling and driving personnel. Wage and benefit concessions granted to certain union
competitors also allow for a lower cost structure. ABF Freight has continued to address with the IBT the effect of the
segment’s wage and benefit cost structure on its operating results.
The combined effect of cost reductions under the ABF NMFA, lower cost increases throughout the contract period, and
increased flexibility in labor work rules are important factors in bringing ABF Freight’s labor cost structure closer in line
with that of its competitors; however, under its collective bargaining agreement, ABF Freight continues to pay some of
the highest benefit contribution rates in the industry. These rates include contributions to multiemployer plans, a portion
of which are used to fund benefits for individuals who were never employed by ABF Freight. Information provided by a
large multiemployer pension plan to which ABF Freight contributes indicates that approximately 50% of the plan’s benefit
payments are made to retirees of companies that are no longer contributing employers to that plan. In consideration of the
impact of high multiemployer pension contribution rates, certain funds have not increased ABF Freight’s pension
contribution rate for the annual contribution periods which began August 1, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Rate freezes for the
annual contribution periods which began August 1, 2016, 2015, and 2014 impacted multiemployer pension plans to which
ABF Freight made approximately 65% of its total multiemployer pension contributions for the years ended December 31,
2016, 2015, and 2014.
The Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014 (the “Reform Act”), which was included in the Consolidated and Further
Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 that was signed into law on December 16, 2014, includes provisions to address
the funding of multiemployer pension plans in critical and declining status, including certain of those in which ABF Freight
participates. Provisions of the Reform Act include, among others, providing qualifying plans the ability to self-correct
funding issues, subject to various requirements and restrictions, including applying to the U.S. Department of the Treasury
(the “Treasury Department”) for the suspension of certain benefits.
In September 2015, the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan (the “Central States Pension Plan”)
filed an application with the Treasury Department seeking approval under the Reform Act for a pension rescue plan, which
included benefit reductions for participants of the Central States Pension Plan in an attempt to avoid the insolvency of the
plan that otherwise is projected by the plan to occur. In May 2016, the Treasury Department denied the Central States
Pension Plan’s proposed rescue plan. The trustees of the Central States Pension Plan subsequently announced that a new
rescue plan would not be submitted and stated that it is not possible to develop and implement a new rescue plan that
complies with the final Reform Act regulations issued by the Treasury Department on April 26, 2016. Although the future
of the Central States Pension Plan is impacted by a number of factors, without legislative action, the plan is currently
projected to become insolvent within 10 years or less. ABF Freight’s current collective bargaining agreement with the IBT
provides for contributions to the Central States Pension Plan through March 31, 2018, and it is our understanding that ABF
Freight’s benefit contribution rate is not expected to increase during this period (though there are no guarantees). ABF
40
Freight’s contribution rates are made in accordance with its collective bargaining agreements with the IBT and other
related supplemental agreements. In consideration of high multiemployer plan contribution rates, several of the plans in
addition to Central States Pension Plan have frozen contribution rates at current levels under ABF Freight’s current
collective bargaining agreement. Future contribution rates will be determined through the negotiation process for contract
periods following the term of the current collective bargaining agreement. The Asset-Based segment pays some of the
highest benefit contribution rates in the industry and continues to address the effect of the segment’s wage and benefit cost
structure on its operating results in discussions with the IBT.
ABF Freight received a Notice of Insolvency from the Road Carriers Local 707 Pension Fund (the “707 Pension Fund”)
for the plan year beginning February 1, 2016. During the second quarter of 2016, the 707 Pension Fund received notice
that the Treasury Department denied its proposal to suspend participant benefits in an effort to remain solvent.
Approximately 1% of ABF Freight’s total multiemployer pension contributions are made to the 707 Pension Fund. Based
on currently available information, it is our understanding that if the 707 Pension Fund becomes insolvent, ABF Freight’s
benefit contribution rates under the ABF NMFA will be frozen and the Asset-Based segment will be required to continue
making contributions at the frozen rate throughout and after the current ABF NMFA contract period, which extends to
March 31, 2018; however, there can be no assurance in this regard.
Some employer companies that participate in multiemployer plans, in which ABF Freight also participates, have received
proposals from, and entered into transition agreements with, certain multiemployer plans to restructure future plan
contributions to be more in-line with benefit levels. These transition agreements, which require mutual agreement on
numerous elements between the multiemployer plan and the contributing employer, may also result in recognition of
significant withdrawal liabilities. We monitor and evaluate any such proposals we receive, including the potential
economic impact to our business. At the current time, there are no proposals that have been provided to ABF Freight that
management considers acceptable.
Asset-Based Segment Results — 2016 Compared to 2015
The following table sets forth a summary of operating expenses and operating income as a percentage of revenue for the
Asset-Based segment:
Asset-Based Operating Expenses (Operating Ratio)
Salaries, wages, and benefits
Fuel, supplies, and expenses
Operating taxes and licenses
Insurance
Communications and utilities
Depreciation and amortization
Rents and purchased transportation
Gain on sale of property and equipment
Pension settlement expense
Other
Restructuring costs
Asset-Based Operating Income
Year Ended December 31
2016
2015
63.3 %
14.7
2.5
1.5
0.9
4.4
10.4
(0.2)
0.1
0.5
0.1
98.2 %
61.2 %
16.0
2.6
1.5
0.8
3.9
10.3
(0.1)
0.1
0.4
—
96.7 %
1.8 %
3.3 %
41
The following table provides a comparison of key operating statistics for the Asset-Based segment:
Year Ended December 31
2016
2015
% Change
Workdays
Billed revenue(1) per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges
Pounds
Pounds per day
Shipments per day
Shipments per DSY(2) hour
Pounds per DSY(2) hour
Pounds per shipment
Pounds per mile(3)
252.5
29.35 $
$
6,526,049,524
25,845,741
20,744
0.449
558.97
1,246
19.35
251.5
28.96
6,619,146,561
26,318,674
20,272
0.451
585.42
1,298
19.48
1.3 %
(1.4)%
(1.8)%
2.3 %
(0.4)%
(4.5)%
(4.0)%
(0.7)%
(1) Revenue for undelivered freight is deferred for financial statement purposes in accordance with the revenue recognition policy.
Billed revenue used for calculating revenue per hundredweight measurements has not been adjusted for the portion of revenue
deferred for financial statement purposes.
(2) Dock, street, and yard (“DSY”) measures are further discussed in Asset-Based Operating Expenses within this section of Asset-
Based Segment Results. The Asset-Based segment uses shipments per DSY hour to measure labor efficiency in its local operations,
although total pounds per DSY hour is also a relevant measure when the average shipment size is changing.
(3) Total pounds per mile is used to measure labor efficiency of its linehaul operations, although this metric is influenced by other
factors including freight density, loading efficiency, average length of haul, and the degree to which purchased transportation,
including rail service, is used.
Asset-Based Revenues
Asset-Based segment revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $1,916.4 million, compared to
$1,916.6 million in 2015. Billed revenue (as described in footnote (1) to the key operating statistics table above) decreased
0.4% on a per-day basis in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily reflecting a 1.8% decrease in tonnage per day, partially offset
by a 1.3% increase in total billed revenue per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges. The increase in total billed revenue
per hundredweight occurred despite lower fuel surcharge revenues associated with decreased fuel prices.
Current freight market conditions, which are being impacted by lower industrial-related manufacturing production and
higher customer inventory levels that result in lower demand for retail shipments, have contributed to 2016 tonnage
declines. Average weight per shipment declined 4.0% for 2016, compared to the prior year, while daily shipment counts
increased 2.3% during 2016. The lower weight per shipment in 2016 reflects a combination of factors, including: growth
in residential deliveries such as e-commerce shipments which generally have smaller average shipment sizes, excess spot
truckload capacity in the market compared to 2015 which provided alternative carriers for some of our customers’ large-
sized shipments, and the impact of the weak freight environment on industrial customer shipments. The lower weight per
shipment resulted in lower revenue without a corresponding reduction in cost due to the labor required to handle the higher
shipment levels (discussed further in the Operating Income and Operating Expenses paragraphs that follow).
The Asset-Based segment implemented nominal general rate increases on its LTL base rate tariffs of 5.25% effective
August 29, 2016 and 4.95% effective October 5, 2015, although the rate changes vary by lane and shipment characteristics.
Softness in the market due to available truckload capacity, as previously mentioned, applied downward pressure on average
price increases as customers solicit bids for contract renewals. Despite the impact of lower fuel surcharges and excess
capacity, prices on accounts subject to annually negotiated contracts which were renewed during the period increased 3.2%
compared to the prior year.
The increase in total billed revenue per hundredweight for 2016, compared to 2015, reflects the general rate increases,
contract renewals, and profile changes which increased the revenue per hundredweight measure, offset by lower fuel
surcharge revenue, as discussed further in the Fuel section of the Asset-Based Segment Overview of Results of Operations.
The Asset-Based segment’s average nominal fuel surcharge rate for 2016 dropped approximately 200 basis points from
2015 levels. Excluding changes in fuel surcharges, the percentage increase on traditional LTL-rated business in 2016 was
in the low-single digits compared to 2015. Changes in account mix along with freight profile changes, including the lower
weight per shipment previously mentioned, increased length of haul, and higher freight classification have all contributed
to an increase in the revenue per hundredweight measure.
42
Asset-Based Revenues – January 2017
Asset-Based billed revenues for the month of January 2017 increased between 5% and 6% above the same prior-year
period on a per-day basis due to an increase in billed revenue per hundredweight of between 6% and 7%, which includes
the effect of changes in freight profile, account mix and higher fuel surcharges, partially offset by a decrease in tonnage
on a per-day basis of approximately 1%. The lower weight per shipment experienced in January 2017 reflects continuation
of growth in residential deliveries such as e-commerce shipments which generally have smaller average shipment sizes,
and the impact of the weak freight environment on industrial customer shipments.
Tonnage levels are seasonally lower during January and February while March provides a disproportionately higher
amount of the first quarter’s business. The first quarter of each year generally has the highest operating ratio of the year,
although other factors, including the state of the economy, may influence quarterly comparisons. The impact of general
economic conditions and the Asset-Based segment’s pricing approach, as further discussed in the Pricing section of the
Asset-Based Segment Overview of Results of Operations, may continue to impact tonnage levels and, as such, there can
be no assurance that the Asset-Based segment will achieve improvements in its current operating results. There can also
be no assurance that the current pricing trends will continue. The competitive environment could limit the Asset-Based
segment from securing adequate increases in base LTL freight rates and could limit the amount of fuel surcharge revenue
recovered.
Asset-Based Operating Income
The Asset-Based segment 2016 operating ratio increased by 1.5 percentage points to 98.2% from 96.7% in 2015.
Improving the Asset-Based operating ratio is dependent upon: managing the segment’s cost structure (as discussed in the
Labor Costs section of the Asset-Based Segment Overview of Results of Operations) and securing price increases to cover
contractual wage and benefit rate increases, costs of maintaining customer service levels, and other inflationary increases
in cost elements. The operating ratio increase was impacted by pressure from lower weight per shipment on higher
shipments as well as higher claims for nonunion healthcare and increased workers’ compensation and third-party casualty
claims costs. Tonnage per day increased a modest 0.9% in the fourth quarter of 2016, but that increase was preceded by
five consecutive quarters of year-over-year tonnage declines while the number of shipments increased. This trend of lower
weight per shipment, which is more fully described in the preceding paragraphs, was comparable to the reported experience
of many LTL carriers during 2016. Since revenue for each shipment is typically determined by applying a price, which
considers profile characteristics of the shipment, to the weight of the shipment, this trend has had a negative impact on
revenue per shipment while still requiring operating resources (including labor and, in certain markets, local purchased
transportation agents) to handle higher numbers of shipments. For the full year of 2016, shipments increased 2.3% per day
while daily tonnage declined 1.8%, leading to lower weight per shipment and consequently lower revenue per shipment.
Operating income decreased to $33.6 million in 2016 compared to $62.4 million in 2015. The operating income
comparison was impacted by the freight profile shift previously discussed, market factors, including the weak freight
tonnage environment and related competitive pricing, and increases in nonunion healthcare costs and third-party casualty
and workers’ compensation claims costs. Nonunion healthcare costs increased $5.6 million in 2016 compared to 2015.
Third-party casualty claims costs and workers’ compensation costs, while in-line with the segment’s ten-year historical
average as a percentage of revenue, increased a combined $5.4 million, and 0.3% as a percentage of revenue in 2016
compared to 2015. The segment’s operating ratio was impacted by changes in operating expenses as discussed in the
following paragraphs.
Asset-Based Operating Expenses
Labor costs, which are reported in operating expenses as salaries, wages, and benefits, amounted to 63.3% and 61.2% of
Asset-Based segment revenues for 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase as a percentage of revenue was influenced
by the effect on revenues of lower fuel surcharges associated with a decline in the nominal fuel surcharge rate due to
decreased fuel prices. The year-over-year increases in labor costs were impacted by increases in contractual wage and
benefit contribution rates under the ABF NMFA. The contractual wage rate increased 2.0% effective July 1, 2016, and the
average health, welfare, and pension benefit contribution rate increased approximately 3.9% effective primarily on August
1, 2016, which includes the effect of the multiemployer pension plan rate freezes previously discussed in the Asset-Based
Segment Overview section of Results of Operations. The increase in labor costs also reflects increases in nonunion
healthcare and workers’ compensation costs, as previously discussed. Furthermore, productivity challenges negatively
impacted labor costs, as increases in shipments combined with decreases in tonnage levels and lower revenue per shipment
resulted in DSY labor costs disproportionate to revenue in the 2016 periods compared to the same prior-year periods.
43
Although the Asset-Based segment manages costs with shipment levels, portions of salaries, wages, and benefits are fixed
in nature and the adjustments which would otherwise be necessary to align the labor cost structure throughout the system
to corresponding tonnage levels are limited as the segment strives to maintain customer service. Management believes that
this service emphasis provides for the opportunity to generate improved yields and business levels. Returning productivity
to historical levels is an important priority for the management team in order to reduce costs. Shipments per DSY hour,
which were relatively flat in the fourth quarter versus the prior year but decreased 0.4% for 2016 compared to 2015, reflect
reduced efficiency in street operations as focus remained on improving customer service. Lower weight per shipment for
2016 also contributed to lower pounds per DSY hour and a decrease in pounds per mile compared to the prior year. The
lower weight per shipment in 2016 reflects a combination of factors, including: growth in residential deliveries such as e-
commerce shipments which generally have smaller average shipment sizes, excess spot truckload capacity in the market
compared to 2015 which provided alternative carriers for some of our customers’ large-sized shipments, and the impact
of the weak freight environment on industrial customer shipments.
Fuel, supplies, and expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 1.3% in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to a
decrease in the Asset-Based segment’s average fuel price per gallon (excluding taxes) of approximately 18%. The decrease
in fuel, supplies, and expenses was also impacted by fewer road miles driven during the 2016 periods, improved fuel
efficiency, and lower maintenance costs reflecting tractor replacement during recent periods.
Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue increased by 0.5% in 2016 compared to 2015 due primarily to
the timing of replacing road tractors and higher per unit costs. Capital expenditures in 2016 reflect continuation of the
accelerated replacement of revenue equipment and alignment with our long-term strategy to advance operational
efficiencies. We expect that new equipment added in 2016 and planned for 2017 will increase the dependability and
consistency of service, improve fuel economy, and lower maintenance costs.
Restructuring costs of $1.2 million, or 0.1% of 2016 revenue, relate to the realignment of the corporate structure that was
announced in November 2016. See Note O to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of restructuring activities.
Asset-Based Segment Results — 2015 Compared to 2014
The following table sets forth a summary of operating expenses and operating income as a percentage of revenue for the
Asset-Based segment:
Asset-Based Segment Operating Expenses (Operating Ratio)
Salaries, wages, and benefits
Fuel, supplies, and expenses
Operating taxes and licenses
Insurance
Communications and utilities
Depreciation and amortization
Rents and purchased transportation
Gain on sale of property and equipment
Pension settlement expense
Other
Asset-Based Segment Operating Income
Year Ended December 31
2015
2014
61.2 %
16.0
2.6
1.5
0.8
3.9
10.3
(0.1)
0.1
0.4
96.7 %
58.0 %
18.7
2.4
1.3
0.8
3.6
11.9
(0.1)
0.3
0.5
97.4 %
3.3 %
2.6 %
44
The following table provides a comparison of key operating statistics for the Asset-Based segment:
Year Ended December 31
2015
2014
% Change
Workdays
Billed revenue(1) per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges
Pounds
Pounds per day
Shipments per day
Shipments per DSY(2) hour
Pounds per DSY(2) hour
Pounds per shipment
Pounds per mile(3)
$
251.5
28.96 $
6,619,146,561
26,318,674
20,272
0.451
585.42
1,298
19.48
251.5
28.74
6,717,820,225
26,711,015
19,803
0.456
615.22
1,349
19.96
0.8 %
(1.5)%
(1.5)%
2.4 %
(1.1)%
(4.8)%
(3.8)%
(2.4)%
(1) Revenue for undelivered freight is deferred for financial statement purposes in accordance with the revenue recognition policy.
Billed revenue used for calculating revenue per hundredweight measurements has not been adjusted for the portion of revenue
deferred for financial statement purposes.
(2) DSY measures are further discussed in Asset-Based Operating Expenses within this section of the Asset-Based Segment Results.
The Asset-Based segment uses shipments per DSY hour to measure labor efficiency in its local operations, although total pounds
per DSY hour is also a relevant measure when the average shipment size is changing.
(3) Total pounds per mile is used to measure labor efficiency of its linehaul operations, although this metric is influenced by other
factors including freight density, loading efficiency, average length of haul, and the degree to which purchased transportation,
including rail service, is used.
Asset-Based Revenues
Asset-Based segment revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $1,916.6 million, compared to
$1,928.5 million in 2014. Billed revenue (as described in footnote (1) to the key operating statistics table above) decreased
0.7% on a per-day basis in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily reflecting a 1.5% decrease in tonnage per day, partially offset
by an 0.8% increase in total billed revenue per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges. The increase in total billed
revenue per hundredweight occurred despite lower fuel surcharge revenues associated with decreased fuel prices.
The decrease in tonnage per day in 2015 compared to 2014 reflects slight growth in LTL-rated tonnage, more than offset
by a reduction in truckload-rated business. Freight market conditions, which continued to be impacted by higher customer
inventory levels and lower industrial-related manufacturing production, have contributed to tonnage decline. With the
softer freight environment, spot truckload capacity was more available in the market compared to 2014, which has provided
alternative carriers for some of our customers’ large-sized shipments. As a result, average weight per shipment declined
3.8% for 2015, compared to the prior year, while shipment counts increased during 2015.
The Asset-Based segment implemented nominal general rate increases on its LTL base rate tariffs of 4.95% effective
October 5, 2015 and 5.4% effective November 3, 2014 and March 24, 2014, although the rate changes vary by lane and
shipment characteristics. For 2015, prices on accounts subject to annually negotiated contracts which were renewed during
the period increased 4.7% compared to the prior year.
The increase in total billed revenue per hundredweight for 2015, compared to 2014, reflects changes in profile and business
mix, including a higher proportion of LTL-rated business, which generally has a higher revenue per hundredweight than
truckload-rated business. The year-over-year increase in the billed revenue per hundredweight measure was influenced by
the 2014 and 2015 general rate increases and improvements in contractual and deferred pricing, offset, in part, by lower
fuel surcharge revenue in 2015, as further discussed in the Fuel section of the Asset-Based Segment Overview of Results
of Operations. The average nominal fuel surcharge rate for 2015 dropped approximately 675 basis points from 2014 levels.
Excluding changes in fuel surcharges, the percentage increase on traditional LTL-rated business in 2015 was in the mid-
single digits compared to 2014.
Asset-Based Operating Income
The Asset-Based segment generated operating income of $62.4 million in 2015 compared to $50.1 million in 2014. The
2015 operating ratio improved by 0.7 percentage points to 96.7% from 97.4% in 2014. The Asset-Based segment’s
operating ratio was impacted by changes in operating expenses as discussed in the following paragraphs.
45
Asset-Based Operating Expenses
Labor costs, which are reported in operating expenses of the Asset-Based segment as salaries, wages, and benefits,
amounted to 61.2% and 58.0% of Asset-Based revenues for 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase as a percentage of
revenue was influenced by the effect on Asset-Based revenues of lower fuel surcharges associated with a decline in the
nominal fuel surcharge rate due to decreased fuel prices. Management believes that productivity declines, as further
described in the following paragraph, have contributed to excess labor costs relative to freight levels. The 2015 increase
in labor costs also reflects increased utilization of road drivers versus the use of purchased transportation, for which
expenses declined compared to the prior year. In addition, contractual wage and benefit rates were at higher levels as the
ABF NMFA contractual wage rate increased 2.0% effective July 1, 2014 and again on July 1, 2015. Including the effect
of the multiemployer pension plan rate freezes previously discussed in the Asset-Based Segment Overview section of
Results of Operations, the health, welfare, and pension benefit rate increased an average of approximately 3.3% and 3.7%
effective primarily on August 1, 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Shipments per DSY hour, which decreased 1.1% for 2015 compared to 2014, reflect reduced efficiency in street operations
as the segment focused on improving customer service, partially offset by improvement in dock handling. Lower weight
per shipment for 2015 also contributed to lower pounds per DSY hour and a decrease in pounds per mile compared to the
prior year. The lower weight per shipment in 2015 reflects smaller average shipment sizes and a shift in business mix.
Fuel, supplies, and expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 2.7% in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to a
decrease in the Asset-Based segment’s average fuel price per gallon (excluding sales tax) of approximately 40%.
Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue increased by 0.3% in 2015 compared to 2014 due primarily to
the timing of replacing road tractors and higher per unit costs.
Rents and purchased transportation as a percentage of revenue decreased by 1.6% in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease
was primarily attributable to lower utilization of rail and other service providers and agents and lower fuel surcharges
associated with purchased transportation services. Purchased transportation miles were down approximately 38% for 2015
from 2014, due to increased utilization of road drivers. Rental expense for revenue equipment also decreased during 2015,
compared to the prior year, reflecting improved equipment management and tractor and trailer purchases made during
2014 and 2015.
Pension settlement charges, primarily related to our nonunion defined benefit pension plan, totaled $2.4 million in 2015
versus $5.3 million in 2014.
Asset-Light Operations
Asset-Light Overview
The ArcBest and FleetNet reportable segments, combined, represent our Asset-Light operations. We continue to focus on
strategic investments in the development of our Asset-Light operations. The ArcBest segment acquired LDS in
September 2016, Bear in December 2015, and Smart Lines in January 2015. A key component of our strategy is to offer
customers a single source of end-to-end logistics solutions, designed to satisfy the complex supply chain and unique
shipping requirements they encounter. Our new corporate structure unifies our sales, pricing, customer service, marketing,
and capacity sourcing functions to better serve our customers through delivery of integrated logistics solutions.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the combined revenues of our Asset-Light operations totaled
$803.4 million, $765.4 million, and $694.5 million, respectively, accounting for approximately 30%, 29%, and 27% of
2016, 2015, and 2014 total revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations. See Note M to our consolidated
financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for descriptions of the ArcBest and
FleetNet segments and additional segment information, including revenues, operating income, and total assets for the years
ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Our Asset-Light operations are affected by general economic conditions, as
well as a number of other competitive factors that are more fully described in “Business” in Item 1 and “Risk Factors” in
Item 1A of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
46
ArcBest Segment
The following table provides a comparison of key operating statistics for the ArcBest segment:
Expedite(1)
Revenue / Shipment
Shipments / Day
Truckload and Truckload - Dedicated(2)
Revenue / Shipment
Shipments / Day
Year Over Year % Change
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
Year Ended
December 31, 2015
(5.6%)
4.0%
(18.9%)
97.2%
(13.7%)
10.8%
(15.6%)
69.2%
(1)
(2)
Expedite primarily represents the expedited operations which were previously reported in the Premium Logistics (Panther)
segment.
