ABF’s Earnings Down Slightly

April 20, 2001
Arkansas Best Corp., a holding company of LTL operations, said its total net income for the first quarter of 2001 dropped to $9.1 million compared to 2000 first quarter income of $13.2 million. Yet the carrier feels just maintaining profits in the face of a slowing overall economy is a major accomplishment. “Despite negative U.S. economic conditions, ABF had a very good quarter,” said Robert A. Young
Arkansas Best Corp., a holding company of LTL operations, said its total net income for the first quarter of 2001 dropped to $9.1 million compared to 2000 first quarter income of $13.2 million. Yet the carrier feels just maintaining profits in the face of a slowing overall economy is a major accomplishment.

“Despite negative U.S. economic conditions, ABF had a very good quarter,” said Robert A. Young III, the carrier’s president and CEO.

ABF Freight System Inc.’s first-quarter revenue was $325.5 million, a slight per-day decline of 0.4% compared to the first quarter of last year. Operating income at ABF during the first three months of this year was $21.0 million versus 2000 first-quarter operating income of $27.2 million. LTL revenue per hundredweight, including fuel surcharge, was $21.41, an increase of 6.0% over last year’s first quarter. LTL tonnage per day during the quarter decreased 6.6% versus the same period a year ago.

ABF subsidiary G.I. Trucking Co.’s revenue during this year's first quarter was $40.5 million, representing a per-day increase of 9.2% over the same period last year. First-quarter operating income at G.I. was $342,000. Total pounds per day increased 6.8% over the first quarter of 2000. Revenue per hundredweight, including fuel surcharge, during this year's first quarter increased 2.3% over last year.

ABF’s other subsidiary, Clipper, did not fare as well. Though first-quarter revenues climbed to $30.8 million, which represented a per-day increase of 5.7% over last year, it did not make a profit. Its first-quarter operating ratio was 101.1%, compared to a 2000 first-quarter operating ratio of 99.9%.

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Editor in Chief

Sean previously reported and commented on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry. Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

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