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ABF Freight® is one of North America's most trusted less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers, with a history spanning more than a century. Whether you're a small business shipping pallets or a logistics manager coordinating complex supply chains, ABF Freight offers reliable, technology-driven freight solutions across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about ABF Freight — its services, tracking tools, customer support, and tips for getting the most from your shipments.
Founded in 1923 as "Arkansas Best Freight" in Fort Smith, Arkansas, ABF Freight has grown into a nationwide powerhouse under the umbrella of ArcBest Corporation. The company rebranded its parent under the ArcBest name while retaining the iconic ABF Freight brand for its trucking operations. Today, ABF Freight operates more than 220 service centers, 9,600+ dock doors, and serves all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Puerto Rico through a combination of direct and partner carrier services.
ABF Freight's SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) is ABFS, which is used in freight documentation and EDI transactions. The carrier is headquartered at 3801 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903.
ABF Freight has earned a strong reputation for reliability and service excellence, earning recognition from:
ABF Freight's core service is LTL shipping, designed for businesses that don't need a full truckload. You share trailer space with other shippers, reducing costs while still receiving professional freight handling. ABF Freight offers flexible LTL options including standard delivery, guaranteed delivery windows, and time-critical shipments. Their broad network ensures coverage from small towns to major metros.
For larger freight volumes that fill an entire trailer, ABF Freight coordinates full truckload solutions through its parent company ArcBest. This includes dry van, flatbed, and temperature-controlled options, with the backing of ArcBest's extended carrier network for maximum capacity and coverage.
When standard transit times aren't fast enough, ABF Freight offers expedited shipping solutions. These services prioritize your freight for faster handling and direct routing, minimizing stops and transit time. Time-definite delivery options are available for shippers who need guaranteed arrival windows for production lines, retail deadlines, or time-sensitive events.
ArcBest — ABF Freight's parent company — offers warehousing and distribution services that complement the carrier's freight operations. This includes short- and long-term storage, pick-and-pack, cross-docking, and inventory management solutions, helping businesses create seamless end-to-end supply chain workflows.
ABF Freight and ArcBest provide supply chain consulting and managed logistics services. These solutions help businesses optimize freight spend, improve transit performance, and gain visibility across complex multi-carrier networks. ArcBest's technology platform integrates with shipper ERP and TMS systems for streamlined operations.
Tracking your ABF Freight shipment is straightforward. You can track using a PRO number (also called a Bill of Lading or BOL number) on the ArcBest tracking portal.
The tracking portal provides shipment status updates including: freight picked up, in transit, out for delivery, delivered, and exception notifications. Proof of delivery (POD) documents are also available through the portal once a shipment is successfully delivered.
ArcBest offers a mobile-friendly version of its tracking tools accessible via mobile browsers. For enterprise customers, API-based tracking integrations are available to pull real-time freight status directly into your own systems or TMS platform.
ABF Freight makes it easy to get instant LTL freight quotes online. Through the ArcBest quote tool at arcb.com, you can enter:
The system returns freight rates and estimated transit times based on current tariff schedules. You can also request a pickup directly from the same platform after accepting a quote.
Once you've obtained a quote or are ready to ship, scheduling a freight pickup with ABF Freight can be done online through the ArcBest portal, by calling customer service at 1-800-610-5544, or through the ABF Freight API for high-volume shippers. You can choose a specific pickup window, add special handling instructions, and generate a Bill of Lading (BOL) digitally.
Despite ABF Freight's strong claims prevention record (they've won the ATA Claims & Loss Prevention award 10 times), freight damage and loss can occasionally occur. If your shipment arrives damaged or is lost in transit, here's how to file a claim:
Claims should ideally be filed within 9 months of delivery for loss or visible damage, and concealed damage claims should be reported as soon as possible after discovery.
ABF Freight provides multiple channels for customer support:
LTL freight can occasionally experience delays due to weather, high volume periods, or route changes. Use the ArcBest tracking portal to check for exception notices. For urgent shipments, contact ABF Freight customer service to explore expedited re-routing options.
If ABF Freight re-rates your shipment due to a freight class discrepancy, you'll receive a freight bill adjustment. To avoid this, use a freight density calculator to determine the correct NMFC class before shipping. If you believe the re-rate is incorrect, contact customer service with your original quote and commodity documentation.
If your customer reports non-receipt but tracking shows delivered, request the signed POD document through the tracking portal. This document includes the recipient's name, signature, and delivery time, and can help resolve disputes quickly.
Phone
1-800-610-5544Address
3801 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903, USA
ABF Freight originally stood for 'Arkansas Best Freight,' reflecting its origins as a regional carrier in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is now a subsidiary of ArcBest Corporation.
Track your ABF Freight shipment at view.arcb.com/nlo/tools/tracking using your PRO number, BOL number, or purchase order number for real-time status and proof of delivery.
ABF Freight's Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is ABFS, used in freight invoices, EDI transactions, and carrier identification.
Get an instant LTL quote online at arcb.com by entering your origin/destination ZIP codes, freight class, and weight. The tool returns current rates and transit times.
Yes, ABF Freight serves all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Puerto Rico through its own network and partner carrier relationships.
File a freight claim online at arcb.com. Document damage at delivery with photos, then submit your PRO number, shipment details, and damage description. Claims should be filed within 9 months of delivery.
ABF Freight's general customer service number is 1-800-610-5544. You can also contact them through the online form at arcb.com/contact-us/contact-customer-service.
ABF Freight operates more than 220 service centers with over 9,600 dock doors across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
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