Truckload represents the brokerage operations and Truckload – Dedicated represents the dedicated operations of LDS, both of
which were previously reported in the Transportation Management (ABF Logistics) segment. Comparisons are impacted by the
September 2016 acquisition of LDS and the December 2015 acquisition of Bear.
The ArcBest segment revenues totaled $640.7 million, $590.4 million, and $535.9 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014,
respectively. The 8.5% increase in revenues in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily reflects incremental revenues from the
acquisitions of Bear in December 2015 and LDS in September 2016, partially offset by a decline in government shipment
levels of the segment’s household goods moving services. Revenues increased 9.9% in 2015 compared to 2014, reflecting
increased Truckload brokerage business generated from an expanded customer base and the benefit of revenues contributed
by the acquisitions of Smart Lines in January 2015 and Bear in December 2015. An increase in government household
goods moving shipments in 2015 versus 2014 also contributed to the revenue improvement. The 2015 revenue growth
comparison to 2014 was partially offset by market factors including lower fuel prices and the related impact on revenue
per shipment and macroenvironment impact from excess truckload capacity in the spot market. These factors carried over
into 2016 and negatively impacted the 2016 revenue comparison to 2015.
ArcBest segment net revenue, which is a measure of revenues less costs of purchased transportation, increased 6.7% in
2016 compared to 2015 and 1.0% in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to higher incremental revenues from the 2016
and 2015 acquisitions. ArcBest’s net revenue margin was 21.7%, 22.1%, and 24.0% in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively,
with the year-over-year declines reflecting the negative impact of excess capacity in the market during 2016 and the second
half of 2015 on revenue per shipment. As demand for truckload services improves and capacity tightens, which is believed
to have occurred somewhat in fourth quarter 2016, the cost of purchased transportation increases. Securing increases in
rates charged to customers can lag the cost increases and result in reduced net revenue margins.
Net revenue for our Expedite services declined in 2016 compared to prior year, reflecting a 5.6% decrease in revenue per
shipment and a shorter average length of haul, partially offset by a 4.0% increase in shipments per day. Net revenue for
our Truckload brokerage and Truckload-Dedicated business increased in 2016 compared to 2015, impacted by higher
shipments per day primarily associated with the acquired operations of Bear and LDS, partially offset by a decline in
revenue per shipment due to lower fuel prices and the effect of excess capacity in the spot truckload market. Excluding
the impact of acquired operations of Bear and LDS, Truckload and Truckload-Dedicated net revenue was relatively flat as
higher shipments were offset by lower revenue per shipment.
Operating income declined $13.9 million for 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to restructuring charges of $8.0 million
related to the realignment of our corporate structure (see Note O to our consolidated financial statements included in Part
II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details). Operating income was also impacted by lower margins
on ocean shipments due to market disruption related to the bankruptcy of an ocean carrier. In addition, higher operating
costs related to resources being utilized to manage the acquired operations of Bear, including systems integration, training,
and alignment of positions, negatively impacted productivity. The decrease in operating income from $22.7 million in
2014 to $20.7 million in 2015 reflects unfavorable healthcare and casualty claims, which increased operating expense by
a combined $2.2 million.
47
FleetNet Segment
FleetNet revenues, which totaled $162.6 million, $175.0 million, and $158.6 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively
decreased 7.0% in 2016 compared to 2015 and increased 10.3% in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in revenues in
2016 compared to 2015 reflects lower event activity in both roadside services and preventative maintenance, while the
increase in revenues in 2015 compared to 2014 reflects an increase in service event activity, driven by growth from new
and existing customers.
FleetNet’s operating income for 2016 was $2.4 million, compared to $3.0 million in 2015 and $3.1 million in 2014.
Operating income for 2016 was impacted by labor inefficiencies resulting from the effects of reduced events and certain
adjustments to improve customer service levels. FleetNet’s 2015 operating income benefited from higher revenues and
improved labor efficiencies; however, these improvements were more than offset by a $0.9 million charge for third-party
casualty claim costs during 2015 associated with a bankrupt customer, as well as increased healthcare costs of $0.8 million
in 2015 compared to 2014.
48
Asset-Light Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization
(“Adjusted EBITDA”)
We report our financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). However,
management believes that certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios, such as Adjusted EBITDA, utilized for
internal analysis provide analysts, investors, and others the same information that we use internally for purposes of
assessing our core operating performance and provides meaningful comparisons between current and prior period results,
as well as important information regarding performance trends. Accordingly, using these measures improves
comparability in analyzing our performance because it removes the impact of items from operating results that, in
management's opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a key
measure of performance and for business planning. The measure is particularly meaningful for analysis of our operating
performance, because it excludes amortization of acquired intangibles and software of the Asset-Light businesses, which
are significant expenses resulting from strategic decisions rather than core daily operations. Management also believes
Adjusted EBITDA to be relevant and useful information, as EBITDA is a standard measure commonly reported and widely
used by analysts, investors, and others to measure financial performance of Asset-Light businesses and the ability to
service debt obligations. Other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently; therefore, our calculation of
Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures
should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results. Adjusted EBITDA should not be
construed as a better measurement than operating income, operating cash flow, net income, or earnings per share, as
determined under GAAP.
Asset-Light Adjusted EBITDA
Year Ended December 31
2016
Operating Depreciation and Restructuring Adjusted
Income(1)
EBITDA
Amortization(2)
Charges(3)
ArcBest
FleetNet
Asset-Light Adjusted EBITDA
$
$
6,864 $
2,425
9,289 $
(in thousands)
14,151
$
1,209
$
15,360
8,038
245
$ 29,053
3,879
$ 32,932
8,283
Year Ended December 31
2015(4)
Operating Depreciation and Adjusted
Amortization(2) EBITDA
Income(1)
(in thousands)
ArcBest
FleetNet
Asset-Light Adjusted EBITDA
$ 20,792 $
2,954
$ 23,746 $
13,375
1,119
14,494
$ 34,167
4,073
$ 38,240
ArcBest
FleetNet
Asset-Light Adjusted EBITDA
Year Ended December 31
2014(4)
Operating Depreciation and Adjusted
Amortization(2) EBITDA
Income(1)
(in thousands)
$ 22,654 $
3,122
$ 25,776 $
13,329
$ 35,983
961
4,083
14,290
$ 40,066
(1) The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA as presented in this table begins with operating income, as other income (costs), income
taxes, and net income are reported at the consolidated level and not included in the operating segment financial information
evaluated by management to make operating decisions. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to consolidated net income
in the Consolidated Results section of Results of Operations.
(2) For the ArcBest segment, depreciation and amortization includes amortization of acquired intangibles of $4.0 million, $3.7 million,
and $4.2 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and amortization of acquired software of $4.3 million in 2016 and
$4.5 million in each of 2015 and 2014.
(3) Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of our corporate structure.
(4) Certain restatements have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation,
reflecting the realignment of our corporate structure.
49
Seasonality
Our operations are impacted by seasonal fluctuations which affect tonnage, shipment levels, and demand for our services
and, consequently, revenues and operating results. Freight shipments and operating costs of our Asset-Based and ArcBest
segments can be adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. The second and third calendar quarters of each year
usually have the highest tonnage levels, while the first quarter generally has the lowest, although other factors, including
the state of the U.S. and global economies, may influence quarterly freight tonnage levels.
Expedite shipments of the ArcBest segment may decline during winter months because of post-holiday slowdowns but
can be subject to short-term increases depending on the impact of weather disruptions to customers’ supply chains. Plant
shutdowns during summer months may affect shipments for automotive and manufacturing customers of the ArcBest
segment, but severe weather events can result in higher demand for expedited services. The household goods 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 moving services is typically stronger in the summer months. Seasonal
fluctuations are less apparent in the operating results of the Truckload and Truckload-Dedicated services of the ArcBest
segment than in the industry as a whole because of business growth, including acquisitions, in this service offering of the
segment.
Emergency roadside service events of the FleetNet segment are favorably impacted by severe weather conditions that
affect commercial vehicle operations and the segment’s results of operations will be influenced by seasonal variations in
service event volume.
Effects of Inflation
Generally, inflationary increases in labor and fuel costs as they relate to our Asset-Based operations have historically been
mostly offset through price increases and fuel surcharges. In periods of increasing fuel prices, the effect of higher
associated fuel surcharges on the overall price to the customer influences our ability to obtain increases in base freight
rates. In addition, certain nonstandard arrangements with some of our customers have limited the amount of fuel surcharge
recovered. The timing and extent of base price increases on our Asset-Based revenues may not correspond with contractual
increases in wage rates and other inflationary increases in cost elements and, as a result, could adversely impact our
operating results.
In addition, partly as a result of inflationary pressures, our revenue equipment (tractors and trailers) will very likely be
replaced at higher per unit costs, which could result in higher depreciation charges on a per-unit basis. Our Asset-Based
operations also continue to experience increased costs of operating revenue equipment. We consider these costs in setting
our pricing policies, although the overall freight rate structure is governed by market forces based on value provided to
the customer. The pricing environment has been very competitive during recessionary and uncertain economic conditions
and, although our year-over-year base LTL pricing improved during 2016 compared to 2015 and 2014, the lengthy process
required to restore profitable pricing levels has limited our ability to fully offset inflationary and contractual cost increases
in the Asset-Based segment.
Generally, inflationary increases in labor and operating costs regarding our Asset-Light operations have historically been
offset through price increases. The pricing environment, however, generally becomes more competitive during economic
downturns, which may, as it has in the past, affect the ability to obtain price increases from customers.
In addition to general effects of inflation, the motor carrier freight transportation industry faces rising costs related to
compliance with government regulations on safety, equipment design and maintenance, driver utilization, emissions, and
fuel economy.
50
Environmental and Legal Matters
We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things: emissions
control, transportation or handling of hazardous materials, underground and aboveground storage tanks, stormwater
pollution prevention, contingency planning for spills of petroleum products, and disposal of waste oil. We may transport
or arrange for the transportation of hazardous materials and explosives, and we operate in industrial areas where truck
terminals and other industrial activities are located and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination
could occur. See Note P to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K for further discussion of the environmental matters to which we are subject and the reserves we currently have
recorded in our consolidated financial statements for amounts related to such matters.
We are involved in various legal actions, the majority of which arise in the ordinary course of business. We maintain
liability insurance against certain risks arising out of the normal course of our business, subject to certain self-insured
retention limits. We routinely establish and review the adequacy of reserves for estimated legal, environmental, and self-
insurance exposures. While management believes that amounts accrued in the consolidated financial statements are
adequate, estimates of these liabilities may change as circumstances develop. Considering amounts recorded, routine legal
matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
We depend on the proper functioning and availability of our information systems, including communications and data
processing systems and proprietary software programs, that are integral to the efficient operation of our business.
Cybersecurity attacks and cyber incidents that impact the availability, reliability, speed, accuracy, or other proper
functioning of these systems or that result in confidential data being compromised could have a significant impact on our
operations. We utilize certain software applications provided by third parties, or provide underlying data which is utilized
by third parties who provide certain outsourced administrative functions, either of which may increase the risk of a
cybersecurity incident. Our information systems are protected through physical and software safeguards as well as backup
systems considered appropriate by management. However, it is not practicable to protect against the possibility of power
loss, telecommunications failures, cybersecurity attacks, and other cyber events in every potential circumstance that may
arise. To mitigate the potential for such occurrences at our corporate headquarters, we have implemented various systems,
including redundant telecommunication facilities; replication of critical data to an offsite location; a fire suppression
system to protect our on-site data center; and electrical power protection and generation facilities. We also have a
catastrophic disaster recovery plan and alternate processing capability available for our critical data processes in the event
of a catastrophe that renders our corporate headquarters unusable.
Our business interruption and cyber insurance would offset losses up to certain coverage limits in the event of a catastrophe
or certain cyber incidents; however, losses arising from a catastrophe or significant cyber incident would likely exceed our
insurance coverage and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
Furthermore, a significant cyber incident, including denial of service, system failure, security breach, intentional or
inadvertent acts by employees, disruption by malware, or other damage, could interrupt or delay our operations, damage
our reputation, cause a loss of customers, cause errors or delays in financial reporting, expose us to a risk of loss or
litigation, and/or cause us to incur significant time and expense to remedy such event. We have experienced incidents
involving attempted denial of service attacks, malware attacks, and other events intended to disrupt information systems,
wrongfully obtain valuable information, or cause other types of malicious events that could have resulted in harm to our
business. To date, the systems employed have been effective in identifying these types of events at a point when the impact
on our business could be minimized. We have made and continue to make significant financial investments in technologies
and processes to mitigate these risks. Management is not aware of any cybersecurity incident that has had a material effect
on our operations, although there can be no assurances that a cyber incident that could have a material impact to our
operations could not occur.
51
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary sources of liquidity are unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, cash generated by
operations, and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility or accounts receivable securitization program.
Cash Flow and Short-Term Investments
Components of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and restricted cash were as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
Short-term investments, primarily FDIC-insured certificates of deposit
Total unrestricted
Restricted cash(2)
Total(3)
2014
2016
Year Ended December 31
2015
(in thousands)
$ 114,280 $ 164,973 $ 157,042
45,909
202,951
1,386
$ 172,080 $ 227,954 $ 204,337
56,838
171,118
962
61,597
226,570
1,384
(1) Cash equivalents consist of money market funds and variable rate demand notes.
(2) Restricted cash represents cash deposits pledged as collateral for outstanding letters of credit in support of workers’ compensation
and third-party casualty claims liabilities (see the Financing Arrangements in this section of MD&A).
(3) Cash, variable rate demand notes, and certificates of deposit are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair
value. Money market funds are recorded at fair value based on quoted prices. At December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, cash and
cash equivalents of $39.9 million, $69.9 million, and $77.3 million, respectively, were not FDIC insured.
2016 Compared to 2015
Our unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments decreased $55.5 million from December 31, 2015 to
December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2016, cash provided by operations of $110.3 million and cash
on hand was used to fund $59.5 million of capital expenditures, net of proceeds from asset sales (and an additional
$83.4 million of revenue equipment purchases were financed with notes payable); repay $52.2 million of notes payable
and capital leases; fund the acquisition of a privately-owned businesses for net cash consideration of $24.8 million, of
which $8.0 million is held in escrow relating to the contingent consideration to be paid over the next two years upon the
achievement of certain financial targets; fund $10.5 million of internally developed software; purchase $9.5 million of
treasury stock; and pay dividends of $8.3 million on common stock.
Our cash provided by operating activities during 2016 was $35.8 million below 2015 primarily due to our operating
performance. We made a contribution to our nonunion defined benefit pension plan of $13.4 million during 2016,
compared to $0.1 million in 2015.
2015 Compared to 2014
Our unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments increased $23.6 million from December 31, 2014 to
December 31, 2015. The increase in unrestricted funds includes $35.0 million borrowed under our accounts receivable
securitization program (further described in the following Financing Arrangements section). During the year ended
December 31, 2015, cash provided by operations of $146.0 million was used to fund $71.8 million of capital expenditures,
net of proceeds from asset sales (and an additional $80.6 million of revenue equipment purchases were financed with notes
payable); repay $30.8 million of notes payable and capital leases, net of borrowings under the Credit Facility; fund the
acquisition of two privately-owned businesses for net cash consideration of $29.8 million; purchase $12.8 million of
treasury stock; and pay dividends of $6.8 million on common stock.
Financing Arrangements
Our financing arrangements are discussed further in Note G to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II,
Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
52
Credit Facility
Under our amended and restated credit agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), we have a revolving
credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) which has an initial maximum credit amount of $150.0 million, including a swing
line facility and a letter of credit sub-facility providing for the issuance of letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of
$20.0 million. The Credit Facility allows us to request additional revolving commitments or incremental term loans
thereunder up to an aggregate additional amount of $75.0 million, subject to certain additional conditions as provided in
the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Principal payments under the Credit Facility are due upon maturity of the
facility on January 2, 2020; however, borrowings may be repaid at our discretion in whole or in part at any time, without
penalty, subject to required notice periods and compliance with minimum prepayment amounts. The Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement includes certain conditions including limitations on incurrence of debt.
Interest Rate Swap
We have a five-year forward-starting interest rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount maturing on
January 2, 2020. Under the interest rate swap agreement, we receive floating-rate interest amounts based on one-month
LIBOR in exchange for fixed-rate interest payments of 1.85% over the life of the agreement. The interest rate swap
mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under our Credit Facility from variable-
rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.35% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of
December 31, 2016. The fair value of the interest rate swap liability of $0.5 million and $0.9 million was recorded in other
long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Program
Our accounts receivable securitization program, which matures on January 2, 2018, provides cash proceeds of
$100.0 million and has an accordion feature allowing us to request additional borrowings up to $25.0 million, subject to
certain conditions. Under this program, certain of our subsidiaries continuously sell a designated pool of trade accounts
receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary which, in turn, may borrow funds on a revolving basis. During 2015, we
borrowed $35.0 million under the accounts receivable securitization program to provide additional funds for investing in
our subsidiaries’ capital needs and to maintain flexibility for our growth initiatives. We are currently negotiating the terms
of an amendment to our accounts receivable securitization program, which we anticipate will become effective in
March 2017.
The accounts receivable securitization program includes a provision under which we may request and the letter of credit
issuer may issue standby letters of credit, primarily in support of workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims
liabilities in various states in which we are self-insured. The outstanding standby letters of credit reduce the availability of
borrowings under the program. As of December 31, 2016, we have available borrowing capacity of $47.0 million under
the accounts receivable securitization program.
Letter of Credit Agreements and Surety Bond Programs
As of December 31, 2016, we had letters of credit outstanding of $19.6 million (including $18.0 million issued under the
accounts receivable securitization program), of which $1.0 million were collateralized by restricted cash. We have
programs in place with multiple surety companies for the issuance of surety bonds in support of our self-insurance program.
As of December 31, 2016, surety bonds outstanding related to our self-insurance program totaled $56.5 million.
Notes Payable and Capital Leases
We financed the purchase of certain revenue equipment related to our Asset-Based operations through promissory note
arrangements, including $83.4 million during 2016. We acquired assets held under capital lease arrangements for certain
revenue equipment and other equipment totaling less than $0.1 million. We did not enter into any other capital lease
agreements during the year ended December 31, 2016. We intend to utilize promissory note arrangements and will consider
utilizing capital lease agreements to finance future purchases of certain revenue equipment, provided such financing is
available and the terms are acceptable to us.
53
Contractual Obligations
The following table provides our aggregate annual contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016:
Payments Due by Period
(in thousands)
1-3
Years
Less Than
1 Year
3-5
Years
Total
More Than
5 Years
Balance sheet obligations:
Credit Facility, including interest(1)(2)
Interest rate swap(1)(3)
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings, including
interest(1)(4)
Notes payable, including fixed-rate interest(1)(5)
Capital lease obligations, including fixed-rate interest(1)(6)
Postretirement health expenditures(7)
Deferred salary distributions(8)
Supplemental benefit plan distributions(9)
Voluntary savings plan distributions(10)
Off-balance sheet obligations:
Operating lease obligations, including interest(11)
Purchase obligations(12)
Total
$
76,376 $
545
1,747 $
450
4,622 $ 70,007 $
95
—
35,636
142,125
702
10,454
4,829
5,238
2,192
634
66,279
222
690
690
989
1,357
35,002
66,887
460
1,631
1,262
3,107
230
—
8,923
20
1,931
809
—
375
—
—
—
36
—
6,202
2,068
1,142
230
66,157
42,172
5,670
—
$ 386,426 $ 125,497 $ 147,194 $ 98,387 $ 15,348
16,042
280
26,484
7,414
17,961
34,478
(1) See the Financing Arrangements section of Liquidity and Capital Resources for further description of this obligation.
(2) The Credit Facility matures on January 2, 2020 with interest payments paid monthly and principal due at maturity. Future payments
due under the Credit Facility are calculated using variable interest rates based on the LIBOR swap curve, plus the anticipated
applicable margin.
(3) Amounts represent fixed interest payments net of estimated income from the interest rate swap based on the LIBOR swap curve.
(4) Amounts represent estimated payments due for the $35.0 million borrowed under the accounts receivable securitization program.
Future payments due are calculated using variable interest rates based on the LIBOR swap curve, plus the anticipated applicable
margin.
(5) Amounts represent future payments due under notes payable obligations, which relate primarily to revenue equipment.
(6) Capital lease obligations relate to terminal facilities in our Asset-Based segment. The future minimum rental commitments of lease
obligations are presented exclusive of executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes. The capital lease agreements
contain rental adjustment clauses for which the maximum amounts have been included in the contractual obligations presented.
(7) We sponsor an insured postretirement health benefit plan that provides supplemental medical benefits and dental and vision care
to certain executive officers. Amounts represent estimated projected payments, net of retiree premiums, related to postretirement
health benefits for the next ten years. These projected amounts are subject to change based upon increases and other changes in
premiums and medical costs and continuation of the plan for current participants. The accumulated benefit obligation of the
postretirement health benefit plan accrued in the consolidated balance sheet totaled $25.5 million as of December 31, 2016.
(8) We have deferred salary agreements with certain of our employees. The projected deferred salary agreement distributions are
subject to change based upon assumptions for projected salaries and retirements, deaths, disabilities, or early retirement of current
employees. Liabilities for deferred salary agreements accrued in the consolidated balance sheet totaled $3.4 million as of
December 31, 2016.
(9) We have an unfunded supplemental benefit plan (“SBP”) for the purpose of supplementing benefits under the nonunion defined
benefit pension plan for certain executive officers. The amounts and dates of distributions in future periods are dependent upon
actual retirement dates of eligible officers and other events and factors. The accumulated benefit obligation of the SBP accrued in
the consolidated balance sheet totaled $4.8 million as of December 31, 2016.
(10) We maintain a Voluntary Savings Plan (“VSP”), a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain executives.
As of December 31, 2016, VSP related assets totaling $2.2 million were included in other assets with a corresponding amount
54
recorded in other liabilities. Elective distributions anticipated under this plan are presented. Future distributions are subject to
change for retirement, death, disability, or timing of distribution elections by plan participants.
(11) While we own the majority of our larger terminals, distribution centers, and administrative offices, we lease certain facilities and
equipment. As of December 31, 2016, we had future minimum rental commitments, net of noncancelable subleases, totaling
$60.1 million for facilities and $6.0 million for equipment. The future minimum rental commitments are presented exclusive of
executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes.
(12) Purchase obligations include authorizations to purchase and binding agreements with vendors relating to certain construction costs
associated with a call center and office facility, software, certain service contracts, revenue equipment primarily used in our Asset-
Based operations, other equipment, and other items for which amounts were not accrued in the consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 2016. Purchase obligations for costs associated with a call center and office facility, revenue equipment, and other
equipment are included in our 2017 capital expenditure plan.
Based upon currently available actuarial information, which is subject to change upon completion of the 2017 actuarial
valuation of the plan, we do not expect to have cash outlays for required minimum contributions to our nonunion defined
benefit pension plan in 2017. The plan had an adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) of 107.8% as of
the January 1, 2016 valuation date. The AFTAP is determined by measurements prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code,
which differ from the funding measurements for financial statement reporting purposes. As of December 31, 2016, the
nonunion defined benefit pension plan was 95.3% funded on a projected benefit obligation basis (see Note I to our
consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries reported in our Asset-Based operating segment contribute to
multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans based generally on the time worked by its contractual employees, as
specified in the collective bargaining agreement and other supporting supplemental agreements (see Note I to our
consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
As of December 31, 2016, $6.8 million estimated fair value of outstanding contingent consideration related to the
September 2016 acquisition of LDS was recorded in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities based on when
expected payouts become due over the next two years upon the achievement of certain financial targets. We have
$8.0 million held in escrow for the contingent consideration that was recorded in other long-term assets at the acquisition
date. The liability for contingent consideration is remeasured at each quarterly reporting period and any change in fair
value as a result of the recurring assessments is recognized in operating income. (See Note A and Note C to our
consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Capital Expenditures
The following table sets forth our historical capital expenditures for the periods indicated below:
Capital expenditures, gross including notes payable and capital leases
Less financing from notes payable and capital lease obligations
Capital expenditures, net of notes payable and capital leases
Less proceeds from asset sales
Total capital expenditures, net
2016
Year Ended December 31
2015
(in thousands)
2014
$
$
151,637 $
83,366
68,271
8,804
59,467 $
159,017 $
80,592
78,425
6,639
71,786 $
90,808
55,325
35,483
4,928
30,555
The variation in our net capital expenditures for the years presented above primarily relate to the replacement of older
revenue equipment and the use of notes payable and capital leases to finance the revenue equipment purchases.
For 2017, our total capital expenditures, including amounts financed, are estimated to range from $145.0 million to
$170.0 million, net of asset sales. These 2017 estimated capital expenditures include revenue equipment purchases of
$94.0 million primarily for our Asset-Based operations. Expected real estate expenditures totaling approximately
$32.0 million are for expansion opportunities and completion of previously disclosed call center facilities and office
buildings, a portion of which replaces leased space. The remainder of 2017 expected capital expenditures includes costs
of other facility and handling equipment for our Asset-Based operations and technology enhancements across the
enterprise. We have the flexibility to adjust planned 2017 capital expenditures as business levels dictate. Depreciation and
amortization expense is estimated to be in a range of $105.0 million to $115.0 million in 2017.
55
Other Liquidity Information
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, including amounts restricted, totaled $172.1 million at December 31,
2016. We generated $110.3 million, $146.0 million, and $143.8 million of operating cash flow during 2016, 2015, and
2014, respectively. However, general economic conditions, along with competitive market factors and the related impact
on our business, primarily the tonnage and pricing levels that the Asset-Based segment receives for its services, could
affect our ability to generate cash from operations and maintain cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments on
hand as operating costs increase. Our Credit Facility and accounts receivable securitization program provide available
sources of liquidity with flexible borrowing and payment options. We believe these agreements provide borrowing
capacity options necessary for growth of our businesses. We believe existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term
investments, cash generated by operations, and amounts available under our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement or
accounts receivable securitization program will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including financing potential
acquisitions and the repayment of amounts due under our financing arrangements as disclosed in the Contractual
Obligations table of Liquidity and Capital Resources, for the foreseeable future. Notes payable, capital leases, and other
secured financing may also be used to fund capital expenditures, provided that such arrangements are available and the
terms are acceptable to us.
On January 31, 2017, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share to stockholders of record on
February 14, 2017 payable on February 28, 2017. We expect to continue to pay quarterly dividends on our common stock
in the foreseeable future, although there can be no assurance in this regard since future dividends will be at the discretion
of the Board of Directors and are dependent upon our future earnings, capital requirements, and financial condition,
contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends under our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (see
Note G to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form
10-K), and other factors.
We have a program in place to repurchase our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions
(see Note J the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The
program has no expiration date but may be terminated at any time at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Repurchases may
be made using cash reserves or other available sources. During 2016, we purchased 485,212 shares of our common stock
for an aggregate cost of $9.5 million, leaving $37.7 million available for repurchase under the current buyback program.
Financial Instruments
We have not historically entered into financial instruments for trading purposes, nor have we historically engaged in a
program for fuel price hedging. No such instruments were outstanding as of December 31, 2016 or 2015. We have an
interest rate swap agreement in place which is discussed in the Financing Arrangements section of Liquidity and Capital
Resources.
56
Balance Sheet Changes
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable increased $24.5 million from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016, primarily due to increased
business levels in December 2016 and balances associated with LDS which was acquired in September 2016.
Goodwill
Goodwill increased $12.4 million from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016, primarily due to the 2016 acquisition
of LDS.
Other Assets
Other long-term assets increased $11.6 million from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016, due to deposits held to
fund the contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of LDS, increases in the cash surrender value of life
insurance policies, and prepayments of certain contracts.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2016, our off-balance sheet arrangements of $108.3 million included purchase obligations and future
minimum rental commitments under operating lease agreements, primarily for terminal facilities, net of noncancelable
subleases, as disclosed in the Contractual Obligations section of Liquidity and Capital Resources.
We have no investments, loans, or any other known contractual arrangements with unconsolidated special-purpose entities,
variable interest entities, or financial partnerships and had no outstanding loans with our executive officers or directors.
INCOME TAXES
Our effective tax rate was 34.1%, 38.3%, and 34.6% of pre-tax income for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The
difference between our effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate for 2016 and 2014 primarily results from state
income taxes, the effect of changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance, life insurance proceeds, the alternative
fuel tax credit, and non-deductible expenses. The difference between our effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate
for 2015 primarily results from state income taxes, non-deductible expenses, and the alternative fuel tax credit, as there
was little or no impact from changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance and life insurance proceeds in 2015. The
alternative fuel tax credit was retroactively reinstated to January 1, 2015 in December 2015 and to January 1, 2014 in
December 2014, which resulted in recognition of a $1.1 million benefit in each of 2015 and 2014. The effective rate for
2014 was also affected by a net decrease of approximately $0.7 million in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.
The decrease in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets in 2014 was based on management’s judgment regarding
the realization of deferred tax assets as affected by taxable income for the period and consideration of the other factors
that affected 2014.
For 2017, the effective tax rate will depend largely on pre-tax income or loss levels. Our U.S. statutory tax rate is 35% and
the average state tax rate, net of the associated federal deduction, is approximately 3%. However, various factors, including
the amount of pre-tax income or loss, may cause the full year 2017 tax rate to vary significantly from the statutory rate.
The alternative fuel tax credit expired December 31, 2016 and, as a result, the effective tax rate for 2017 will be increased
by the effect of the annual credit, which was $1.1 million to $1.2 million each year for 2014 through 2016. Due to the
impact of non-deductible expenses, lower levels of pre-tax income result in a higher tax rate on income and a lower benefit
rate on losses. As pre-tax income or pre-tax losses increase, the impact of non-deductible expenses on the overall rate
declines.
At December 31, 2016, we had net deferred tax liabilities after valuation allowances of $51.9 million. After excluding
$13.2 million of deferred tax liabilities, which were related to indefinite-lived intangible assets, resulting from business
acquisitions and for which the underlying tax and book basis are not expected to change in the foreseeable future, remaining
net deferred tax liabilities were $38.7 million.
Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets totaled $0.3 million at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The need for
additional valuation allowances is continually monitored by management.
57
Prior to 2013, we had no reserves for uncertain tax positions. In 2013, we established a reserve for uncertain tax positions
of $0.3 million relating to tax credits claimed on an amended return for 2009. In 2014, we increased the reserve by
$0.4 million relating to the tax credit on an amended return for 2010. No regulations have been issued by the U.S. Internal
Revenue Service (the “IRS”) related to the credit and we have limited information on how the IRS may interpret the related
statute, the manner of calculation, and how the credit applies in our circumstances. Limited guidance provided by the IRS
to another taxpayer in 2015 did not provide any additional certainty about how the rules for the credit should be applied
to our tax position. As a result, we do not believe the credit meets the standard for recognition at December 31, 2016 under
the applicable accounting standards.
Financial reporting income differs significantly from taxable income because of items such as bonus or accelerated
depreciation for tax purposes, pension accounting rules, and a significant number of liabilities such as vacation pay,
workers’ compensation reserves, and other reserves, which, for tax purposes, are generally deductible only when paid. For
the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, financial reporting income exceeded taxable income; for the year ended
December 31, 2014, taxable income exceeded financial reporting income.
We made $24.3 million of federal, state, and foreign tax payments during the year ended December 31, 2016 and received
refunds of $32.5 million of federal and state taxes that were paid in prior years.
Management expects the cash outlays for income taxes will be less than reported income tax expense in 2017 due primarily
to the effect of bonus depreciation available on 2017 equipment purchases.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are based on
prior experience and other assumptions that management considers reasonable in our circumstances. Actual results could
differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions, which would affect the related amounts reported in
the financial statements.
The accounting policies that are “critical” to understanding our financial condition and results of operations and that require
management to make the most difficult judgments are described as follows.
Revenue Recognition
Asset-Based segment revenue is recognized based on relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses
recognized as incurred through a bill-by-bill analysis used to establish estimates of revenue in transit for recognition in the
appropriate reporting 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. ArcBest segment
revenues are generally recognized based on the delivery of the shipment. Service fee revenue for the FleetNet segment is
recognized upon responding to the service event. Repair revenue and expenses for the FleetNet segment are recognized at
the completion of the service by third-party vendors.
Revenue, purchased transportation expense, and third-party service expenses are reported on a gross basis for certain
shipments and services where we utilize a third-party carrier for pickup, linehaul, delivery of freight, or performance of
services but remain the primary obligor and assume collection and credit risks.
Receivable Allowance
We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical write-offs, as well as trends and factors surrounding
the credit risk of specific customers. In order to gather information regarding these trends and factors, we perform ongoing
credit evaluations of our customers. The allowance for revenue adjustments is an estimate based on historical revenue
adjustments and current information regarding trends and business changes. Actual write-offs or adjustments could differ
from the allowance estimates due to a number of factors. These factors include unanticipated changes in the overall
economic environment or factors and risks surrounding a particular customer. We continually update the history we use
to make these estimates so as to reflect the most recent trends, factors, and other information available. Accounts receivable
are written off when the accounts are turned over to a collection agency or when the accounts are determined to be
uncollectible. Actual write-offs and adjustments are charged against the allowances for doubtful accounts and revenue
adjustments. Management believes this methodology to be reliable in estimating the allowances for doubtful accounts and
58
revenue adjustments. A 10% increase in the estimate of allowances for doubtful accounts and revenue adjustments would
have decreased 2016 operating income by $0.5 million on a pre-tax basis.
Impairment Assessment of Long-Lived Assets
We review our long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and capitalized software, which are held and
used in our operations, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
the asset may not be recoverable. If such an event or change in circumstances is present, we will estimate the undiscounted
future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted
future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the related assets, we will recognize an impairment loss. The
evaluation of future cash flows requires management’s judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions. Assumptions
require considerable judgment because changes in broad economic factors and industry factors can result in variable and
volatile values. Economic factors and the industry environment were considered in assessing recoverability of long-lived
assets, including revenue equipment (tractors and trailers used in our motor carrier freight transportation operations). Our
strict equipment maintenance schedules have served to mitigate declines in the value of revenue equipment.
As part of our corporate restructuring as discussed further in Note O to our consolidated financial statements included in
Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we identified capitalized software applications with no future use due
to the combination of certain operations within the organization and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $6.2 million
related to acquired software and other applications for the year ended December 31, 2016. The impairment charge included
the write-down of $5.5 million of acquired software in the ArcBest segment to its fair value, reflecting estimated
reproduction costs less an obsolescence allowance.
Income Tax Provision and Valuation Allowances on Deferred Tax Assets
Management applies considerable judgment in estimating the consolidated income tax provision, including valuation
allowances on deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is determined by evaluating whether it
is more likely than not that the benefits of deferred tax assets will be realized through future reversal of existing taxable
temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, projected future taxable income, or tax-planning strategies.
Uncertain tax positions, which also require significant judgment, are measured to determine the amounts to be recognized
in the financial statements. The income tax provision and valuation allowances are further complicated by complex
rules administered in multiple jurisdictions, including U.S. federal, state, and foreign governments.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is recorded as the excess of an acquired entity’s purchase price over the value of the amounts assigned to
identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. As of December 31, 2016, goodwill totaled $108.9 million, of which
$108.2 million is related to acquisitions in the ArcBest segment. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is evaluated for
impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The annual impairment testing on the goodwill
balances were performed as of October 1, 2016, and it was determined that the estimated fair value of each of the reporting
units exceeded the recorded balances by an amount greater than 30% of the carrying value.
Our measurement of goodwill impairment involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its
carrying value. If the result of this comparison indicates that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying
value, an estimate of the current fair values of all assets and liabilities is made to determine the amount of implied goodwill
and, consequently, the amount of any goodwill impairment.
The evaluation of goodwill impairment requires management’s judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions to
determine the fair value of the reporting unit. Assumptions require considerable judgment because changes in broad
economic factors and industry factors can result in variable and volatile fair values. Changes in key estimates and
assumptions that impact the fair value of the operations could materially affect the impairment analysis.
In evaluating goodwill for impairment, the aggregate carrying amount of the reporting unit is compared to its fair value,
which is derived with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm and utilizing a combination of valuation methods,
including EBITDA and revenue multiples (market approach) and the present value of discounted cash flows (income
approach). Incorporation of the two methods into the impairment test supported the reasonableness of conclusions reached.
With the assistance of the valuation firm, we incorporated EBITDA and revenue multiples that were observed for recent
acquisitions and those of publicly-traded companies which have similar operations. For the 2016 annual impairment tests
of goodwill, market data suggests comparable companies are valued in the 0.30 to 0.70 times revenue range, and the
EBITDA multiples for our reporting units were in the 7.0 to 11.3 times range. The discounted cash flow models utilized
59
in the income approach incorporate discount rates, terminal multiples, and projections of future revenue, operating
margins, and net capital expenditures. The projections used have changed over time based on historical performance and
changing business conditions. Assumptions with respect to rates used to discount cash flows are dependent upon market
interest rates and the cost of capital for us and the industry at a point in time. We include a cash flow period of six years in
the income approach and an annual revenue growth rate assumption that is generally consistent with average historical
trends. Changes in cash flow assumptions or other factors that negatively impact the fair value of the operations would
influence the evaluation.
As of December 31, 2016, indefinite-lived intangible assets totaled $34.8 million, of which $32.3 million relates to the
Panther trade name. The indefinite-lived intangible assets are also not amortized but rather are evaluated for impairment
annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair
value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The annual impairment testing on the
indefinite-lived intangible assets was performed as of October 1, 2016, and it was determined that the fair value of the
Panther trade name was greater than 20% over the recorded balance.
The Panther trade name valuation model utilizes the relief from royalty method, whereby the value is determined by
calculating the after-tax cost savings associated with owning the trade name and, therefore, not having to pay royalties for
its use for the remainder of its estimated useful life. The evaluation of intangible asset impairment requires management’s
judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Assumptions require considerable judgment because changes in broad economic factors and industry factors can result in
variable and volatile fair values. Changes in key estimates and assumptions that impact the operations and resulting
revenues, royalty rates, and discount rates could materially affect the intangible asset impairment analysis.
Our finite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationship intangible assets, which totaled $45.7 million
net of accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2016, and are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives.
Finite-lived intangible assets are also evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the carrying value may not be recoverable. In reviewing finite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the carrying amount
of the asset is compared to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual
disposition. If such cash flows are not sufficient to support the recorded value, an impairment loss to reduce the carrying
value of the asset to its estimated fair value will be recognized in operating income. Management determined that finite-
lived intangible assets were not impaired as of December 31, 2016.
In its impairment assessment of goodwill and intangible assets, management also considered the total market capitalization,
which was noted to decrease from the prior year assessment date. The decrease in our market capitalization as of October 1,
2016 was believed to be attributable to general market conditions and the general state of the economy. Our market
capitalization increased significantly from October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, further indicating that no impairment
indicators are present. We believe that there is no basis for adjustment of asset values at this time.
Due to the corporate restructuring, certain changes were made to the reporting units subsequent to the October 1, 2016
annual impairment tests. We evaluated these changes as insignificant to the fair value and carrying value of each individual
reporting unit and determined no indicators of impairment exist as of December 31, 2016.
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Expense
In June 2013, we amended our nonunion defined benefit pension plan, which covers substantially all noncontractual
employees hired before January 1, 2006, to freeze, as of July 1, 2013, the participants’ final average compensation and
years of credited service upon which the benefits are generally based. Nonunion pension expense and liability are estimated
based upon a number of assumptions and using the services of a third-party actuary. The assumptions with the greatest
impact on expense are the expected return on plan assets and the rate used to discount the plan’s obligations.
We record quarterly pension settlement expense related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan when qualifying
distributions determined to be settlements are expected to exceed the estimated total annual interest cost of the plan.
Pension settlement expense for the nonunion defined benefit pension plan totaled $3.0 million (pre-tax) and $3.2 million
(pre-tax) in 2016 and 2015, respectively. We will continue to incur quarterly settlement expense related to lump-sum
benefit distributions from the nonunion defined benefit pension plan.
60
The assumptions used directly impact the net periodic benefit cost for a particular year. An actuarial gain or loss results
when actual experience varies from the assumptions or when there are changes in actuarial assumptions. Actuarial gains
and losses are not included in net periodic benefit cost in the period when they arise but are recognized as a component of
other comprehensive income or loss and subsequently amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost over the
average remaining service period of the active plan participants beginning in the following year. A corridor approach is
not used for determining amounts to be amortized.
The following table provides the key assumptions used for 2016 compared to those we anticipate using for the 2017
nonunion pension net periodic benefit cost calculation:
Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets
Year Ended December 31
2016(2)
2017(1)
3.4 %
6.5 %
3.5 %
6.5 %
(1) The discount rate presented for 2017 was determined at December 31, 2016 and will be used to calculate the first quarter 2017
nonunion pension credit. The discount rate used to calculate the pension credit for each subsequent quarter in 2017 will be
determined at the previous quarter-end remeasurement upon each quarterly pension settlement.
(2) The discount rate presented for 2016 was determined at December 31, 2015 and used to calculate first quarter 2016 nonunion
pension expense. The discount rate determined upon each quarterly settlement in 2016 at a rate of 3.0%, 2.7%, and 2.7% was used
to calculate the expense/credit for the second, third, and fourth quarter of 2016, respectively.
The discount rate is determined by matching projected cash distributions with the appropriate high-quality corporate bond
yields in a yield curve analysis to arrive at a single weighted-average rate used to discount the estimated future benefit
payments to their present value. A lower discount rate results in an increase in the projected benefit obligation when the
liability is remeasured (at December 31 of each year or upon settlement at each quarter-end, if applicable). A quarter
percentage point decrease in the discount rate would increase annual nonunion pension expense, before pension settlement
expense, by less than $0.1 million on a pre-tax basis. We establish the expected rate of return on plan assets by considering
the historical returns for the plan’s current investment mix and the plan investment advisor’s range of expected returns for
the plan’s current investment mix. The expected rate of return on plan assets represents a long-term assumption of the
plan’s portfolio performance, and we can make no assurance that the rate will be achieved. A decrease in expected returns
on plan assets increases nonunion pension expense. A quarter percentage point decrease in the expected rate of return on
plan assets would increase annual nonunion pension expense, before pension settlement expense, by approximately
$0.3 million on a pre-tax basis.
At December 31, 2016, the nonunion defined benefit pension plan had $23.3 million in unamortized actuarial losses, for
which the amortization period is approximately eight years. Excluding the effect of pension settlements and the related
quarterly remeasurements, our 2017 nonunion pension expense is estimated to include amortization of actuarial losses of
approximately $3.0 million. The comparable amortization amounts for 2016 and 2015 were $4.1 million and $3.2 million,
respectively. Our 2017 estimated nonunion pension credit, which is determined upon completion of our January 1 actuarial
valuation and will be available before our first quarter 2017 Form 10-Q filing, is expected to be $0.8 million (before
settlement expense) based on currently available actuarial information, compared to pension expense of less than
$0.1 million (before settlement expense) recognized in 2016.
The nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets include investments in cash equivalents, equity mutual funds, and equity
and income securities totaling $108.6 million which are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices (i.e., classified
as Level 1 investments in the fair value hierarchy). The remaining nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets of
$36.2 million are debt instruments, primarily corporate debt and mortgage-backed instruments, for which fair value is
determined by a pricing service using a market approach with inputs derived from observable market data (i.e., classified
as Level 2 investments in the fair value hierarchy). We reviewed the pricing methodology used by the third-party pricing
service and reviewed for reasonableness the fair value of the Level 2 pension investments which were priced using daily
bid prices.
61
Insurance Reserves
We are self-insured up to certain limits for workers’ compensation and certain third-party casualty claims. For 2016 and
2015, our self-insurance limits are effectively $1.0 million for each workers’ compensation loss and generally $1.0 million
for each third-party casualty loss. Certain of our subsidiaries have lower deductibles on their insurance for workers’
compensation and third-party casualty claims. Workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims liabilities, which
are reported in accrued expenses, totaled $85.9 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015. We do not discount our claims
liabilities.
Liabilities for self-insured workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims are based on the case-basis reserve
amounts plus an estimate of loss development and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims, which is developed from
an independent actuarial analysis. The process of determining reserve requirements utilizes historical trends and involves
an evaluation of claim frequency and severity, claims management, and other factors. Case reserves established in prior
years are evaluated as loss experience develops and new information becomes available. Adjustments to previously
estimated case reserves are reflected in financial results in the periods in which they are made. Aggregate reserves represent
the best estimate of the costs of claims incurred, and it is possible that the ultimate liability may differ significantly from
such estimates, as a result of a number of factors, including increases in medical costs and other case-specific factors. A
10% increase in the estimate of IBNR would increase total 2016 expense for workers’ compensation and third-party
casualty claims by approximately $4.0 million. The actual claims payments are charged against our accrued claims
liabilities and have been reasonable with respect to the estimates of the related liabilities.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
New accounting rules and disclosure requirements can significantly impact our reported results and the comparability of
financial statements. Accounting pronouncements which have been issued but are not yet effective for our financial
statements are disclosed in Note B to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued an accounting pronouncement related to
revenue recognition (ASC Topic 606), which amends the guidance in former ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. The
new standard provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and contains
principles to apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. In July 2015, the FASB
announced its decision to defer the effective date of the new standard for one year, making the standard effective for us on
January 1, 2018. We plan to adopt this standard using the modified retrospective approach, which requires the effects of
adoption to be reflected in beginning retained earnings, and we do not expect a significant impact on our consolidated
financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement creating ASC Topic 842, Leases. The amendment is
effective for us beginning January 1, 2019. The update will require many operating leases to be reflected as liabilities with
associated right-of-use assets in our consolidated balance sheet. We are currently assessing the impact this update will
have on our consolidated financial statements.
An amendment to ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, was issued to simplify the accounting for share-
based compensation, which will require the income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the statement of operations
when awards vest or are settled and will allow employers to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur.
We are required to adopt the amendment in the first quarter of 2017. Subsequent to adoption, we may experience volatility
in our income tax provision as a result of recording all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement
upon settlement of awards, which is primarily during the second quarter of each year. All other adopted provisions of the
amendment are not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements, including our election
to record forfeitures as they occur.
Management believes that there is no other new accounting guidance issued but not yet effective that is expected to have
a material effect on our future results of operations or financial position. However, there are new proposals under
development by the standard setting bodies which, if and when enacted, may have a significant impact on our financial
statements.
62
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risk from changes in certain interest rates, prices of diesel fuel, prices of equity and debt
securities, and foreign currency exchange rates. These market risks arise in the normal course of business, as we do not
engage in speculative trading activities.
Interest Rate Risk
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments subject to fluctuations in interest rates
totaled $172.1 million and $228.0 million, respectively. The weighted-average yield on cash, cash equivalents, and short-
term investments was 0.8% in 2016 and 0.6% in 2015. Interest income totaled $1.5 million and $1.3 million in 2016 and
2015, respectively.
Under our amended and restated credit agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) as further described
in Financing Arrangements of the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of MD&A in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K, we have a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) which had an initial maximum credit
amount of $150.0 million, including a swing line facility and a letter of credit sub-facility providing for the issuance of
letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $20.0 million. The Credit Facility allows us to request additional revolving
commitments or incremental term loans thereunder up to an aggregate additional amount of $75.0 million, subject to
certain additional conditions as provided in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Principal payments under the
Credit Facility are due upon maturity of the facility on January 2, 2020; however, borrowings may be repaid at our
discretion in whole or in part at any time, without penalty, subject to required notice periods and compliance with minimum
prepayment amounts. Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement can either be, at our election: (i) at
the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a spread; or (ii) at the Eurodollar
Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a spread. The applicable spread is dependent upon
our Adjusted Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement).
We have a five-year interest rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount maturing on January 2, 2020. The
interest rate swap requires us to pay interest of 1.85% to the counterparty in exchange for receipts of one-month LIBOR
interest payments and effectively converts $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility to fixed-rate debt with a
per annum rate of 3.35% assuming the margin currently in effect on the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2016. The
remaining $20.0 million of revolving credit borrowings under the Credit Facility are exposed to changes in market interest
rates (LIBOR).
Our accounts receivable securitization program, which matures on January 2, 2018, provides cash proceeds of
$100.0 million and has an accordion feature allowing us to request additional borrowings up to $25.0 million, subject to
certain conditions. Under this program, certain of our subsidiaries continuously sell a designated pool of trade accounts
receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary which, in turn, may borrow funds on a revolving basis. During 2015, we
borrowed $35.0 million under the accounts receivable securitization program to provide additional funds for investing in
our subsidiaries’ capital needs and to maintain flexibility for our growth initiatives. Borrowings under the facility bear
interest based on LIBOR, plus a margin, and an annual facility fee, and are considered to be priced at market for debt
instruments having similar terms and collateral requirements. We are required to make monthly interest payments, with
remaining principal outstanding due upon the maturity of the borrowing in January 2018. Our accounts receivable
securitization program is further described in Financing Arrangements of the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of
MD&A in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We also have notes payable arrangements, through ABF Freight System, Inc., to finance revenue equipment purchases as
disclosed under Financing Arrangements of the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of MD&A in Part II, Item 7 of
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The promissory notes specify the terms of the agreements, including monthly payments
which are not subject to interest rate changes. However, we could enter into additional notes payable arrangements that
will be impacted by changes in interest rates until the transactions are finalized.
63
The following table provides information about our Credit Facility, interest rate swap, accounts receivable securitization
program, and notes payable obligations as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The table presents future principal cash flows
and related weighted-average interest rates by contractual maturity dates. The fair value of the variable rate debt obligations
approximate the amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Fair value of the
notes payable was determined using a present value income approach based on quoted interest rates from lending
institutions with which we would enter into similar transactions. The Credit Facility and accounts receivable securitization
program borrowings currently carry 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. Interest rates for the contractual maturity
dates of our variable rate debt and interest rate swap are based on the LIBOR swap curve, plus the anticipated applicable
margin.
Contractual Maturity Date
Year Ended December 31
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter
Total
(in thousands, except interest rates)
December 31
2016
Fair
Value
2015
Fair
Value
Total
(in thousands)
Fixed-rate debt:
Notes
payable
$ 63,953 $ 46,047
$ 19,262
$ 5,149
$ 3,584
$
37
$ 138,032 $ 137,503 $ 106,703 $ 106,495
Weighted-
average
interest rate
2.15 %
2.22 %
2.35 %
2.40 %
2.40 %
2.90 %
Variable-rate
debt:
Credit
Facility
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ 70,000
$
—
$
—
$ 70,000 $ 70,000 $ 70,000 $ 70,000
Projected
interest rate
2.46 %
3.06 %
3.45 %
3.57 %
— %
— %
Accounts
receivable
securitization
program
$ —
$ 35,000
$
—
$ —
$ —
$
—
$ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 35,000
Projected
interest rate
Interest rate
swap(1)
Fixed interest
payments
Fixed
interest rate
$
1.79 %
2.13 %
— %
— %
— %
— %
938
$
938
$
938
$
3
$
—
$
—
$
— $
— $
— $
—
1.85 %
1.85 %
1.85 %
1.85 %
— %
— %
Variable
interest
receipts
$
488
$
789
$
991
$
3
$
—
$
—
$
— $
— $
— $
—
Projected
interest rate
0.96 %
1.56 %
1.95 %
2.07 %
— %
— %
(1) Our interest rate swap is recorded at fair value in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the
interest rate swap was a liability of $0.5 million and $0.9 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
We have capital lease arrangements to finance certain equipment and real estate as disclosed under Financing
Arrangements of the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of MD&A in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K. The monthly base rent for the lease terms is specified in the lease agreements and is not subject to interest rate
changes. However, we could enter into additional capital lease arrangements that will be impacted by changes in interest
rates until the transactions are finalized.
Liabilities associated with the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, the supplemental benefit plan, and the postretirement
health benefit plan are remeasured on an annual basis (and upon curtailment or settlement, if applicable) based on discount
rates which are determined by matching projected cash distributions from the plans with the appropriate high-quality
corporate bond yields in a yield curve analysis. Changes in high-quality corporate bond yields will impact interest expense
associated with the benefit plans as well as the amount of liabilities recorded as further described in the Critical Accounting
Policies section of MD&A in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
64
Other Market Risks
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents,
and short-term investments. We reduce credit risk by maintaining cash deposits primarily in FDIC-insured accounts and
placing unrestricted short-term investments primarily in FDIC-insured certificates of deposit with varying original
maturities of ninety-one days to one year. However, certain cash deposits and certificates of deposit exceed federally-
insured limits. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had cash, cash equivalents, and certificates of deposit totaling
$39.9 million and $69.9 million, respectively, which were not FDIC insured.
Equity and fixed income assets held in the qualified nonunion defined benefit pension plan trust are subject to market risk.
Plan assets include investments in cash equivalents, equity mutual funds, and equity and income securities totaling
$108.6 million and $110.3 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which are reported at fair value based on
quoted market prices. The remaining plan assets are debt instruments of $36.2 million and $26.7 million at December 31,
2016 and 2015, respectively, consisting primarily of corporate debt instruments, mortgage-backed instruments, and
treasury instruments for which fair value is determined by a pricing service using a market approach with inputs derived
from observable market data. Declines in the value of plan assets resulting from instability in the financial markets, general
economic downturn, or other economic factors beyond our control could further diminish the funded status of the nonunion
defined benefit pension plan and potentially require a significant increase in contributions to the plan. An increase in
required contributions to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan may adversely impact our financial condition and
liquidity. Substantial investment losses on plan assets would increase nonunion pension expense in the years following the
losses. Investment returns that differ from expected returns are amortized to expense over the remaining active service
period of plan participants. An increase in nonunion pension expense may adversely impact our results of operations.
A portion of the cash surrender value of variable life insurance policies, which are intended to provide funding for long-
term nonunion benefit arrangements such as the supplemental benefit plan and certain deferred compensation plans, have
investments, through separate accounts, in equity and fixed income securities and, therefore, are subject to market
volatility. The portion of cash surrender value of life insurance policies subject to market volatility was $20.1 million and
$18.4 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. A 10% change in market value of these investments would
have a $2.0 million impact on income before income taxes.
We are subject to market risk for increases in diesel fuel prices; however, this risk is mitigated by fuel surcharge revenues,
which are charged based on an index of national diesel fuel prices. When fuel surcharges constitute a higher proportion of
the total freight rate paid, customers are less receptive to increases in base freight rates. Prolonged periods of inadequate
base rate improvements adversely impact operating results, as elements of costs, including contractual wage rates, continue
to increase annually. We have not historically engaged in a program for fuel price hedging and had no fuel hedging
agreements outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Operations outside of the United States are not significant to total revenues or assets, and, accordingly, we do not have a
formal foreign currency risk management policy. Revenues from non-U.S. operations amounted to approximately 4% of
total consolidated revenues for 2016 and 2015. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have not had a material impact
on our consolidated financial statements and they are not expected to in the foreseeable future. We have not entered into
any foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative financial instruments to hedge the effects of adverse
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
65
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The following information is included in this Item 8:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2016
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
66
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of ArcBest Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ArcBest Corporation as of December 31, 2016 and
2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule
listed in Part IV, Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of ArcBest Corporation at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the
basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), ArcBest Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 28, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion
thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 28, 2017
67
ARCBEST CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Restricted cash
Accounts receivable, less allowances (2016 – $5,437; 2015 – $4,825)
Other accounts receivable, less allowances (2016 – $849; 2015 – $1,029)
Prepaid expenses
Deferred income taxes
Prepaid and refundable income taxes
Other
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land and structures
Revenue equipment
Service, office, and other equipment
Software
Leasehold improvements
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net
GOODWILL
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
Income taxes payable
Accrued expenses
Current portion of long-term debt
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT LIABILITIES
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued 2016: 28,174,424 shares; 2015:
27,938,319 shares
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Treasury stock, at cost, 2016: 2,565,399 shares; 2015: 2,080,187 shares
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
December 31
2016
2015
(in thousands, except share data)
$
114,280
56,838
962
260,643
13,334
22,124
39,599
9,909
4,300
521,989
305,507
743,860
154,119
120,877
27,337
1,351,700
819,174
532,526
108,875
80,507
66,095
$ 1,309,992
$
133,301
—
190,024
64,143
387,468
179,530
35,848
16,790
91,459
$
$
$
164,973
61,597
1,384
236,097
6,718
20,801
38,443
18,134
3,936
552,083
273,839
699,844
145,286
127,010
25,419
1,271,398
788,351
483,047
96,465
76,787
54,527
1,262,909
130,869
91
188,727
44,910
364,597
167,599
51,241
12,689
78,055
282
314,916
387,161
(80,045)
(23,417)
598,897
$ 1,309,992
279
309,653
376,827
(70,535)
(27,496)
588,728
1,262,909
$
68
ARCBEST CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
REVENUES
OPERATING EXPENSES
OPERATING INCOME
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income
Interest and other related financing costs
Other, net
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Year Ended December 31
2014
2015
2016
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
$ 2,700,219
$ 2,666,905 $
2,612,693
2,671,249
2,591,409
2,543,454
28,970
75,496
69,239
1,523
(5,150)
2,944
(683)
1,284
(4,400)
354
(2,762)
851
(3,190)
3,712
1,373
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
28,287
72,734
70,612
INCOME TAX PROVISION
NET INCOME
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE(1)
Basic
Diluted
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic
Diluted
9,635
27,880
24,435
$
18,652
$
44,854 $
46,177
$
$
0.72
0.71
$
$
1.71 $
1.67 $
1.69
1.69
25,751,544
26,256,570
26,013,716
26,530,127
25,993,255
25,993,612
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
$
0.32
$
0.26 $
0.15
(1) The Company uses the two-class method for calculating earnings per share. See Note L.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
69
ARCBEST CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET INCOME
$
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax
2016
Year Ended December 31
2015
(in thousands)
44,854
$
18,652 $
2014
46,177
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial loss, net of tax of: (2016 – $805; 2015 – $4,798; 2014 – $8,639)
Pension settlement expense, net of tax of: (2016 – $1,256; 2015 – $1,246; 2014 – $2,565)
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, net of tax of: (2016 – $1,849;
2015 – $1,571; 2014 – $979)
Net actuarial loss
Prior service credit
(1,267)
1,973
(7,535)
1,956
(13,567)
4,030
3,021
(116)
2,585
(116)
1,652
(116)
Interest rate swap and foreign currency translation:
Change in unrealized income (loss) on interest rate swap, net of tax of: (2016 – $139;
2015 – $126; 2014 – $226)
Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax of: (2016 – $149 ; 2015 – $451; 2014 –
$137)
216
252
(195)
(712)
(350)
(216)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax
4,079
(4,017)
(8,567)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
22,731 $
40,837
$
37,610
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
70
ARCBEST CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Additional
Common Stock Paid-In
Shares Amount Capital
Retained
Earnings Shares Amount
Treasury Stock
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2013
27,507
$
275
$ 296,133
$ 296,735 1,678
$ (57,770)
$
(14,912)
(in thousands)
Net income
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Issuance of common stock under share-
based compensation plans
Tax effect of share-based compensation
plans
Share-based compensation expense
Dividends declared on common stock
46,177
(8,567)
215
2
1,032
(1,118)
6,998
(4,102)
Balance at December 31, 2014
27,722
$
277
$ 303,045
$ 338,810 1,678
$ (57,770)
$
(23,479)
Net income
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Issuance of common stock under share-
based compensation plans
Tax effect of share-based compensation
plans
Share-based compensation expense
Purchase of treasury stock
Dividends declared on common stock
216
2
(2)
(1,419)
8,029
44,854
(4,017)
402
(12,765)
(6,837)
Balance at December 31, 2015
27,938
$
279
$ 309,653
$ 376,827
2,080
$ (70,535)
$
(27,496)
Net income
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Issuance of common stock under share-
based compensation plans
Tax effect of share-based compensation
plans
Share-based compensation expense
Purchase of treasury stock
Dividends declared on common stock
236
3
(3)
(2,322)
7,588
18,652
4,079
485
(9,510)
(8,318)
Balance at December 31, 2016
28,174
$
282
$ 314,916
$ 387,161
2,565
$ (80,045)
$
(23,417)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
$ 520,461
46,177
(8,567)
1,034
(1,118)
6,998
(4,102)
$ 560,883
44,854
(4,017)
—
(1,419)
8,029
(12,765)
(6,837)
$ 588,728
18,652
4,079
—
(2,322)
7,588
(9,510)
(8,318)
$ 598,897
71
ARCBEST CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
2016
Year Ended December 31
2015
(in thousands)
2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
$ 18,652 $
44,854
$ 46,177
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of intangibles
Impairment of long-lived assets
Pension settlement expense
Share-based compensation expense
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
Deferred income tax provision
Gain on sale of property and equipment
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables
Prepaid expenses
Other assets
Income taxes
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of financings
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
Purchases of short-term investments
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries
Capitalization of internally developed software
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under credit facilities
Borrowings under accounts receivable securitization program
Payments on long-term debt
Net change in book overdrafts
Net change in restricted cash
Deferred financing costs
Payment of common stock dividends
Purchases of treasury stock
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
98,814
4,239
6,244
3,229
7,588
1,643
9,522
(3,335)
89,040
4,002
—
3,202
8,029
998
16,435
(2,225)
81,870
4,352
—
6,595
6,998
1,942
4,692
(1,461)
(25,570)
(1,393)
(4,355)
6,236
(11,256)
110,258
4,242
362
1,090
(8,918)
(15,092)
146,019
(26,892)
(1,888)
889
(11,972)
32,464
143,766
(68,271)
8,804
(69,400)
74,167
(24,780)
2,780
(10,472)
(87,172)
(78,425)
6,639
(61,363)
45,831
(29,813)
—
(8,512)
(125,643)
(35,483)
4,928
(45,831)
35,853
(2,647)
—
(8,418)
(51,598)
—
—
(52,202)
(4,171)
422
—
(8,318)
(9,510)
—
(73,779)
70,000
35,000
(100,813)
3,843
2
(875)
(6,837)
(12,765)
—
(12,445)
—
—
(40,440)
2,486
516
(76)
(4,102)
—
1,136
(40,480)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
7,931
(50,693)
157,042
164,973
$ 114,280 $ 164,973
51,688
105,354
$ 157,042
NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Equipment financed
Accruals for equipment received
$ 83,366 $
397 $
$
80,592
748
$ 55,325
928
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
72
ARCBEST CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT
PRESENTATION
Organization and Description of Business
ArcBest Corporation® (the “Company”) is the parent holding company of businesses providing integrated logistics
solutions. On November 3, 2016, the Company announced its plan to implement a new corporate structure to unify its
sales, pricing, customer service, marketing, and capacity sourcing functions, and to allow the Company to operate as one
logistics provider under the ArcBestSM brand. Under the new structure, the Company’s operations are conducted through
its three reportable operating segments:
Asset-Based (formerly the Freight Transportation segment), which consists of ABF Freight System, Inc. and
certain other subsidiaries;
ArcBest, which represents the consolidation of the operations of the former Premium Logistics (Panther),
Transportation Management (ABF Logistics), and Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving) segments;
and
FleetNet (formerly the Emergency & Preventative Maintenance segment).
References to the Company in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are primarily to the Company and its subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis.
The Asset-Based segment represented approximately 70% of the Company’s 2016 revenues before other revenues and
intercompany eliminations. As of December 2016, approximately 77% of the Asset-Based segment’s employees were
covered under a collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “ABF NMFA”), with
the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”) which extends through March 31, 2018. The ABF NMFA included
a 7% wage rate reduction upon the November 3, 2013 implementation date, followed by wage rate increases of 2% on
July 1 in each of the next three years, which began in 2014, and a 2.5% increase on July 1, 2017; a one-week reduction in
annual compensated vacation effective for employee anniversary dates on or after April 1, 2013; the option to expand the
use of purchased transportation; and increased flexibility in labor work rules. The ABF NMFA and the related
supplemental agreements provide for continued contributions to various multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans
maintained for the benefit of the Asset-Based segment employees who are members of the IBT. The estimated net effect
of the November 3, 2013 wage rate reduction and the benefit rate increase which was applied retroactively to August 1,
2013 was an initial reduction of approximately 4% to the combined total contractual wage and benefit rate under the ABF
NMFA. Following the initial reduction, the combined contractual wage and benefit contribution rate under the ABF NMFA
is estimated to increase approximately 2.5% on a compounded annual basis throughout the contract period which extends
through March 31, 2018.
On September 2, 2016, the ArcBest segment acquired Logistics & Distribution Services, LLC (“LDS”), a private logistics
and distribution company, in a transaction valued at $25.0 million (subject to post-closing adjustments), reflecting net cash
consideration of $17.0 million paid at closing and an additional $8.0 million of contingent consideration to be paid over
the next two years based upon the achievement of certain financial targets. On December 1, 2015, the ArcBest segment
acquired Bear Transportation Services, L.P. (“Bear”), a privately-owned truckload brokerage firm, for net cash
consideration of $24.4 million (subject to post-closing adjustments). On January 2, 2015, the ArcBest segment acquired
Smart Lines Transportation Group, LLC (“Smart Lines”), a privately-owned truckload brokerage firm, for net cash
consideration of $5.2 million. On April 30, 2014, the Company acquired a privately-owned business which is reported
within the FleetNet reporting segment for net cash consideration of $2.6 million. As these acquired businesses are not
significant to the Company’s consolidated operating results and financial condition, pro forma financial information and
the purchase price allocations of acquired assets and liabilities have not been presented. The results of the acquired
operations subsequent to the respective acquisition dates have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements. The Company is in the process of making a final determination of acquired assets and liabilities for the LDS
transaction and the provisional measurements are subject to change during the measurement period.
On December 30, 2016, the Company divested certain subsidiaries associated with its ArcBest segment in a transaction
valued at $4.8 million, reflecting $2.8 million in net cash consideration and $2.0 million in contingent consideration. The
subsidiaries are not significant to the Company’s consolidated operating results and financial condition.
73
Financial Statement Presentation
Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Segment Information: The Company uses the “management approach” for determining its reportable segment
information. The management approach is based on the way management organizes the reportable segments within the
Company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. See Note M for further discussion of segment
reporting.
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 financial
statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates.
Restatements: Certain restatements have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current
year presentation, which reflects our new corporate structure. Segment revenues and expenses were adjusted to eliminate
certain intercompany charges consistent with the manner in which they are reported under the new corporate structure.
There was no impact on the Company’s consolidated revenues, operating expenses, operating income, or earnings per
share as a result of the restatements. See Note O for further discussion of restructuring activities.
NOTE B – ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments: Short-term investments that have a maturity of ninety days or
less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. Variable rate demand notes are classified as cash equivalents, as the
investments may be redeemed on a daily basis with the original issuer. Short-term investments consist of FDIC-insured
certificates of deposit with original maturities greater than ninety days and remaining maturities less than one year. Interest
and dividends related to cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments are included in interest and dividend income.
Restricted Cash: Cash that is pledged as collateral, primarily for the Company’s outstanding letters of credit, is classified
as restricted. The Company’s letters of credit are primarily issued in support of certain workers’ compensation and
third-party casualty claims liabilities in various states in which the Company is self-insured. The restricted cash is classified
consistent with the classification of the liabilities to which it relates and in accordance with the duration of the letters of
credit.
Restricted cash consisted of cash deposits at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Changes in the amount of restricted funds are
reflected as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Concentration of Credit Risk: The Company is potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk related to the portion
of its unrestricted and restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments which is not federally insured, as
further discussed in Note C.
The Company’s services are provided primarily to customers throughout the United States and, to a lesser extent, Canada,
Mexico, and other international locations. On a consolidated basis, the Company had no single customer representing more
than 3% of its revenues in 2016, 2015, or 2014 or more than 7% of its accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2016
and 2015. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral.
Historically, credit losses have been within management’s expectations.
Allowances: The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts, revenue adjustments, and deferred tax assets. The
Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts represents an estimate of potential accounts receivable write-offs associated
with recognized revenue based on historical trends and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. Accounts
receivable are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts and revenue adjustments when accounts are turned
over to a collection agency or when the accounts are determined to be uncollectible. The Company’s allowance for revenue
adjustments represents an estimate of potential adjustments associated with recognized revenue based upon historical
trends and current information regarding trends and business changes. The Company’s valuation allowance for deferred
tax assets is determined by evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the benefits of its deferred tax assets will be
74
realized through future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, projected
future taxable income, or tax-planning strategies.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Including Repairs and Maintenance: Purchases of property, plant and equipment are
recorded at cost. For financial reporting purposes, property, plant and equipment is depreciated principally by the
straight-line method, using the following useful lives: structures – primarily 15 to 45 years; revenue equipment – 3 to 12
years; and other equipment – 2 to 20 years. The Company utilizes tractors and trailers in its Asset-Based operations and
trailers in its ArcBest segment operations. Tractors and trailers are commonly referred to as “revenue equipment” in the
transportation business. The Company periodically reviews and adjusts, as appropriate, the residual values and useful lives
of revenue equipment and other equipment. For tax reporting purposes, accelerated depreciation or cost recovery methods
are used. Gains and losses on asset sales are reflected in the year of disposal. Exchanges of nonmonetary assets that have
commercial substance are measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. Tires purchased with revenue
equipment are capitalized as a part of the cost of such equipment, with replacement tires being expensed when placed in
service. Repair and maintenance costs associated with property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred if the costs
do not extend the useful life of the asset. If such costs do extend the useful life of the asset, the costs are capitalized and
depreciated over the appropriate remaining useful life.
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use, Including Web Site Development Costs: The Company
capitalizes the costs of software acquired from third parties and qualifying internal computer software costs incurred during
the application development stage. Costs incurred in the preliminary project stage and postimplementation-operation stage,
which includes maintenance and training costs, are expensed as incurred. For financial reporting purposes, capitalized
software costs are amortized by the straight-line method generally over 2 to 7 years. The amount of costs capitalized within
any period is dependent on the nature of software development activities and projects in each period.
Impairment Assessment of Long-Lived Assets: The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property, plant
and equipment and capitalized software, which are held and used in its operations, for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If such an event or change
in circumstances is present, the Company will estimate the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use
of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount
of the related asset, the Company will recognize an impairment loss. The Company records impairment losses in operating
income.
Assets to be disposed of are reclassified as assets held for sale at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost
to sell. Assets held for sale primarily represent Asset-Based segment nonoperating properties, older revenue equipment,
and other equipment. Adjustments to write down assets to fair value less the amount of costs to sell are reported in operating
income. Assets held for sale are expected to be disposed of by selling the assets within the next 12 months. Gains and
losses on property and equipment are reported in operating income. Assets held for sale of $1.2 million and $2.1 million
are reported within other noncurrent assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At December 31, 2016 and
2015, management was not aware of any events or circumstances indicating the Company’s long-lived assets would not
be recoverable.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets: 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. If the estimated fair value of the
reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an estimate of the current fair values of all assets and liabilities is made to
determine the amount of implied goodwill and, consequently, the amount of any goodwill impairment. 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).
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also not amortized but rather are evaluated for impairment annually or more
frequently if indicators of impairment exist. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an
impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Fair values are determined based on a discounted
cash flow model, similar to the goodwill analysis.
75
The Company’s annual impairment testing is performed as of October 1. Due to the corporate restructuring, certain
changes were made to the reporting units subsequent to the October 1, 2016 annual impairment tests. We evaluated these
changes as insignificant to the fair value and carrying value of each individual reporting unit and determined no indicators
of impairment exist as of December 31, 2016.
The Company amortizes finite-lived intangible assets over their respective estimated useful lives. Finite-lived intangible
assets are also evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may
not be recoverable. In reviewing finite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the carrying amount of the asset is compared
to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If such
cash flows are not sufficient to support the recorded value, an impairment loss to reduce the carrying value of the asset to
its estimated fair value shall be recognized in operating income.
Income Taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the temporary differences between the book value and the tax basis of
certain assets and liabilities and the tax effect of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income taxes relate
principally to asset and liability basis differences resulting from the timing of depreciation deductions and to temporary
differences in the recognition of certain revenues and expenses. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using
enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or
expense in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company classifies any interest and penalty amounts related
to income tax matters as operating expenses.
Management applies considerable judgment in determining the consolidated income tax provision, including valuation
allowances on deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is determined by evaluating whether it
is more likely than not that the benefits of deferred tax assets will be realized through future reversal of existing taxable
temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, projected future taxable income, or tax-planning strategies.
Uncertain tax positions, which also require significant judgment, are measured to determine the amounts to be recognized
in the financial statements. The income tax provision and valuation allowances are complicated by complex and frequently
changing rules administered in multiple jurisdictions, including U.S. federal, state, and foreign governments.
Book Overdrafts: Issued checks that have not cleared the bank as of December 31 result in book overdraft balances for
accounting purposes which are classified within accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Book
overdrafts amounted to $17.7 million and $21.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The change in book overdrafts is reported as a component of financing activities within the statement of cash flows.
Claims Liabilities: The Company is self-insured up to certain limits for workers’ compensation, certain third-party
casualty claims, and cargo loss and damage claims. Amounts in excess of the self-insured limits are fully insured to levels
which management considers appropriate for the Company’s operations. The Company’s claims liabilities have not been
discounted.
Liabilities for self-insured workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims are based on the case reserve amounts
plus an estimate of loss development and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims, which is developed from an
independent actuarial analysis. The process of determining reserve requirements utilizes historical trends and involves an
evaluation of claim frequency and severity, claims management, and other factors. Case reserves are evaluated as loss
experience develops and new information becomes available. Adjustments to previously estimated aggregate reserves are
reflected in financial results in the periods in which they are made. Aggregate reserves represent an estimate of the costs
of claims incurred, and it is possible that the ultimate liability may differ significantly from such estimates.
The Company develops an estimate of self-insured cargo loss and damage claims liabilities based on historical trends and
certain event-specific information.
Long-Term Debt: As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, long-term debt consisted of borrowings outstanding under the
Company’s revolving credit facility and accounts receivable securitization program, minimum principal payments due
under notes payable for the financing of revenue equipment, and the present values of net minimum lease payments under
capital lease obligations. The Company’s long-term debt and financing arrangements are further described in Note G.
76
Contingent Consideration: The Company records the estimated fair value of contingent consideration at the acquisition
date as part of the purchase price consideration for an acquisition. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability
was determined by assessing Level 3 inputs with a discounted cash flow approach using various probability-weighted
scenarios. As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of the outstanding contingent consideration of $6.8 million related to
the acquisition of LDS was recorded in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, based on when expected payouts
become due. The $8.0 million held in escrow for the contingent consideration at the acquisition date was recorded in other
long-term assets. The liability for contingent consideration is remeasured at each quarterly reporting period and any change
in fair value as a result of the recurring assessments is recognized in operating income.
Interest Rate Swap Derivative Instruments: The Company accounts for its derivative instruments as either assets or
liabilities and carries them at fair value. The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement during 2014 that was
designated as a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the interest rate swap instrument is reported
as unrealized gain or loss as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, in stockholders’
equity and the change in the unrealized gain or loss on the interest rate swap is reported in other comprehensive income or
loss, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The unrealized gain or loss is reclassified out of
accumulated other comprehensive loss into income in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction
affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the interest rate swap instrument, if any, is recognized in
current income. To receive hedge accounting treatment, cash flow hedges must be highly effective in offsetting changes
to expected future cash flows on hedged transactions.
Leases: The Company leases, under capital and operating lease arrangements, certain facilities, revenue equipment, and
certain other equipment used primarily in Asset-Based segment terminal operations. Certain of these leases contain
fluctuating or escalating payments. The related rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The
cumulative excess of rent expense over rent payments is accounted for as a deferred lease obligation. For financial
reporting purposes, assets held under capital leases are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on the same basis as
owned assets and leasehold improvements associated with assets utilized under capital or operating leases are amortized
by the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the asset’s useful life. Amortization of assets
under capital leases is included in depreciation expense. Obligations under the capital lease arrangements are included in
long-term debt, net of the current portion due, which is classified in current liabilities.
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension, Supplemental Benefit, and Postretirement Health Benefit Plans: The Company
recognizes the funded status (the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation) of its nonunion
defined benefit pension plan, supplemental benefit plan (“SBP”), and postretirement health benefit plan in the consolidated
balance sheet and recognizes changes in the funded status, net of tax, in the year in which they occur as a component of
other comprehensive income or loss. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss 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.
The expense and liability related to the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan, SBP, and postretirement health
benefit plan are measured based upon a number of assumptions and using the services of a third-party actuary. Assumptions
impacting the Company’s expense for these plans include the discount rate used to discount the plans’ obligations and, for
the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, the expected rate of return applied to the fair value of plan assets. The discount
rate is determined by matching projected cash distributions with appropriate high-quality corporate bond yields in a yield
curve analysis. The Company establishes the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets by considering the historical
returns for the plan’s current investment mix and the plan investment advisor’s range of expected returns for the plan’s
current investment mix. Assumptions are also made regarding expected retirement age, mortality, employee turnover, and
future increases in health care costs.
The assumptions used directly impact the net periodic benefit cost for a particular year. An actuarial gain or loss results
when actual experience varies from the assumptions or when there are changes in actuarial assumptions. Actuarial gains
and losses are not included in net periodic benefit cost in the period when they arise but are recognized as a component of
other comprehensive income or loss and subsequently amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.
The Company uses December 31 as the measurement date for its nonunion defined benefit pension plan, SBP, and
postretirement health benefit plan. Plan obligations are also remeasured upon curtailment and upon settlement.
77
The Company records quarterly pension settlement expense related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan when
qualifying distributions determined to be settlements are expected to exceed the estimated total annual interest cost of the
plan. Benefit distributions under the SBP individually exceed the annual interest cost of the plan, and the Company records
the related settlement expense when the amount of the benefit to be distributed is fixed, which is generally upon an
employee’s termination of employment. Pension settlement expense for the nonunion defined benefit pension and SBP
plans is presented in Note I.
Revenue Recognition: Asset-Based segment revenue is recognized based on 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 reporting period. ArcBest segment revenue is recognized based on the delivery of the
shipment to the customer-designated location. Service fee revenue for the FleetNet segment is recognized upon occurrence
of the service event. Repair revenue and expenses for the FleetNet segment are recognized at the completion of the service
by third-party vendors.
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 the primary obligor and assumes collection and credit risks.
Comprehensive Income or Loss: Comprehensive income or loss consists of net income and other comprehensive income
or loss, net of tax. Other comprehensive income or loss refers to revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are not included
in net income, but rather are recorded directly to stockholders’ equity. The Company reports the components of other
comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, by their nature and discloses the tax effect allocated to each component in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The accumulated balance of other comprehensive income or loss is
displayed separately in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and the components of the balance are reported
in Note J. The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, and the significant reclassifications
out of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss are disclosed, by component, in Note J.
Earnings Per Share: The Company uses the two-class method for calculating earnings per share due to certain equity
awards being deemed participating securities. The two-class method is an earnings allocation method under which earnings
per share is calculated for each class of common stock and participating security considering both dividends declared and
participation rights in undistributed earnings as if all such earnings had been distributed during the period. The calculation
uses the net income based on the two-class method and the weighted-average number of common shares (basic earnings
per share) or common equivalent shares outstanding (diluted earnings per share) during the applicable period. The dilutive
effect of common stock equivalents is excluded from basic earnings per common share and included in the calculation of
diluted earnings per common share.
Share-Based Compensation: The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based upon the closing market price
of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The restricted stock units generally vest at the end of a five-year
period following the date of grant, except for certain awards granted to non-employee directors that typically vest at the
end of a one-year period for awards granted on or after January 1, 2016 and at the end of a three-year period for previous
grants, subject to accelerated vesting due to death, disability, retirement, or change-in-control provisions. When restricted
stock units become vested, the Company issues new shares which are subsequently distributed. Dividends or dividend
equivalents are paid on certain restricted stock units during the vesting period. The Company recognizes the income tax
benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards as an increase in paid-in capital.
Share-based awards are amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of awards or
over the period to which the recipient first becomes eligible for retirement, whichever is shorter, with vesting accelerated
upon death or disability. Compensation expense reflects an estimate of shares expected to be forfeited over the service
period. Estimated forfeitures, which are based on historical experience, are adjusted to the extent that actual forfeitures
differ, or are expected to differ, from these estimates.
78
Fair Value Measurements: The Company discloses the fair value measurements of its financial assets and liabilities. Fair
value measurements for investments held in trust for the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan are also
disclosed. Fair value measurements are disclosed 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. The
Level 3 assessments utilize a Monte Carlo simulation with inputs including scenarios of estimated revenues and
gross margins to be achieved for applicable performance periods, probability weightings assigned to performance
scenarios, and discount rates.
Environmental Matters: The Company expenses environmental costs related to existing conditions resulting from past
or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible. Expenditures which extend the life of the
related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized. 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. The estimated liability is not reduced for possible recoveries from insurance carriers or other third parties.
Exit or Disposal Activities: The Company recognizes liabilities for costs associated with exit or disposal activities when
the liability is incurred.
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements: In the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted guidance issued by the
Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) which amended Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic
835, Interest – Imputation of Interest, and addresses the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet. The
Company’s debt issuance costs related to its revolving credit agreements continue to be presented as an asset, as permitted,
and amortized over the term of the agreements within interest expense. The new guidance did not result in retrospective
adjustments to the consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
During first quarter 2016, the Company adopted amended ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, issued by the FASB.
The amendment eliminated the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period
adjustments retrospectively and instead recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which it
determines the amount of the adjustments, including the effect on earnings of any amounts it would have recorded in
previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendment was prospectively adopted
and did not result in significant adjustments to financial statements or disclosure presentation.
In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company adopted accounting pronouncement to amend ASC Topic 205 with the addition
of Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), issued by the FASB. The amendment
requires an entity’s management to assess conditions and events to determine the entity’s ability to continue as a going
concern for each annual and interim reporting period for which financial statements are issued.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted: ASC Topic 740 was amended with the addition of Balance Sheet
Classification of Deferred Taxes. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017. The update
will result in all deferred tax assets and liabilities being classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheets.
An amendment to ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, was issued to simplify the accounting for share-
based compensation, which will require the income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the statement of operations
when awards vest or are settled and will allow employers to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur.
The Company is required to adopt the amendments in the first quarter of 2017. Subsequent to adoption, the Company may
experience volatility in its income tax provision as a result of recording all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the
income statement upon settlement of awards, which is primarily during the second quarter of each year. All other adopted
provisions of the amendment are not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements,
including the Company electing to record forfeitures as they occur.
79
ASC Topic 606, which amends the guidance in former ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, provides a single
comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and contains principles to apply to determine
the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The standard is effective for the Company on
January 1, 2018. The Company plans to adopt this standard on the modified retrospective basis and does not expect a
significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.
An amendment to ASC Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, which provides classification guidance for restricted cash
and for certain cash payments and receipts presented in the statement of cash flows, is effective for the Company beginning
January 1, 2018 and is not expected to have a significant on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASC Topic 842, Leases, which is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, will require leases with a term
greater than twelve months to be reflected as liabilities with associated right-of-use assets in the Company’s consolidated
balance sheet. The Company is evaluating the impact of the new standard on the consolidated financial statements.
An amendment to ASC Topic 326, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which changes the impairment
model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020.
The Company is currently assessing the impact this update will have on the consolidated financial statements and
disclosures.
Management believes that there is no other new accounting guidance issued but not yet effective that is relevant to the
Company’s current financial statements. However, there are new proposals under development by the standard setting
bodies which, if and when enacted, may have a significant impact on our financial statements, including changes in
disclosure requirements for income taxes and defined benefit plans.
NOTE C – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Financial Instruments
The following table presents the components of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and restricted funds:
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash deposits(1)
Variable rate demand notes(1)(2)
Money market funds(3)
Total cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Certificates of deposit(1)
Restricted cash(4)
Cash deposits(1)
December 31
December 31
2016
2015
(in thousands)
$
$
$
$
92,520 $
16,057
5,703
114,280 $
110,279
29,790
24,904
164,973
56,838 $
61,597
962 $
1,384
(1) Recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.
(2) Amounts may be redeemed on a daily basis with the original issuer.
(3) Recorded at fair value as determined by quoted market prices (see amounts presented in the table of financial assets and liabilities
measured at fair value within this Note).
(4) Amounts restricted for use are subject to change based on the requirements of the Company’s collateralized facilities (see Note G).
80
Concentrations of Credit Risk of Financial Instruments
The Company is potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk related to its cash, cash equivalents, and short-term
investments. The Company reduces credit risk by maintaining its cash deposits primarily in FDIC-insured accounts and
placing its unrestricted short-term investments primarily in FDIC-insured certificates of deposit. However, certain cash
deposits and certificates of deposit may exceed federally insured limits. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, cash and cash
equivalents totaling $39.9 million and $69.9 million, respectively, were not FDIC insured.
Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments
Fair value and carrying value disclosures of financial instruments as of December 31 are presented in the following table:
2016
2015
(in thousands)
Credit Facility(1)
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings(2)
Notes payable(3)
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
$ 70,000 $ 70,000
35,000
137,503
Fair
Value
$ 70,000
35,000
106,495
$ 243,032 $ 242,503 $ 211,703 $ 211,495
Carrying
Value
$ 70,000
35,000
106,703
35,000
138,032
(1) The revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) under the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which was
entered into in January 2015, 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, that is 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).
81
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:
Assets:
Money market funds(1)
Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary
Savings Plan(2)
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration(3)
Interest rate swap(4)
December 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices Significant Significant
In Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Observable Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
(in thousands)
$
5,703
$
5,703
$
—
$
2,220
7,923
6,775
542
7,317
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,220
7,923
—
—
—
$
$
$
—
—
—
542
542
$
$
$
—
—
—
6,775
—
6,775
December 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices Significant Significant
Observable Unobservable
In Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Total
Inputs
(Level 2)
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Money market funds(1)
Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary
Savings Plan(2)
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap(4)
(in thousands)
$
24,904
$
24,904
$
—
$
2,127
27,031
$
$
2,127
27,031
$
—
—
$
$
897
$
—
$
897
$
—
—
—
—
(3)
Included in cash equivalents.
(1)
(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.
Included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, based on when expected payouts become due. The estimated fair value
of contingent consideration for an earn-out agreement related to the September 2016 acquisition of LDS was determined by
assessing Level 3 inputs with a discounted cash flow approach using various probability-weighted scenarios. The Level 3 inputs
include scenarios of estimated revenues and gross margins to be achieved for the applicable performance periods, probability
weightings assigned to the performance scenarios, and the discount rate applied, which was 12.3% as of December 31, 2016.
Subsequent changes to the fair value as a result of recurring assessments will be recognized in operating income.
Included in other long-term liabilities. The interest rate swap fair value was determined by discounting future cash flows and
receipts based on expected interest rates observed in market interest rate curves adjusted for estimated credit valuation
considerations reflecting nonperformance risk of the Company and the counterparty, which are considered to be in Level 3 of the
fair value hierarchy. The Company assessed Level 3 inputs as insignificant to the valuation at December 31, 2016 and 2015 and
considers the interest rate swap valuation in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(4)
82
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:
Balance at December 31, 2015
Contingent consideration liability recorded at fair value for business acquisition
Change in fair value included in operating income
Balance at December 31, 2016
NOTE D – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Contingent Consideration
(in thousands)
$
$
—
6,711
64
6,775
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired.
Goodwill by reportable operating segment consisted of the following:
Balances December 31, 2014
Goodwill acquired(1)
Balances December 31, 2015
Goodwill acquired(2)
Goodwill divested(3)
Purchase accounting adjustments
Balances December 31, 2016
Total
ArcBest FleetNet
(in thousands)
$ 77,078 $ 76,448 $
19,387
19,387
$ 96,465 $ 95,835 $
12,640
(842)
612
12,640
(842)
612
$ 108,875 $ 108,245 $
630
—
630
—
—
—
630
(1) Goodwill of $4.2 million and $15.2 million related to the January 2, 2015 acquisition of Smart Lines and the December 1, 2015
acquisition of Bear, respectively, is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes.
(2) Goodwill related to the September 2, 2016 acquisition of LDS is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes. The fair value
assessment of assets and liabilities acquired with LDS was based on preliminary information as of December 31, 2016.
(3) Goodwill divested due to the sale of certain non-strategic businesses was determined based on the relative fair value of the
businesses sold to the total fair value of the reporting unit.
Intangible assets consisted of the following as of December 31:
Finite-lived intangible assets
Customer relationships(1)
Driver network
Other
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Trade name
Other
Total intangible assets
Weighted-Average
Amortization Period Cost
2016
Accumulated
Net
Amortization Value
2015
Accumulated
Net
Cost Amortization Value
(in years)
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
14
3
9
13
N/A
N/A
N/A
$ 60,431
3,200
1,032
64,663
32,300
2,500
34,800
$ 99,463
$
15,350
3,200
406
18,956
$ 45,081
—
626
45,707
N/A
N/A
$
18,956
32,300
2,500
34,800
$ 80,507
$ 52,221
3,200
1,032
56,453
32,300
2,822
35,122
$ 91,575
$
11,331
3,200
257
14,788
$ 40,890
—
775
41,665
N/A
N/A
$
14,788
32,300
2,822
35,122
$ 76,787
(1) Customer relationships include $7.7 million related to the September 2, 2016 acquisition of LDS. The fair value assessment of
assets and liabilities acquired with LDS was based on preliminary information as of December 31, 2016.
83
The future amortization for intangible assets and acquired software as of December 31, 2016 were as follows:
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter
Total amortization
Total
$
7,236
6,654
5,469
4,471
4,418
23,301
$ 51,549
Assets
(in thousands)
$ 4,538 $
4,520
4,482
4,454
4,412
23,301
$ 45,707 $
2,698
2,134
987
17
6
—
5,842
Intangible Acquired
Software(1)
(1) Acquired software is reported in property, plant and equipment.
Annual impairment evaluations of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were performed as of October 1, 2016
and 2015, and it was determined that there was no impairment of the recorded balances. In November 2016, the Company
determined it would discontinue the use of certain software applications as a result of the realignment of the Company’s
corporate structure and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $6.2 million which includes the write-down of
$5.5 million of acquired software in the ArcBest segment to its fair value, reflecting estimated reproduction costs less an
obsolescence allowance. (See Note O for disclosure of the Company’s restructuring costs.)
NOTE E – INCOME TAXES
Significant components of the provision or benefit for income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
Current provision (benefit):
Federal
State
Foreign
Deferred provision (benefit):
Federal
State
Foreign
Total provision for income taxes
2016
2015
(in thousands)
2014
$
$
(604) $
(335)
1,052
113
9,156
165
2,124
11,445
18,063
23
1,657
19,743
8,161
1,354
7
9,522
9,635
$
12,914
3,589
(68)
16,435
27,880
$
1,575
3,366
(249)
4,692
24,435
$
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
84
Components of the deferred tax provision or benefit for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
Amortization, depreciation, and basis differences for property, plant and equipment
and other long-lived assets
Amortization of intangibles
Changes in reserves for workers’ compensation, third-party casualty, and cargo
claims
Revenue recognition
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Foreign tax credit carryforward utilized
Nonunion pension and other retirement plans
Deferred compensation plans
Federal net operating loss carryforwards utilized
State net operating loss carryforwards utilized (generated)
State depreciation adjustments
Share-based compensation
Valuation allowance increase (decrease)
Leases
Other accrued expenses
Other
Deferred tax provision
2016
2015
(in thousands)
2014
$
12,182 $
(3,623)
21,098 $
(3,184)
3,579
(2,934)
362
1,862
(295)
—
3,861
203
161
(304)
(758)
(681)
(61)
(1)
(4,108)
722
9,522
$
(674)
7
307
434
(234)
541
70
623
(657)
(621)
22
(969)
1,256
(1,584)
16,435
$
(1,970)
361
(501)
665
(1,595)
350
4,472
2,812
(539)
959
(696)
237
(362)
(146)
4,692
$
Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses
Pension liabilities
Postretirement liabilities other than pensions
Share-based compensation
Federal and state net operating loss carryovers
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:
Amortization, depreciation, and basis differences for property, plant and equipment, and other
long-lived assets
Intangibles
Revenue recognition
Prepaid expenses
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities
$
2016
2015
(in thousands)
$
53,366
4,869
9,903
6,961
2,229
1,856
79,184
(293)
78,891
50,351
10,797
9,552
6,926
2,185
2,032
81,843
(354)
81,489
95,248
24,715
5,679
5,109
130,751
(51,860)
$
84,150
28,272
4,176
4,503
121,101
(39,612)
$
85
Reconciliation between the effective income tax rate, as computed on income before income taxes, and the statutory federal
income tax rate for the years ended December 31 is presented in the following table:
Income tax provision at the statutory federal rate
Federal income tax effects of:
State income taxes
Nondeductible expenses
Life insurance proceeds and changes in cash surrender value
Dividends received deduction
Alternative fuel credit
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowances
Other(1)
Federal income tax provision
State income tax provision
Foreign income tax provision
Total provision for income taxes
Effective tax rate
(1)
Includes foreign income tax provision, as presented in this table.
2016
2015
(in thousands)
2014
$
9,901 $
25,457 $
24,714
(357)
1,653
(1,001)
(11)
(1,180)
(61)
(1,387)
7,557
1,019
1,059
$
9,635
34.1 %
(1,314)
1,426
(110)
(3)
(1,141)
22
(2,267)
22,070
3,754
2,056
27,880
$
38.3 %
(1,186)
1,239
(1,329)
(6)
(1,148)
(696)
(1,950)
19,638
3,389
1,408
24,435
34.6 %
$
Income taxes paid, excluding income tax refunds, totaled $24.3 million, $39.0 million, and $40.4 million in 2016, 2015,
and 2014, respectively. Income tax refunds totaled $32.5 million, $21.3 million, and $11.9 million in 2016, 2015, and
2014, respectively.
The tax benefit for exercised options and the tax benefit of dividends on share-based payment awards, which were reflected
in paid-in capital, were less than $0.1 million for 2016 and 2015 and $0.1 million for 2014.
The Company had state net operating loss carryforwards of $29.7 million and state contribution carryforwards of
$1.1 million at December 31, 2016. These state net operating loss and contribution carryforwards expire in 5 to 20 years,
with the majority of state expirations in 15 or 20 years. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had a valuation
allowance of $0.3 million related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards, due to the uncertainty of realization. A
valuation allowance of $0.7 million relating to foreign tax credit carryforwards was reversed during 2014. Due to increased
profitability of the foreign entities and actual and forecasted U.S. income, management concluded that realization of
foreign tax credits was more likely than not.
Consolidated federal income tax returns filed for tax years through 2012 are closed by the applicable statute of limitations.
During 2014, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) completed an examination of the tax returns for 2010, 2011,
and 2012, resulting in an adjustment of less than $0.1 million. The Company is not under examination by any foreign or
state taxing authorities at December 31, 2016.
For periods subsequent to the June 15, 2012 acquisition date, Panther has been included in consolidated federal income
tax returns filed by the Company and in consolidated or combined state income tax returns in states permitting or requiring
consolidated or combined income tax returns for affiliated groups such as the Company and its subsidiaries. For periods
prior to the acquisition date, Panther and its subsidiaries filed a consolidated federal income tax return on a stand-alone
basis. The 2009 federal tax return of Panther was examined by the IRS and a report of no change was issued in 2013.
Panther’s federal tax returns for years through 2012 are now closed by the statute of limitations. At December 31, 2016,
Panther had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1.7 million from periods ending on or prior to
June 15, 2012. State net operating loss carryforwards for the same periods are approximately $6.3 million. Federal net
operating loss carryforwards will expire if not used within 15 years. State carryforward periods for Panther vary from 5 to
20 years. For federal tax purposes and for most states, the use of such carryforwards is limited by Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). The limitation applies by restricting the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that
may be used in individual tax years subsequent to the acquisition date. However, it is not expected that the Section 382
limitation will result in the expiration of net operating loss carryforwards prior to their availability under Section 382.
86
The Company established a reserve for uncertain tax positions of $0.3 million at December 31, 2013, and increased the
reserve to $0.7 million at December 31, 2014 as a result of additional credits taken on filed tax returns. The reserve relates
to certain credits claimed on amended federal returns for 2009 and 2010 and utilized on the 2013 federal return. No
regulations have been issued by the IRS related to the credit and, other than limited guidance issued to another taxpayer
whose underlying facts differ from those of the Company, there is no other guidance or case law applicable to the credit,
and the Company has no other information on how the IRS may interpret the related statute, the manner of calculation,
and how the credit applies in the Company’s circumstances. As a result, the Company does not believe the credit meets
the standard for recognition at December 31, 2016 under the applicable accounting standards, and has not adjusted the
balance of the reserve from $0.7 million. The statute of limitations for the federal return on which these credits were
claimed will expire in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Company established a reserve for uncertain tax positions of less
than $0.1 million at December 31, 2016 as a result of research and development credits claimed on the 2015 federal return,
due to uncertainty of how the IRS will interpret regulations finalized in the fourth quarter of 2016 that relate to these
credits.
For 2016 and 2015, interest of less than $0.1 million was paid, and for 2014, no interest was paid, related to federal and
state income taxes. Accrued interest on the foreign income tax obligations of less than $0.1 million remained at
December 31, 2016. Any interest or penalties related to income taxes are charged to operating expenses.
NOTE F – OPERATING LEASES AND COMMITMENTS
While the Company maintains ownership of most of its larger terminals and distribution centers, certain facilities and
equipment are leased. Certain of the leases are renewable for additional periods with similar rent payments. Rental expense
for operating leases, including rentals with initial terms of less than one year, totaled $26.7 million, $25.0 million, and
$30.2 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
The future minimum rental commitments, net of minimum rental to be received under noncancelable subleases, as of
December 31, 2016 for all noncancelable operating leases were as follows:
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter
Land and
Structures
(in thousands)
Equipment
and
Other
Total
$
17,961 $
14,519
11,965
9,648
6,394
5,670
15,917 $
12,865
10,892
8,688
6,078
5,670
$
66,157 $
60,110 $
2,044
1,654
1,073
960
316
—
6,047
As of December 31, 2016, the Company had an $18.2 million commitment for the construction of a call center and office
building to facilitate the continuing growth in its ArcBest segment, which is expected to be completed in late second
quarter 2017.
87
NOTE G – 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:
Credit Facility (interest rate of 2.3%(1) at December 31, 2016)
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings (interest rate of 1.4% at December 31, 2016)
Notes payable (weighted-average interest rate of 2.2% at December 31, 2016)
Capital lease obligations (weighted-average interest rate of 5.8% at December 31, 2016)
Less current portion
Long-term debt, less current portion
December 31
2016
2015
(in thousands)
70,000
35,000
138,032
641
243,673
64,143
179,530
$
$
70,000
35,000
106,703
806
212,509
44,910
167,599
$
$
(1) The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility
from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest with a per annum rate of 3.35% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of
December 31, 2016.
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt obligations as of December 31, 2016 were as follows:
Notes
Accounts
Receivable
Payable
Securitization Revenue Land and
Equipment Structures
Capital Lease
Obligations(2)
Credit
Facility(1) Program(1)
Total
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter
Total payments
Less amounts representing interest
Long-term debt
$
68,882 $ 1,747 $
84,606
22,365
75,330
3,620
36
254,839
11,166
2,170
2,452
70,007
—
—
76,376
6,376
$ 243,673 $ 70,000 $
(in thousands)
634
35,002
—
—
—
—
35,636
636
35,000
$ 66,279 $
47,207
19,680
5,303
3,620
36
142,125
4,093
$ 138,032 $
222
227
233
20
—
—
702
61
641
(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 at December 31 were included in property, plant and equipment
as follows:
Revenue equipment
Land and structures (terminals)
Service, office, and other equipment
Total assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)
Net assets securing notes payable or held under capital leases
2016
2015
(in thousands)
$ 220,566 $ 136,698
1,794
—
138,492
25,120
$ 113,372
1,794
7
222,367
61,643
$ 160,724
(1) Amortization of assets held under capital leases and depreciation of assets securing notes payable are included in depreciation
expense.
88
The Company’s long-term debt obligations have a weighted-average interest rate of 2.3% at December 31, 2016. The
Company paid interest of $4.5 million, $4.0 million, and $2.7 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, net of
capitalized interest which totaled $0.7 million, $0.2 million, and $0.1 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Financing Arrangements
Credit Facility
On January 2, 2015, the Company and its lenders entered into an agreement to amend and restate the credit agreement (the
“Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement refinanced a $70.0 million
term loan, which was outstanding under the Company’s previous credit agreement at December 31, 2014, with a revolving
credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility, which matures on January 2, 2020, has an initial maximum credit
amount of $150.0 million including a swing line facility and a letter of credit sub-facility providing for the issuance of
letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $20.0 million. The Credit Facility allows the Company to request additional
revolving commitments or incremental term loans thereunder up to an aggregate additional amount of $75.0 million,
subject to certain additional conditions as provided in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Principal payments
under the Credit Facility are due upon maturity; however, borrowings may be repaid, at the Company’s discretion, in
whole or in part at any time, without penalty, subject to required notice periods and compliance with minimum prepayment
amounts. Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement can either be, at the Company’s election: (i) at
the alternate base rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a spread; or (ii) at the Eurodollar
rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a spread. The applicable spread is dependent upon
the Company’s adjusted leverage ratio (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement). The Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement contains conditions, representations and warranties, events of default, and indemnification
provisions that are customary for financings of this type, including, but not limited to, a minimum interest coverage ratio,
a maximum adjusted leverage ratio, and limitations on incurrence of debt, investments, liens on assets, certain sale and
leaseback transactions, transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, purchases and sales of assets, and certain
restricted payments. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement at December 31, 2016.
Interest Rate Swap
In November 2014, in contemplation of the Credit Facility, the Company entered into a five-year forward-starting interest
rate swap agreement with a $50.0 million notional amount maturing on January 2, 2020. Effective January 2, 2015, the
Company began receiving floating-rate interest amounts based on one-month LIBOR in exchange for fixed-rate interest
payments of 1.85% over the life of the interest rate swap agreement. The interest rate swap mitigates interest rate risk by
effectively converting $50.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility from variable-rate interest to fixed-rate interest
with a per annum rate of 3.35% based on the margin of the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2016. The fair value of the
interest rate swap of $0.5 million and $0.9 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance
sheet at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The interest rate swap is subject to certain customary provisions that
could allow the counterparty to request immediate payment of the fair value liability upon violation of any or all of the
provisions. The Company was in compliance with all provisions of the interest rate swap agreement at December 31, 2016.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Program
On January 2, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to extend the maturity date of its accounts receivable
securitization program until January 2, 2018. On February 1, 2015, the Company amended and restated the accounts
receivable securitization program to increase the amount of cash proceeds provided under the facility from $75.0 million
to $100.0 million, with an accordion feature allowing the Company to request additional borrowings up to $25.0 million,
subject to certain conditions. Under this program, certain subsidiaries of the Company continuously sell a designated pool
of trade accounts receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary which, in turn, may borrow funds on a revolving basis. This
wholly owned consolidated subsidiary is a separate bankruptcy-remote entity, and its assets would be available only to
satisfy the claims related to the lender’s interest in the trade accounts receivables. Borrowings under the accounts
receivable securitization program bear interest based upon LIBOR, plus a margin, and an annual facility fee. The
securitization agreement contains representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default
that are customary for financings of this type, including a maximum adjusted leverage ratio covenant. As of December 31,
2016 and 2015, $35.0 million was borrowed under the accounts receivable securitization program. The Company was in
compliance with the covenants under the accounts receivable securitization program as of December 31, 2016.
89
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 December 31, 2016, standby letters of credit of $18.0 million have
been issued under the program, which reduced the available borrowing capacity to $47.0 million.
Letter of Credit Agreements and Surety Bond Programs
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had letters of credit outstanding of $19.6 million and $22.1 million,
respectively, (including $18.0 million and $20.1 million, respectively, issued under the accounts receivable securitization
program) of which $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively, were collateralized by restricted cash.
The Company has programs in place with multiple surety companies for the issuance of surety bonds in support of its self-
insurance program. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, surety bonds outstanding related to the self-insurance program
totaled $56.5 million and $44.4 million, respectively.
Notes Payable and Capital Leases
The Asset-Based segment has financed the purchase of certain revenue equipment through promissory note arrangements,
including $83.4 million, $80.6 million, and $55.3 million of revenue equipment in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
The Company has financed revenue equipment, real estate, and certain other equipment through capital lease agreements.
The ArcBest segment acquired assets held under capital lease arrangements for certain revenue equipment and other
equipment totaling less than $0.1 million during 2016. The Company did not enter into capital lease agreements during
2015 or 2014.
NOTE H – ACCRUED EXPENSES
Workers’ compensation, third-party casualty, and loss and damage claims reserves
Accrued vacation pay
Accrued compensation
Taxes other than income
Other
December 31
2016
2015
(in thousands)
$
$
95,784 $
34,939
27,826
8,284
23,191
190,024 $
96,159
33,731
27,524
7,971
23,342
188,727
NOTE I – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension, Supplemental Benefit, and Postretirement Health Benefit Plans
The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all noncontractual employees
hired before January 1, 2006. Benefits under the defined benefit pension plan are generally based on years of service and
employee compensation. 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 amendment resulted in a
plan curtailment and eliminated the service cost of the plan. 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 (see Defined Contribution Plans
section within this Note).
In consideration of the freeze of the accrual of benefits, the investment strategy has become more focused on reducing
investment, interest rate, and longevity risks in the plan. As part of this strategy, in January 2014, the plan purchased a
nonparticipating annuity contract from an insurance company to settle the pension obligation related to the vested benefits
of 375 plan participants and beneficiaries receiving monthly benefit payments at the time of the contract purchase. Upon
payment by the plan of the $25.4 million premium for the annuity contract, pension benefit obligations totaling
90
$23.3 million were irrevocably transferred to the insurance company. The Company recognized pension settlement
expense as a component of net periodic benefit cost related to the nonparticipating annuity contract purchase amount of
$25.4 million plus total lump-sum benefit distributions of $32.1 million in 2014 with corresponding reductions in the
unrecognized net actuarial loss of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan. The Company also recognized pension
settlement expense in 2016, 2015, and 2014 related to lump-sum benefit distributions from the plan. The pension settlement
expense amounts are presented in the tables within this Note. The remaining pre-tax unrecognized net actuarial loss of
$23.3 million will continue to be amortized over the average remaining future years of service of the plan participants,
which is approximately eight years. The Company will continue to incur additional quarterly pension settlement expense
related to lump-sum distributions from the nonunion defined benefit pension plan.
The Company also has an unfunded supplemental benefit plan (“SBP”) for the purpose of supplementing benefits under
the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan for executive officers designated as participants in the SBP by the
Company’s Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (“Compensation
Committee”) elected to close the SBP to new entrants and to place a cap on the maximum payment per participant to
existing participants in the SBP effective January 1, 2006. In place of the SBP, eligible officers of the Company appointed
after 2005 participate in a long-term cash incentive plan (see Cash Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan section within
this Note). Effective December 31, 2009, the Compensation Committee elected to freeze the accrual of benefits for
remaining participants under the SBP. With the exception of early retirement penalties that may apply in certain cases, the
valuation inputs for calculating the frozen SBP benefits to be paid to participants, including final average salary and the
interest rate, were frozen at December 31, 2009. As presented in the tables within this Note, pension settlement expense
and a corresponding reduction in the net actuarial loss was recorded in 2016 and 2014 related to lump-sum SBP benefit
distributions. The SBP did not incur pension settlement expense related to lump-sum distributions in 2015.
The Company sponsors an insured postretirement health benefit plan that provides supplemental medical benefits and
dental and vision benefits primarily to certain officers of the Company and certain subsidiaries. Effective January 1, 2011,
retirees began paying a portion of the premiums under the plan according to age and coverage levels. The amendment to
the plan to implement retiree premiums resulted in an unrecognized prior service credit which was recorded in accumulated
other comprehensive loss and is being amortized over approximately nine years.
The following table discloses the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets of the Company’s nonunion defined benefit
plans for years ended December 31, the measurement date of the plans:
Nonunion Defined
Benefit Pension Plan
2015
2016
Supplemental
Benefit Plan
2016
2015
(in thousands)
Postretirement
Health Benefit Plan
2015
2016
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain) loss(1)
Benefits paid
Settlement loss
Benefit obligations at end of year
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Actual return (loss) on plan assets
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
Funded status at end of year
Accumulated benefit obligation
$ 159,607
—
4,572
4,202
(16,896)
521
152,006
136,917
11,384
13,400
(16,896)
144,805
$ (7,201)
$ 152,006
$ 174,410 $ 4,917 $ 6,782 $ 24,616 $ 22,116
406
913
1,806
(625)
—
24,616
—
—
5,200
130
494
(7)
(20,892)
(246)
395
—
159,607 4,794
429
1,017
133
(663)
—
25,532
—
123
(47)
(1,941)
—
4,917
—
—
246
(246)
—
—
—
158,265
—
—
(506)
625
1,941
50
(625)
(1,941)
(20,892)
136,917
—
—
$ (22,690) $ (4,794) $ (4,917) $ (25,532) $ (24,616)
$ 159,607 $ 4,794 $ 4,917 $ 25,532 $ 24,616
—
—
663
(663)
—
(1) The actuarial loss on the nonunion defined benefit pension plan was higher for 2016, primarily due to a decrease in the discount
rate used to remeasure the plan obligation at December 31, 2016 versus December 31, 2015.
91
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31 consisted of the following:
Current liabilities (included in accrued expenses)
Noncurrent liabilities (included in pension and
postretirement liabilities)
Liabilities recognized
Nonunion Defined
Benefit Pension Plan
Supplemental
Benefit Plan
2016
2015
2016
2015
Postretirement
Health Benefit Plan
2015
2016
(in thousands)
$
—
$
—
$
(989) $
(246) $
(690) $
(736)
(7,201)
$ (7,201)
(22,690)
$ (22,690)
(3,805)
(23,880)
$ (4,794) $ (4,917) $ (25,532) $ (24,616)
(24,842)
(4,671)
The following is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s nonunion benefit plans for
the years ended December 31:
Nonunion Defined
Benefit Pension Plan
2015
2014
2016
Supplemental
Benefit Plan
2016 2015 2014
(in thousands)
Postretirement
Health Benefit Plan
2015
2014
2016
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service credit
Pension settlement expense
Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)
Net periodic benefit cost
$ — $ — $
4,572
(8,607)
—
3,023
4,087
$ 3,075 $ 2,440 $
5,200
(9,180)
—
3,202
3,218
— $ — $ —
123
6,039
130
—
—
(10,419)
—
—
—
—
5,880
206
2,398
159
152
3,898 $ 488 $ 282
429 $
$ — $
184
—
—
715
214
406 $ 280
788
913
—
—
(190)
(190)
—
—
93
853
$ 1,113 $ 1,961 $ 1,982 $ 971
1,017
—
(190)
—
705
(1) The Company amortizes actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and does not use
a corridor approach.
The following is a summary of the pension settlement distributions and pension settlement expense for the years ended
December 31:
Nonunion Defined
Benefit Pension Plan
Supplemental
Benefit Plan
2016(1)
2015(1)
2014(2)
(in thousands, except per share data)
2016
2015(3)
2014
Pension settlement distributions
Pension settlement expense, pre-tax
Pension settlement expense per diluted share, net of taxes
$ 16,515
$ 3,023
$
0.07
$ 20,622 $ 57,518 $
$ 3,202 $ 5,880 $
0.14 $
$
0.07 $
246 $ 1,941 $
— $
206 $
— $
0.01 $
853
715
0.02
(1) Pension settlement distributions represent lump-sum benefit distributions paid.
(2) Pension settlement distributions represent $32.1 million of lump-sum benefit distributions and a $25.4 million nonparticipating
annuity contract purchase.
(3) The 2015 SBP distribution represents the portion of a benefit related to an officer retirement that occurred in 2014 which was
delayed for six months after retirement in accordance with IRC Section 409A. The pension settlement expense related to this
distribution was recognized in 2014.
Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31 were the following pre-tax amounts that have not yet
been recognized in net periodic benefit cost:
Nonunion Defined
Benefit Pension Plan
2016
2015
Supplemental
Benefit Plan
Postretirement
Health Benefit Plan
2016
2015
2016
2015
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
Unrecognized prior service credit
Total
$ 23,294 $ 28,457 $
—
—
$ 23,294 $ 28,457 $
92
(in thousands)
635
—
635
$ 1,001 $ 5,708 $ 6,280
(507)
$ 1,001 $ 5,391 $ 5,773
(317)
—
The following amounts, which are reported within accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2016 are
expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2017 on a pre-tax basis. (Amounts exclude the
effect of pension settlements, which the Company will incur for the nonunion defined benefit pension plan.)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
Unrecognized prior service credit
Total
$
$
2,960
—
2,960
$
109 $
—
109 $
620
(190)
430
Nonunion
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
Supplemental Postretirement
Health
Benefit Plan
Benefit
Plan
(in thousands)
$
The discount rate is determined by matching projected cash distributions with appropriate high-quality corporate bond
yields in a yield curve analysis. Weighted-average assumptions used to determine nonunion benefit obligations at
December 31 were as follows:
Nonunion Defined
Benefit Pension Plan Benefit Plan
2016
Supplemental
2015
2016 2015 2016
Postretirement
Health Benefit Plan
2015
Discount rate
3.4 %
3.5 % 2.7 % 2.6 %
4.0 %
4.2 %
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s nonunion benefit plans for
the years ended December 31 were as follows:
Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets
Nonunion Defined
Benefit Pension Plan
2016(1) 2015(2) 2014(3) 2016 2015 2014(4) 2016 2015 2014
3.5 % 3.2 % 3.8 % 2.6 % 2.5 % 2.8 % 4.2 % 3.9 % 4.7 %
6.5 % 6.5 % 6.5 % N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Postretirement
Health Benefit Plan
Supplemental
Benefit Plan
(1) The discount rate presented was used to determine the first quarter 2016 expense, and the interim discount rate established upon
each quarterly settlement in 2016 of 3.0%, 2.7%, and 2.7% was used to calculate the expense/credit for the second, third, and fourth
quarter of 2016, respectively.
(2) The discount rate presented was used to determine the first quarter 2015 credit, and the interim discount rate established upon each
quarterly settlement in 2015 of 3.0%, 3.5%, and 3.4% was used to calculate the expense/credit for the second, third, and fourth
quarter of 2015, respectively.
(3) The discount rate presented was used to determine the first quarter 2014 credit, and the interim discount rate established upon each
quarterly settlement in 2014 of 3.5%, 3.3%, and 3.4% was used to calculate the credit for the second, third, and fourth quarter of
2014, respectively.
(4) The discount rate presented was used to determine expense for the first ten months of 2014 and the discount rate of 2.5% established
upon the October 31, 2014 settlement was used to calculate expense for the last two months of 2014.
The assumed health care cost trend rates for the Company’s postretirement health benefit plan at December 31 were as
follows:
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline
Year that the rate reaches the cost trend assumed rate
2016
2015
8.0 %
4.5 %
2031
6.7 %
4.5 %
2030
The health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the obligations reported for health care plans. A
one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on the Company’s
postretirement health benefit plan for the year ended December 31, 2016:
Effect on total of service and interest cost components
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
One Percentage Point
Increase
Decrease
(in thousands)
322 $
5,059 $
(252)
(4,036)
$
$
93
Estimated future benefit payments from the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension (paid from trust assets), SBP,
and postretirement health benefit plans, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, as of December 31, 2016 are
as follows:
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022-2026
$
$
$
$
$
$
26,608
12,386
12,372
12,543
12,031
51,341
Nonunion
Defined Benefit
Pension Plan
Supplemental Postretirement
Health
Benefit Plan
Benefit
Plan
(in thousands)
$
$
$
$
$
$
989 $
— $
3,107 $
— $
— $
— $
690
777
854
928
1,003
6,202
The Company’s contributions to the defined benefit pension plan are based upon the minimum funding levels required
under provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Pension Protection Act of
2006 (the “PPA”), with the maximum contributions not to exceed deductible limits under the IRC. Based upon currently
available actuarial information, which is subject to change upon completion of the 2017 actuarial valuation of the plan, the
Company does not expect to have cash outlays for required minimum contributions to its nonunion defined benefit pension
plan in 2017. The plan’s actuary certified the adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) to be 107.8% as
of the January 1, 2016 valuation date. The AFTAP is determined by measurements prescribed by the IRC, which differ
from the funding measurements for financial statement reporting purposes.
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets
The Company establishes the expected long-term rate of return on nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets, which
are held in trust, by considering the historical returns for the current mix of investments. In addition, consideration is given
to the range of expected returns for the current pension plan investment mix provided by the plan’s investment advisor.
This approach is intended to establish a long-term, nonvolatile rate. The Company’s long-term expected rate of return
utilized in determining its 2017 nonunion defined benefit pension plan expense is 6.5%.
The overall objectives of the investment strategy for the Company’s nonunion defined benefit plan are to achieve a rate of
return that over the long term will fund liabilities and provide for required benefits under the plan in a manner that satisfies
the fiduciary requirements of ERISA. The investment strategy aims to maximize the long-term return on plan assets subject
to an acceptable level of investment risk, liquidity risk, and funding risk utilizing target asset allocations for investments.
The plan’s long-term asset allocation policy is intended to protect or improve the purchasing power of plan assets and
provide adequate diversification to limit the possibility of experiencing a substantial loss over a one-year period.
The weighted-average target, acceptable ranges, and actual asset allocations of the Company’s nonunion defined benefit
pension plan at December 31 are summarized in the following table:
2016
Target
Allocation
Acceptable
Weighted-Average Allocation
Range
2016
2015
Equity Securities
Large Cap U.S. Equity
Mid Cap U.S. Equity
Small Cap U.S. Equity
International Equity
Income Securities
Debt Instruments
Floating Rate Loan Fund
Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
13.0 % 8.0 %- 20.0 %
7.0 %- 11.0 %
9.0
7.0 %- 11.0 %
9.0
10.0 %- 18.0 %
14.0
14.0 %
9.4
10.0
14.4
17.2 %
10.4
10.3
17.1
25.0
10.0
20.0 %- 30.0 %
3.0 %- 15.0 %
25.0
10.8
19.5
11.6
20.0
100.0 %
0.0 %- 25.0 %
16.4
100.0 %
13.9
100.0 %
94
Investment balances and results are reviewed quarterly. Investment performance is generally compared to the three-to-five
year performance of recognized market indices as well as analyzed for periods shorter than three years for each investment
fund and over five years for the total fund. Although investment allocations which fall outside the acceptable range at the
end of any quarter are usually rebalanced based on the target allocation, the Company has the discretion to maintain cash
or other short-term investments during periods of market volatility.
Certain types of investments and transactions are prohibited or restricted by the Company’s written pension investment
policy, including, but not limited to, borrowing of money; purchase of securities on margin; short sales; pledging,
mortgaging, or hypothecating securities except loans of securities that are fully-collateralized; purchase or sale of futures,
options, or derivatives for speculation or leverage; purchase or sale of commodities; or illiquid interests in real estate or
mortgages. In addition to index fund investments in equity and income securities, the plan also holds investments in
actively managed portfolios which include investments in an actively managed portfolio of mid-cap U.S. equity securities
and separate actively managed portfolios of short-term debt instruments. The short-term debt instrument portfolios include
1-3 year and 1-5 year fixed income portfolios, which aim to approximate or exceed the returns of their respective
benchmarks while preserving capital, and a total return fixed income portfolio with high quality investment grade corporate
bond and high yield bond holdings, which seeks to provide less volatility than longer duration fixed income strategies
while generating income. In addition to the requirements of the pension investment policy, certain investment restrictions
apply to the actively managed portfolios, including: guidelines for permitted investments; minimum acceptable credit
quality of securities; maximum maturity of investments; limitations on the concentration of certain types of investments;
and/or acceptable effective duration period ranges.
The fair value of the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2016, by major asset
category and fair value hierarchy level (see Fair Value Measurements accounting policy in Note B), were as follows:
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)
Debt Instruments(2)
Floating Rate Loans(3)
Large Cap U.S. Equity
Mid Cap U.S. Equity
Small Cap U.S. Equity
International Equity
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices Significant Significant
In Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Observable Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
$ 23,696 $
36,245
15,687
20,208
13,597
14,561
20,811
$ 144,805 $
(in thousands)
23,696 $
—
15,687
20,208
13,597
14,561
20,811
—
36,245
—
—
—
—
—
108,560 $ 36,245
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1) Consists primarily of money market mutual funds.
(2)
Includes corporate debt instruments (81%), mortgage-backed instruments (10%), treasury instruments (7%), municipal debt
instruments (1%), and agency debt instruments (1%) which are priced using daily bid prices. The fair value measurements are
provided by a pricing service which uses the market approach with inputs derived from observable market data.
(3) Consists of a floating rate loan mutual fund.
95
The fair value of the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2015, by major asset
category and fair value hierarchy level (see Fair Value Measurements accounting policy in Note B), were as follows:
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)
Debt Instruments(2)
Floating Rate Loans(3)
Large Cap U.S. Equity
Mid Cap U.S. Equity
Small Cap U.S. Equity
International Equity
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices Significant Significant
In Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Observable Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Inputs
(Level 3)
(in thousands)
Total
$ 19,079 $
26,662
15,868
23,459
14,276
14,135
23,438
$ 136,917 $
19,079
—
15,868
23,459
14,276
14,135
23,438
110,255
$
— $
26,662
—
—
—
—
—
$ 26,662 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1) Consists primarily of money market mutual funds.
(2)
Includes corporate debt instruments (74%), mortgage-backed instruments (17%), treasury instruments (6%), municipal debt
instruments (2%), and agency debt instruments (1%) which are priced using daily bid prices. The fair value measurements are
provided by a pricing service which uses the market approach with inputs derived from observable market data.
(3) Consists of a floating rate loan mutual fund.
Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company has deferred salary agreements with certain executives for which liabilities of $3.4 million and $3.9 million
were recorded as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The deferred salary agreements include a provision that
immediately vests all benefits and provides for a lump-sum payment upon a change in control of the Company that is
followed by a termination of the executive. The Compensation Committee elected to close the deferred salary agreement
program to new entrants effective January 1, 2006. In place of the deferred salary agreement program, officers appointed
after 2005 participate in the Cash Long-Term Incentive Plan (see Cash Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan section
within this Note).
The Company maintains a Voluntary Savings Plan (“VSP”), a nonqualified deferred compensation program for the benefit
of certain executives of the Company and certain subsidiaries. Eligible employees may defer receipt of a portion of their
salary and incentive compensation into the VSP by making an election prior to the beginning of the year in which the
salary compensation is payable and, for incentive compensation, by making an election at least six months prior to the end
of the performance period to which the incentive relates. The Company credits participants’ accounts with applicable rates
of return based on a portfolio selected by the participants from the investments available in the plan. The Company match
related to the VSP was suspended beginning January 1, 2010. All deferrals, Company match, and investment earnings are
considered part of the general assets of the Company until paid. Accordingly, the consolidated balance sheets reflect the
fair value of the aggregate participant balances, based on quoted prices of the mutual fund investments, as both an asset
and a liability of the Company. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, VSP balances of $2.2 million and $2.1 million,
respectively, were included in other long-term assets with a corresponding amount recorded in other long-term liabilities.
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company and its subsidiaries have various defined contribution 401(k) plans that cover substantially all employees.
The plans permit participants to defer a portion of their salary up to a maximum of 69% as determined under Section
401(k) of the IRC. For certain participating subsidiaries, the Company matches 50% of nonunion participant contributions
up to the first 6% of annual compensation. The plans also allow for discretionary Company contributions determined
annually. The Company’s matching expense for the 401(k) plans totaled $5.7 million, $5.5 million, and $4.9 million for
2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
96
Effective July 1, 2013, participants in the nonunion defined benefit pension plan who were active employees of the
Company became eligible for the discretionary defined contribution feature of Company’s nonunion 401(k) and defined
contribution plan in which all eligible noncontractual employees hired subsequent to December 31, 2005 also participate.
Participants are fully vested in their benefits under the defined contribution plan after three years of service. The Company
may make discretionary contributions to the defined contribution plan. In 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Company recognized
expense of $5.0 million, $9.5 million and $9.0 million, respectively, related to its contributions to the defined contribution
plan.
Cash Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan
The Company maintains a performance-based Cash Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (“LTIP”) for officers of the
Company or its subsidiaries who are not active participants in the deferred salary agreement program. The LTIP incentive,
which is generally earned over three years, is based, in part, upon a proportionate weighting of return on capital employed
and shareholder returns compared to a peer group, as specifically defined in the plan document. As of December 31, 2016,
2015, and 2014, $3.9 million, $6.7 million, $7.6 million, respectively, were accrued for future payments under the plans.
Other Plans
Other long-term assets include $47.4 million and $45.1 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in the cash
surrender value of life insurance policies. These policies are intended to provide funding for long-term nonunion benefit
arrangements such as the Company’s SBP and deferred compensation plans. A portion of the Company’s cash surrender
value of variable life insurance policies have investments, through separate accounts, in equity and fixed income securities
and, therefore, are subject to market volatility. The Company recognized gains associated with changes in the cash
surrender value and proceeds from life insurance policies of $2.9 million, $0.3 million, and $3.8 million during 2016,
2015, and 2014, respectively.
Multiemployer Plans
ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries reported in the Company’s Asset-Based operating segment (“ABF
Freight”) contribute to multiemployer pension and health and welfare plans, which have been established pursuant to the
Taft-Hartley Act, to provide benefits for its contractual employees. ABF Freight’s contributions generally are based on the
time worked by its contractual employees, in accordance with the ABF NMFA and other related supplemental agreements.
As of December 2016, approximately 77% of ABF Freight employees were covered under the ABF NMFA. ABF Freight
recognizes as expense the contractually required contributions for each period and recognizes as a liability any
contributions due and unpaid. The ABF NMFA and the related supplemental agreements provide for continued
contributions to various multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans maintained for the benefit of ABF Freight
employees who are members of the IBT. Upon implementation of the ABF NMFA on November 3, 2013, contribution
rate increases for the benefits under the collective bargaining agreement were applied retroactively to August 1, 2013. The
combined contribution rates for health, welfare, and pension benefits under the ABF NMFA may increase up to $1.00 per
hour each August 1 providing that the plans provide evidence that an increase is actuarially necessary.
The multiemployer plans to which ABF Freight segment contributes are jointly-trusteed (half of the trustees of each plan
are selected by the participating employers, the other half by the IBT) and cover collectively-bargained employees of
multiple unrelated employers. Due to the inherent nature of multiemployer plans, there are risks associated with
participation in these plans that differ from single-employer plans. Assets received by the plans are not segregated by
employer, and contributions made by one employer can be and are used to provide benefits to current and former
employees of other employers. If a participating employer in a multiemployer plan no longer contributes to the plan, the
unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers. If a participating employer in a
multiemployer pension plan completely withdraws from the plan, it owes to the plan its proportionate share of the plan’s
unfunded vested benefits, referred to as a withdrawal liability. A complete withdrawal generally occurs when the employer
permanently ceases to have an obligation to contribute to the plan. Withdrawal liability is also owed in the event the
employer withdraws from a plan in connection with a mass withdrawal, which generally occurs when all or substantially
all employers withdraw from the plan pursuant to an agreement in a relatively short period of time. Were ABF Freight to
completely withdraw from certain multiemployer pension plans, whether in connection with a mass withdrawal or
otherwise, under current law, ABF Freight would have material liabilities for its share of the unfunded vested liabilities of
each such plan.
97
Pension Plans
The 25 multiemployer pension plans to which ABF Freight contributes vary greatly in size and in funded status.
Contribution obligations to these plans are specified in the ABF NMFA, which will remain in effect through March 31,
2018. The funding obligations to the pension plans are intended to satisfy the requirements imposed by the PPA, which
was permanently extended by the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (the “Reform Act”) included in the Consolidated
and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015. Among other things, the PPA requires that “endangered” (generally
less than 80% funded and commonly called “yellow zone”) plans adopt “funding improvement plans” and that “critical”
(generally less than 65% funded and commonly called “red zone”) plans adopt “rehabilitation plans” that are intended to
improve the plan’s funded status over time. 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.
The Reform Act includes provisions to address the funding of multiemployer pension plans in “critical and declining”
status, including certain of those in which ABF Freight participates. Critical and declining status is applicable to critical
status plans that are projected to become insolvent anytime in the current plan year or during the next 14 plan years, or if
the plan is projected to become insolvent within the next 19 plan years and either the plan’s ratio of inactive participants
to active participants exceeds two to one or the plan’s funded percentage is less than 80%. 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 Treasury (the “Treasury Department”) for the reduction of
certain accrued benefits.
Based on the most recent annual funding notices the Company has received, most of which are for plan years ended
December 31, 2015, approximately 60% of the Asset-Based contributions to multiemployer pension plans were made to
plans that are in “critical and declining” status, including the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan
(the “Central States Pension Plan”) discussed below, approximately 4% were made to plans that are in “critical status” but
not “critical and declining” status, and approximately 3% were made to plans that are in “endangered status,” each as
defined by the PPA. The Asset-Based segment’s participation in multiemployer pension plans is summarized in the table
below. The multiemployer pension plans listed separately in the table represent plans that are individually significant to
the Asset-Based segment based on the amount of plan contributions. The severity of a plan’s underfunded status was also
considered in the analysis of individually significant funds to be separately disclosed.
98
Significant multiemployer pension funds and key participation information were as follows:
EIN/Pension
Legal Name of Plan Plan Number (a)
Central States,
Southeast and
Southwest Areas
Pension Plan(1)(2)
36-6044243
Pension
Protection Act
Zone Status (b)
2016
2015
FIP/RP
Status
Pending/
Implemented (c)
Contributions (d)
(in thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Surcharge
Imposed (e)
Critical
and
Declining
Critical
and
Declining Implemented(3) $ 77,891
$ 77,491
$ 74,001
No
Western
Conference of
Teamsters Pension
Plan(2)
Central
Pennsylvania
Teamsters Defined
Benefit Plan(1)(2)
I. B. of T. Union
Local No. 710
Pension Fund(5)(6)
All other plans in
the aggregate
Total
multiemployer
pension
contributions
paid(7)
91-6145047
Green
Green
No
25,075
24,474
23,030
No
23-6262789
Green
Green
No
13,381
13,147
12,810
No
36-2377656
Green(4)
Green(4)
No
9,670
10,020
9,186
No
28,122
26,766
25,150
$ 154,139
$ 151,898
$ 144,177
Table Heading Definitions
(a) The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the three-digit plan
number, if applicable.
(b) Unless otherwise noted, the most recent PPA zone status available in 2016 and 2015 is for the plan’s year-end status at
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The zone status is based on information received from the plan and was certified by
the plan’s actuary. Green zone funds are those that are in neither endangered, critical, or critical and declining status and generally
have a funded percentage of at least 80%.
(c) The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates if a funding improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP), if
applicable, is pending or has been implemented.
(d) Amounts reflect contributions made in the respective year and differ from amounts expensed during the year.
(e) The surcharge column indicates if a surcharge was paid by ABF Freight to the plan.
(1) ABF Freight System, Inc. was listed by the plan as providing more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan for the plan
(2)
years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Information for this fund was obtained from the annual funding notice, other notices received from the plan, and the Form 5500
filed for the plan years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(3) Adopted a rehabilitation plan effective March 25, 2008 as updated. Utilized amortization extension granted by the IRS
effective December 31, 2003.
(4) PPA zone status relates to plan years February 1, 2015 – January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2014 – January 31, 2015.
(5) The Company was listed by the plan as providing more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan for the plan years ended
(6)
January 31, 2016 and 2015.
Information for this fund was obtained from the annual funding notice, other notices received from the plan, and the Form 5500
filed for the plan years ended January 31, 2016 and January 31, 2015.
(7) Contribution levels can be impacted by several factors such as changes in business levels and the related time worked by
contractual employees, contractual rate increases for pension benefits, and the specific funding structure, which differs among
funds. The pension contribution rate for contractual employees increased an average of approximately 2.8%, 1.3%, and 0.8%
effective primarily on August 1, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The Supplemental Negotiating Committee for the Central
States Pension Plan approved no pension contribution increase effective August 1, 2016, 2015, and 2014. The Supplemental
Negotiating Committee for the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan approved no pension increase effective
August 1, 2016, 2015, and 2014. The year-over-year changes in multiemployer pension plan contributions presented above
were also influenced by changes in Asset-Based business levels.
99
For 2016, 2015, and 2014, 50% to 60% of Asset-Based multiemployer pension contributions were made to the Central
States Pension Plan. The funded percentage of the Central States Pension Plan, as set forth in information provided by the
Central States Pension Plan, was 42.1%, 47.9%, and 48.4% as of January 1, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
In September 2015, the Central States Pension Plan filed an application with the Treasury Department seeking approval
under the Reform Act for a pension rescue plan, which included benefit reductions for participants in the Central States
Pension Plan in an attempt to avoid the insolvency of the plan that otherwise is projected by the plan to occur. In May 2016,
the Treasury Department denied the Central States Pension Plan’s proposed rescue plan. The trustees of the Central States
Pension Plan subsequently announced that a new rescue plan would not be submitted and stated that it is not possible to
develop and implement a new rescue plan that complies with the final Reform Act regulations issued by the Treasury
Department on April 26, 2016. Although the future of the Central States Pension Plan is impacted by a number of factors,
without legislative action, the plan is currently projected to become insolvent within 10 years or less. ABF Freight’s current
collective bargaining agreement with the IBT provides for contributions to the Central States Pension Plan through
March 31, 2018, and it is ABF Freight’s understanding that its contribution rate is not expected to increase during this
period. ABF Freight’s contribution rates are made in accordance with its collective bargaining agreements with the IBT
and other related supplemental agreements. In consideration of high multiemployer contribution rates, several of the plans
in addition to the Central States Pension Plan have frozen contribution rates at current levels under ABF Freight’s current
collective bargaining agreement. Future contribution rates will be determined through the negotiation process for contract
periods following the term of the current collective bargaining agreement (though there can be no guarantees). ABF Freight
pays some of the highest benefit contribution rates in the industry and continues to address the effect of the wage and
benefit cost structure on its operating results in discussions with the IBT.
ABF Freight received a Notice of Insolvency from the Road Carriers Local 707 Pension Fund (the “707 Pension Fund”)
for the plan year beginning February 1, 2016. During the second quarter of 2016, the 707 Pension Fund received notice
that the Treasury Department denied its proposal to suspend participant benefits in an effort to remain solvent.
Approximately 1% of ABF Freight’s total multiemployer pension contributions for the year ended December 31, 2016
were made to the 707 Pension Fund. Based on currently available information, it is the Company’s understanding that if
the 707 Pension Fund becomes insolvent, ABF Freight’s benefit contribution rates under the ABF NMFA will be frozen
and ABF Freight will be required to continue making contributions at the frozen rate throughout and after the current ABF
NMFA contract period, which extends to March 31, 2018; however, there can be no assurance in this regard. ABF Freight
has not received any other notification of plan reorganization or plan insolvency with respect to any multiemployer pension
plan to which it contributes.
Health and Welfare Plans
ABF Freight contributes to 42 multiemployer health and welfare plans which provide health care benefits for active
employees and retirees covered under labor agreements. Contributions to multiemployer health and welfare plans totaled
$153.3 million, $144.7 million, and $130.5 million, for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
The benefit contribution rate for health and welfare benefits increased by an average of approximately 4.0%, 5.6%, and
5.3% primarily on August 1, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, under the ABF NMFA. Other than changes to benefit
contribution rates and variances in rates and time worked, there have been no other significant items that affect the
comparability of the Company’s 2016, 2015, and 2014 multiemployer health and welfare plan contributions.
100
NOTE J – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows at December 31:
Pre-tax amounts:
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs(1)
Interest rate swap
Foreign currency translation
Total
After-tax amounts:
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs(1)
Interest rate swap
Foreign currency translation
Total
2016
2015
(in thousands)
2014
$ (29,320)
(542)
(1,978)
$ (31,840)
$ (35,231)
(897)
(2,379)
$ (38,507)
$ (30,140)
(576)
(1,216)
$ (31,932)
$ (21,886)
(329)
(1,202)
$ (23,417)
$ (25,497)
(545)
(1,454)
$ (27,496)
$ (22,387)
(350)
(742)
$ (23,479)
(1) The decrease in unrecognized net periodic benefit costs for 2016 reflects the impact of decreases in the unrecognized net actuarial
loss $5.2 million ($3.2 million after-tax) related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, primarily due to amortization of net
actuarial losses and pension settlement expense offset, in part, by decreases in the discount rates used to remeasure the plan
obligations. The increase in unrecognized net periodic benefit costs for 2015 primarily reflected the impact of increases in the
unrecognized net actuarial loss of $4.2 million ($2.5 million after-tax) related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan,
primarily due to the difference in actual return on plan assets versus the assumed return offset, in part, by pension settlement
expense and amortization of net actuarial losses. The nonunion defined benefit pension plan is discussed further in Note I.
The following is a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component:
Balances at December 31, 2014
Unrecognized
Currency
Net Periodic
Benefit Costs Swap Translation
Interest Foreign
Rate
Total
(in thousands)
$ (23,479) $
(22,387) $ (350) $
(742)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net current-period other comprehensive loss
(8,442)
4,425
(4,017)
(7,535)
4,425
(3,110)
(195)
—
(195)
(712)
—
(712)
Balances at December 31, 2015
$ (27,496) $
(25,497)
$ (545) $
(1,454)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net current-period other comprehensive income
(799)
4,878
4,079
(1,267)
4,878
3,611
216
—
216
252
—
252
Balances at December 31, 2016
$ (23,417) $
(21,886)
$ (329) $
(1,202)
101
The following is a summary of the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component
for the years ended December 31:
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Amortization of prior service credit
Pension settlement expense
Total, pre-tax
Tax benefit
Total, net of tax
Unrecognized Net Periodic
Benefit Costs(1)(2)
2016
2015
(in thousands)
$
$
(4,944) $
190
(3,229)
(7,983)
3,105
(4,878) $
(4,230)
190
(3,202)
(7,242)
2,817
(4,425)
(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 I).
Dividends on Common Stock
The following table is a summary of dividends declared during the applicable quarter:
2016
2015
Per Share Amount
Per Share Amount
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
$
$
$
$
0.08
0.08
0.08
0.08
(in thousands, except per share data)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,088
2,087
2,074
2,069
0.06
0.06
0.06
0.08
1,584
1,578
1,578
2,097
On January 31, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share payable to stockholders
of record on February 14, 2017.
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. In October 2015, the Board of Directors
extended the share repurchase program, making a total of $50.0 million available for purchases of the Company’s common
stock. During 2016, the Company purchased 485,212 shares for an aggregate cost of $9.5 million, leaving $37.7 million
available for repurchase under the program as of December 31, 2016. Treasury shares totaled 2,565,399 and 2,080,187 as
of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
NOTE K – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock Awards
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had outstanding restricted stock units granted under the 2005 Ownership
Incentive Plan (“the 2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan, as amended, provides for the granting of 3.1 million shares, which may
be awarded as incentive and nonqualified stock options, Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, or restricted
stock units. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had not elected to treat any exercised options as employer SARs and
no employee SARs had been granted.
102
Restricted Stock Units
A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit award program is presented below:
Outstanding – January 1, 2016
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Outstanding – December 31, 2016
Units
1,313,550
536,440
(236,105)
(136,348)
1,477,537
The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors granted restricted stock units under the 2005 Plan
during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 as follows:
k
2016
2015
2014
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Units
536,440 $
269,660 $
232,450 $
15.89
35.50
40.19
The fair value of restricted stock awards that vested in 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $5.8 million, $9.8 million, and
$9.4 million, respectively. Unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards outstanding as of
December 31, 2016 was $16.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of
approximately two years.
NOTE L – EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31:
Basic
Numerator:
Net income
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards
Adjusted net income
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares
Earnings per common share
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards
Adjusted net income
Denominator:
2016
2014
2015
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
$
$
18,652
(138)
18,514
$
$
44,854 $
(450)
44,404 $
46,177
(2,300)
43,877
25,751,544
0.72
$
26,013,716
$
1.71 $
25,993,255
1.69
$
$
18,652
(137)
18,515
$
$
44,854 $
(443)
44,411 $
46,177
(2,300)
43,877
Weighted-average shares
Effect of dilutive securities
Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions
Earnings per common share
25,751,544
505,026
26,256,570
0.71
$
26,013,716
516,411
26,530,127
$
1.67 $
25,993,255
357
25,993,612
1.69
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 restricted stock units that receive dividends, which are considered participating
securities. Beginning with 2015 grants, the restricted stock unit agreements were modified to remove dividend rights and,
therefore, the restricted stock units granted in 2016 and 2015 are not participating securities. For the year ended
December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 outstanding stock awards of 0.4 million, 0.2 million, and 0.7 million, respectively,
103
were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations because their inclusion would have the effect of increasing
the earnings per share.
NOTE M – OPERATING SEGMENT DATA
On November 3, 2016, the Company announced its plan to implement a new corporate structure to better serve its
customers. The new corporate structure 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.
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
management uses to make operating decisions. Management uses revenues, operating expense categories, operating ratios,
operating income, and key operating statistics to evaluate performance and allocate resources to the Company’s operations.
As a result of implementing its new corporate structure and management’s focus on the corresponding segment results to
make operating decisions, the Company combined the Premium Logistics (Panther), Transportation Management (ABF
Logistics), and Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving) reportable operating segments into a single asset-light
logistics operation reported under the ArcBest segment for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2016. The Company
has restated certain prior year operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation. Segment revenues and
expenses were adjusted to eliminate certain intercompany charges consistent with the manner in which they are reported
under the new corporate structure. Certain intercompany charges among the previously reported Panther, ABF Logistics,
and ABF Moving segments which were previously eliminated in the “Other and eliminations” line, are now eliminated
within the ArcBest segment. There was no impact on the Company’s consolidated revenues, operating expenses, operating
income, or earnings per share as a result of the restatements. See Note O for further discussion of restructuring activities.
The Company’s reportable operating segments are as follows:
Asset-Based (formerly the Freight Transportation segment), which includes the results of operations of ABF
Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries. The operations include, national, inter-regional, and regional
transportation of general commodities through standard, expedited, and guaranteed LTL services. In addition, the
segment operations include freight transportation related to certain consumer household goods self-move
services.
ArcBest, which represents the combined operations of the former Premium Logistics (Panther), Transportation
Management (ABF Logistics), and Household Goods Moving Services (ABF Moving) segments. The ArcBest
segment includes the results of operations of the Company’s businesses which provide: expedite freight
transportation services; premium logistics services; third-party truckload and truckload-dedicated brokerage;
international freight transportation with air, ocean, and ground service offerings; household goods moving
services to commercial and government customers; warehousing management and distribution services; and
managed transportation solutions.
FleetNet (formerly the Emergency & Preventative Maintenance segment) 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
provides services to the Asset-Based and ArcBest segments.
The Company’s other business activities that are not reportable operating segments include ArcBest Corporation and
certain other subsidiaries. Certain costs incurred by the parent holding company are allocated to the reporting segments.
The Company eliminates intercompany transactions in consolidation. However, the information used by the Company’s
management with respect to its reportable segments is before intersegment eliminations of revenues and expenses.
Further classifications of operations or revenues by geographic location are impracticable and, therefore, are not provided.
The Company’s foreign operations are not significant.
104
The following table reflects reportable operating segment information for the years ended December 31:
REVENUES
Asset-Based
ArcBest(2)
FleetNet
Other and eliminations
Total consolidated revenues
OPERATING EXPENSES
Asset-Based
Salaries, wages, and benefits
Fuel, supplies, and expenses
Operating taxes and licenses
Insurance
Communications and utilities
Depreciation and amortization
Rents and purchased transportation
Gain on sale of property and equipment
Pension settlement expense(3)
Other
Restructuring costs(4)
Total Asset-Based
ArcBest(2)
Purchased transportation
Salaries, wages, and benefits
Supplies and expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Other
Restructuring costs(4)
Total ArcBest
FleetNet
Other and eliminations
Total consolidated operating expenses(3)
OPERATING INCOME
Asset-Based
ArcBest(2)
FleetNet
Other and eliminations
Total consolidated operating income
OTHER INCOME (COSTS)
Interest and dividend income
Interest and other related financing costs
Other, net(5)
Total other income (costs)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
2016
2015(1)
(in thousands)
2014(1)
$ 1,916,394
640,734
162,629
(19,538)
$ 2,700,219
$ 1,916,579 $ 1,928,531
535,915
158,581
(10,334)
$ 2,666,905 $ 2,612,693
590,436
174,952
(15,062)
$ 1,212,411
282,627
48,436
29,335
18,079
83,570
199,156
(2,979)
2,274
8,741
1,173
1,882,823
$ 1,172,489 $ 1,118,830
360,760
46,955
24,938
15,398
68,752
229,443
(1,471)
5,309
9,524
—
1,878,438
307,345
48,992
28,847
16,129
74,765
197,073
(1,735)
2,404
7,834
—
1,854,143
501,853
70,857
19,279
14,151
19,692
8,038
633,870
460,238
62,438
15,500
13,375
18,093
—
569,644
406,989
55,159
20,195
13,329
17,589
—
513,261
160,204
(5,648)
$ 2,671,249
171,998
(4,376)
155,459
(3,704)
$ 2,591,409 $ 2,543,454
$
$
$
$
33,571
6,864
2,425
(13,890)
28,970
1,523
(5,150)
2,944
(683)
28,287
$
$
$
$
62,436 $
20,792
2,954
(10,686)
75,496 $
1,284 $
(4,400)
354
(2,762)
72,734 $
50,093
22,654
3,122
(6,630)
69,239
851
(3,190)
3,712
1,373
70,612
(1) Certain restatements have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation,
reflecting the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure as previously discussed in this Note.
(2) The 2016 periods include the operations of LDS since the September 2, 2016 acquisition date and the operations of Bear, which
was acquired in December 2015.
(3) Pension settlement expense totaled $3.2 million (pre-tax) on a consolidated basis for each of the years ended December 31, 2016
and 2015, of which $2.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively, was reported by the Asset-Based segment. Pension settlement
expense totaled $6.6 million (pre-tax) for the year ended December 31, 2014, of which $5.3 million was reported by the Asset-
Based segment.
(4) Restructuring costs relate to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure.
(5)
Includes proceeds and changes in cash surrender value of life insurance policies.
105
The following table provides asset, capital expenditure, and depreciation and amortization information by reportable
operating segment:
ASSETS
Asset-Based
ArcBest
FleetNet
Other and eliminations(2)
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, GROSS
Asset-Based(3)
ArcBest
FleetNet
Other and eliminations
2016
December 31
2015(1)
(in thousands)
2014(1)
$
$
791,117 $
330,345
21,627
166,903
1,309,992 $
694,059 $
315,859
21,958
231,033
621,734
275,426
23,532
206,930
1,262,909 $ 1,127,622
2016
For the year ended December 31
2015(1)
(in thousands)
2014(1)
$
$
110,170
6,154
403
34,910
151,637
$
122,542 $
24,219
1,007
11,249
$
159,017 $
78,766
6,996
550
4,496
90,808
2016
For the year ended December 31
2015(1)
(in thousands)
2014(1)
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE(2)
Asset-Based
ArcBest(4)
FleetNet(5)
Other and eliminations
$
$
83,570
14,151
1,209
4,123
103,053
$
$
74,765 $
13,375
1,119
3,783
93,042 $
68,752
13,329
961
3,180
86,222
(1) Certain restatements have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation,
reflecting the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure as previously discussed in this Note.
(2) Other and eliminations includes certain assets held by the parent holding company for strategic reasons, including unrestricted and
restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, as well as certain assets held for the benefit of multiple segments,
including land and structures of the Company’s corporate headquarters and information systems equipment. Depreciation and
amortization associated with these assets is allocated to the reporting segments. Depreciation and amortization expense includes
amortization of internally developed capitalized software which has not been included in gross capital expenditures presented in
the table.
Includes assets acquired through notes payable and capital leases of $83.4 million in 2016, $80.6 million in 2015, and $55.3 million
in 2014.
Includes amortization of intangibles of $4.0 million, $3.7 million, and $4.2 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
Includes amortization of intangibles which totaled $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014,
respectively.
(4)
(5)
(3)
The following table presents operating expenses by category on a consolidated basis:
2016
For the year ended December 31
2015(1)
(in thousands)
2014(1)
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits
Rents, purchased transportation, and other costs of services
Fuel, supplies, and expenses
Depreciation and amortization(2)
Other
Restructuring
$ 1,345,672 $ 1,297,129 $ 1,231,130
754,495
353,489
86,222
118,118
—
$ 2,671,249 $ 2,591,409 $ 2,543,454
823,683
270,138
103,053
118,390
10,313
790,612
292,039
93,042
118,587
—
(1) Certain restatements have been made to the prior year’s operating expense data to conform to the current year presentation,
reflecting the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure as previously discussed in this Note.
Includes amortization of intangible assets.
(2)
106
NOTE N – QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
The tables below present unaudited quarterly financial information for 2016 and 2015. The restatements the Company
made to certain previously reported interim operating segment data to conform to the presentation for the three months
and year ended December 31, 2016 (see Note M) had no impact on the quarterly consolidated financial information
presented in the tables within this Note.
2016
Revenues
Operating expenses(1)
Operating income (loss)(1)
Other income (costs), net
Income tax provision (benefit)
Net income (loss)(1)
Earnings per common share(2)
Basic
Diluted(1)
Average common shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Revenues
Operating expenses
Operating income
Other income (costs), net
Income tax provision
Net income
Earnings per common share(2)
Basic
Diluted
Average common shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Fourth
Quarter
First
Quarter
$
$
Third
Quarter
Second
Quarter
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
713,923 $
693,553
20,370
185
7,615
676,627 $
659,973
16,654
(273)
6,150
621,455
630,720
(9,265)
(480)
(3,642)
688,214
687,003
1,211
(115)
(488)
$
(6,103)
$
10,231 $
12,940 $
1,584
$
$
(0.24)
(0.24)
$
$
0.39 $
0.39 $
0.50 $
0.49 $
0.06
0.06
25,822,522
25,822,522
25,791,026
26,246,868
25,724,550
26,211,524
25,669,280
26,272,487
2015
Fourth
Quarter
First
Quarter
$
$
Third
Quarter
Second
Quarter
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
709,380 $
675,942
33,438
(1,392)
12,892
696,115 $
662,649
33,466
(557)
12,942
613,276
611,996
1,280
(368)
167
648,134
640,822
7,312
(445)
1,878
$
745
$
19,967 $
19,154 $
4,989
$
$
0.03
0.03
$
$
0.76 $
0.74 $
0.73 $
0.72 $
0.19
0.19
26,051,038
26,588,518
26,021,874
26,593,451
26,009,344
26,508,482
25,936,709
26,415,839
(1) Fourth quarter 2016 includes restructuring charges of $10.3 million (pre-tax), or $6.3 million (after-tax) and $0.24 per diluted
share, related to the realignment of the Company’s corporate structure. See Note O.
(2) The Company uses the two class method for calculating earnings per share. See Note L.
107
NOTE O – RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND IMPAIRMENT
On November 3, 2016, the Company announced its plan to implement a new corporate structure to better serve its
customers. The new corporate structure 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 restructuring charges in operating expenses during
the fourth quarter of 2016, the majority of which are non-cash, for impairment of software, contract and lease terminations,
severance, and relocation expenses.
The following table presents restructuring charges:
Software impairment(1)
Contract terminations(2)
Severance and other(3)
Total charges
Restructuring
Charges
2016
(in thousands)
$
$
6,244
2,875
1,194
10,313
(1) Non-cash charges related to software and other long-lived assets that will be discontinued.
(2) Charges associated with the termination of noncancelable lease and consulting agreements.
(3) Primarily severance payments and related costs resulting from a reduction in headcount of approximately 130 positions.
The Company estimates it will incur restructuring charges of approximately $2.0 million in 2017 primarily for employee-
related costs associated with the plan announced during 2016.
NOTE P – 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s reserve, which was included in accrued expenses, for estimated
environmental cleanup costs of properties currently or previously operated by the Company totaled $0.5 million and
$0.8 million, respectively. Amounts accrued reflect management’s best estimate of the future undiscounted exposure
related to identified properties based on current environmental regulations, management’s experience with similar
environmental matters, and testing performed at certain sites.
108
ITEM 9.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
An evaluation was performed by the Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the
Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation
of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of December 31, 2016. The Company’s disclosure
controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the
Company in reports that the Company files under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s
management, including the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to
allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Based on such evaluation, the
Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure
controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016 at the reasonable assurance level.
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules
13a-15 (f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that have materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting and the report of the independent registered public
accounting firm appear on the following pages.
109
MANAGEMENT’S ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL CONTROL
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal
control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the Company;
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the
Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the Board of Directors of
the Company; and
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or
disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted its evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the
framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (2013 framework). This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation
of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation.
Although there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting, based
on our evaluation, we have concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of
December 31, 2016.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP, who has also audited the Company’s
consolidated financial statements, has issued a report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This
report appears on the following page.
110
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of ArcBest Corporation
We have audited ArcBest Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). ArcBest Corporation’s management is responsible for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control
over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded
as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management
and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, ArcBest Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2016, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), the 2016 consolidated financial statements of ArcBest Corporation and our report dated February 28, 2017
expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 28, 2017
111
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The sections entitled “Proposal I. Election of Directors,” “Directors of the Company,” “Governance of the Company,”
“Executive Officers of the Company,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” contained in the
Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in
connection with the Company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting to be held May 2, 2017 are incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The sections entitled “2016 Director Compensation Table,” “Compensation Discussion & Analysis,” “Compensation
Committee Report,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Summary Compensation Table,”
“2016 Grants of Plan-Based Awards,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Fiscal Year-End,” “2016 Option Exercises
and Stock Vested,” “2016 Equity Compensation Plan Information,” “2016 Pension Benefits,” “2016 Non-Qualified
Deferred Compensation” and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” contained in the Company’s
Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection
with the Company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting to be held May 2, 2017, are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
The sections entitled “Principal Stockholders and Management Ownership” and “2016 Equity Compensation Plan
Information” contained in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with the Company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting to be held May 2, 2017,
are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
The sections entitled “Certain Transactions and Relationships” and “Governance of the Company” contained in the
Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in
connection with the Company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting to be held May 2, 2017, are incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The sections entitled “Independent Auditor’s Fees and Services” and “Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and
Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” contained in the Company’s
Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection
with the Company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting to be held May 2, 2017, are incorporated herein by reference.
112
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1)
Financial Statements
PART IV
A list of the financial statements filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference.
(a)(2)
Financial Statement Schedules
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
ARCBEST CORPORATION
Description
Period
and Expenses
Balances at
Beginning of Charged to Costs Charged to
Additions
Balances at
End of
Other Accounts Deductions Period
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and
revenue adjustments
Allowance for other accounts receivable
Allowance for deferred tax assets
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and
revenue adjustments
Allowance for other accounts receivable
Allowance for deferred tax assets
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and
revenue adjustments
Allowance for other accounts receivable
Allowance for deferred tax assets
$
$
$
4,825 $
1,029 $
354 $
1,643 $
(180)(c) $
— $
980 (a) $
— $
— $
2,011 (b) $
— $
61 (d) $
5,437
849
293
$
$
$
5,731 $
1,701 $
332 $
998 $
(672)(c) $
22 $
(144)(a) $
— $
— $
1,760 (b) $
— $
— $
4,825
1,029
354
$
$
$
4,533 $
1,422 $
1,028 $
1,941 $
279 (c) $
— $
2,363 (a) $
— $
— $
3,106 (b) $
— $
696 (e) $
5,731
1,701
332
Note a – Change in allowance due to recoveries of amounts previously written off and adjustment of revenue.
Note b – Uncollectible accounts written off.
Note c – Charged / (credited) to workers’ compensation expense.
Note d – Decrease (increase) in allowance due to changes in expectation of realization of certain state net operating
losses and state deferred tax assets (see Note E to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in
Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Note e – Decrease in allowance due to elimination of the valuation allowance relating to foreign tax credit carryforwards
expected to be realized based on increased profitability of the Company’s foreign entities in 2014 (see Note E
to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K).
(a)(3)
Exhibits
The exhibits required to be filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed in the Exhibit Index, which is
incorporated by reference herein, following the signatures of this report.
(b)
Exhibits
See Item 15(a)(3) above.
113
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None
114
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
Date: February 28, 2017
ARCBEST CORPORATION
By: /s/Judy R. McReynolds
Judy R. McReynolds
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
and Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/Judy R. McReynolds
Judy R. McReynolds
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
February 28, 2017
and Principal Executive Officer
/s/ David R. Cobb
David R. Cobb
Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
and Principal Financial Officer
/s/ Traci L. Sowersby
Traci L. Sowersby
Vice President – Controller
and Principal Accounting Officer
/s/John W. Alden
John W. Alden
/s/Fred A. Allardyce
Fred A. Allardyce
/s/Eduardo F. Conrado
Eduardo F. Conrado
/s/Stephen E. Gorman
Stephen E. Gorman
/s/Michael P. Hogan
Michael P. Hogan
/s/William M. Legg
William M. Legg
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
/s/Kathleen D. McElligott
Kathleen D. McElligott
Director
/s/Craig E. Philip
Craig E. Philip
/s/Steven L. Spinner
Steven L. Spinner
/s/Janice E. Stipp
Janice E. Stipp
Director
Director
Director
115
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
FORM 10-K — ITEM 15(a)(3)
EXHIBIT INDEX
ARCBEST CORPORATION
The following exhibits are filed or furnished with this report or are incorporated by reference to previously filed material:
Exhibit
No.
2.1
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
10.1
10.2#
10.3#
10.4#
10.5#
10.6#
10.7#
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2012, among Panther Expedited Services, Inc., the
stockholders of Panther Expedited Services, Inc., Arkansas Best Corporation, and Fenway Panther
Holdings, LLC, in its capacity as Sellers’ Representative (previously filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on
June 19, 2012, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, filed with the Commission on
March 17, 1992, Commission File No. 33-46483, and incorporated herein by reference).
Certificate of Designations of $2.875 Series A Cumulative Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock of
the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with
the Commission on May 5, 2009, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (previously filed as
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 24, 2009,
Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company dated as of October 31, 2016 (previously filed as
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on November 4,
2016, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
Certificate of Ownership and Merger, effective May 1, 2014, as filed on April 29, 2014 with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 30, 2014, Commission File No. 000-19969, and
incorporated herein by reference).
Collective Bargaining Agreement, implemented on November 3, 2013 and effective through March 31,
2018, among the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and ABF Freight System, Inc. (previously filed
as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on February 28,
2014, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Non-Employee Directors – with deferral feature) (for
2013 and 2014 awards) (previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K,
filed with the Commission on February 28, 2013, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein
by reference).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Non-Employee Directors – with deferral feature) (for
2015 awards) (previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed
with the Commission on August 7, 2015, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by
reference).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Non-Employee Directors – with deferral feature) (for
awards after 2015) (previously filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q,
filed with the Commission on May 9, 2016, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by
reference).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Employees) (previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on August 7, 2015, Commission
File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between Arkansas Best Corporation and each of the members
of the Company’s Board of Directors (previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on February 24, 2010, Commission File No. 000-19969, and
incorporated herein by reference).
Arkansas Best Corporation 2012 Change in Control Plan (previously filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on January 30, 2012, Commission File No. 000-
19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
116
10.8#
10.9#*
10.10#
10.11#
10.12#
10.13#
10.14#
Amendment One to the ArcBest Corporation 2012 Change of Control Plan (previously filed as Exhibit 10.5
to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on May 9, 2016, Commission
File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
Amendment Two to the ArcBest Corporation 2012 Change of Control Plan.
Arkansas Best Corporation Supplemental Benefit Plan, amended and restated, effective August 1, 2009
(previously filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the
Commission on February 24, 2010, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by
reference).
to
Amendment One
the Arkansas Best Corporation Supplemental Benefit Plan, effective
December 31, 2009 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K,
filed with the Commission on February 24, 2010, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein
by reference).
Form of Amended and Restated Deferred Salary Agreement (previously filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on February 24, 2010, Commission
File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
Arkansas Best Corporation Voluntary Savings Plan (previously filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on February 23, 2011, Commission File No. 000-
19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
Amendment One to the Arkansas Best Corporation Voluntary Savings Plan (previously filed as Exhibit
10.11 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on February 23, 2011,
Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.15#*
ArcBest Corporation Voluntary Savings Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2017.
10.16#
10.17#
10.18#
The Arkansas Best Corporation 2005 Ownership Incentive Plan (previously filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on February 23, 2011, Commission
File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
First Amendment to the Arkansas Best Corporation 2005 Ownership Incentive Plan (previously filed as
Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on February 23,
2011, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
Second Amendment to the Arkansas Best Corporation 2005 Ownership Incentive Plan (previously filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on May 9, 2014,
Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.19#*
Third Amendment to the Arkansas Best Corporation 2005 Ownership Incentive Plan.
10.20#
10.21#
10.22#
10.23#
10.24#
10.25#
10.26#
Arkansas Best Corporation Executive Officer Annual Incentive Compensation Plan (previously filed as
Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on February 23,
2011, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
First Amendment to the Arkansas Best Corporation Executive Officer Annual Incentive Compensation
Plan (previously filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the
Commission on February 23, 2011, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by
reference).
Second Amendment to the Arkansas Best Corporation Executive Officer Annual Incentive Compensation
Plan. (previously filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the
Commission on February 26, 2016, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by
reference).
Third Amendment to the ArcBest Corporation Executive Officer Annual Incentive Compensation Plan
(previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the
Commission on May 9, 2016, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
The ABC/DTC/ABF Long-Term (3-Year) Incentive Compensation Plan and form of award (previously
filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on
May 9, 2014, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
The ArcBest Long-Term (3-Year) Incentive Compensation Plan and form of award (previously filed as
Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on May 8, 2015,
Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
The ArcBest 16b Annual Incentive Compensation Plan and form of award (previously filed as Exhibit 10.2
to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on May 9, 2016, Commission
File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
117
10.27#
10.28#*
10.29
10.30*
The ArcBest Long-Term (3-Year) Incentive Compensation Plan and form of award (previously filed as
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on May 9, 2016,
Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
Consulting Agreement by and between ArcBest Corporation and J. Lavon Morton, dated January 31, 2017.
Amended and Restated Receivables Loan Agreement dated as of February 1, 2015 by and among ArcBest
Funding LLC, as Borrower, ArcBest Corporation, as initial Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as
Lender, LC Issuer and Agent for the Lender and its assigns and the LC Issuer and its assigns (previously
filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February
3, 2015, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Loan Agreement dated as of September 30, 2015
by and among ArcBest Funding LLC, as Borrower, ArcBest Corporation, as Servicer, PNC Bank, National
Association, as Lender, LC Issuer and Agent for the Lender and its assigns and the LC Issuer and its assigns.
10.32
10.31*
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Loan Agreement, and Omnibus Amendment
dated as of December 30, 2016 by and among ArcBest Funding LLC, as Borrower, ArcBest Corporation,
as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Lender, LC Issuer and Agent for the Lender and its assigns
and the LC Issuer and its assigns.
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 2, 2015, among ArcBest Corporation and
certain of its Subsidiaries from time party thereto, as Borrowers, U.S. Bank National Association, as
Administrative Agent, Branch Banking and Trust Company and PNC Bank, National Association, as
Syndication Agents, and the Lenders and Issuing Banks party thereto (previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on January 7, 2015, Commission
File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).
List of Subsidiary Corporations.
21*
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
23*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.1*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*
Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32**
XBRL Instance Document
101.INS*
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
#
*
**
Designates a compensation plan or arrangement for directors or executive officers.
Filed herewith.
Furnished herewith.
118
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119
(This page intentionally left blank.)
120
ARCBEST EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS
Judy R. McReynolds
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
Dennis L. Anderson II
Chief Customer Experience Officer
David R. Cobb
Chief Financial Officer
James D. Darter
Chief Sales Officer
Erin K. Gattis
Chief Human Resources Officer
James A. Ingram
Chief Operating Officer
Asset-light Logistics
Michael R. Johns
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Steven C. Leonard
Vice President
Customer Solutions
Daniel E. Loe
Chief Yield Officer
Michael E. Newcity
Senior Vice President
Chief Innovation Officer
President – ArcBest Technologies, Inc.
Traci L. Sowersby
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Timothy D. Thorne
President
ABF Freight
ARCBEST BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Judy R. McReynolds
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
John W. Alden 2,3
Executive, Retired
Fred A. Allardyce 1
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Advanced Breath Diagnostics
Corporate Headquarters
ArcBest
3801 Old Greenwood Road
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 785-6000
arcb.com
info@arcb.com
Eduardo F. Conrado 2,3
Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and
Innovation Officer
Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at
8:00 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at the corporate
offices of ArcBest, 3801 Old Greenwood Road,
Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Stephen E. Gorman 2,3
Chief Executive Officer
Borden Dairy Co.
Michael P. Hogan 1
Executive Vice President, Strategic Business &
Brand Development
GameStop Corporation
William M. Legg 1
Executive, Retired
Kathleen D. McElligott 1
Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer
& Chief Technology Officer
McKesson Corporation
Dr. Craig E. Philip 2,3
Research Professor
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Vanderbilt University
Steven L. Spinner 1
Lead Independent Director - ArcBest
President & Chief Executive Officer
United Natural Foods Inc.
Janice E. Stipp 1
Chief Financial Officer
Rogers Corporation
Stock Listing
The NASDAQ Global Select Market
Symbol: ARCB
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Shareowner Services
1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101
Mendota Heights, MN 55120-4100
(800) 468-9716
shareowneronline.com
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
1700 One Williams Center
Tulsa, OK 74172-0117
For biographies of ArcBest’s executive officers and directors,
see the “Executive Officers of the Company” and “Directors of
the Company” sections of the proxy statement
ArcBest Board Committees
1 Audit Committee
2 Compensation Committee
3 Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee