For the full year, the company reported net income from continuing operations of $60.1 million on revenue of $4 billion. (ArcBest)
February 2, 2026 10:41 AM, EST
Key Takeaways:
- ArcBest reported a fourth-quarter net loss driven by impairments and softer freight demand.
- Asset-based shipments and tonnage increased even as revenue declined and pricing weakened.
- The asset-light segment saw higher shipments but a wider operating loss due to mix shifts and soft rates.
ArcBest Corp. focused on efforts to drive long-term value and support customers as it navigated a challenging fourth-quarter freight environment, the company reported Jan. 30.
The Fort Smith, Ark.-based logistics company posted a net loss from continuing operations of $8.12 million, or 36 cents a diluted share, for the three months ending Dec. 31. That compared with a gain of $29 million, $1.24, during the same time the previous year. Total revenue decreased 2.9% to $972.7 million from $1 billion.
ArcBest noted in the earnings report that the net loss included a $9.1 million after-tax, noncash charge associated with impairments. The adjusted results move earnings up to a net income of $8.2 million, 36 cents, compared to $31.2 million, $1.33, in the prior year.
“ArcBest delivered solid fourth-quarter and full-year results,” ArcBest CEO Seth Runser said during a call with investors. “Over the past year, we navigated a prolonged freight recession and ongoing market volatility. Through it all, our people stayed focused and committed to our long-term strategy, built around our three pillars, growth, efficiency and innovation.”
Runser added that throughout the year, the company leaned into its strengths, made disciplined decisions and continued investing in initiatives that set it apart. He noted that this approach delivered less-than-truckload shipment growth, increased tonnage and restored profitability in the asset-light segment. That segment also achieved record productivity.
“These accomplishments demonstrate the resilience and dedication of our team, and we’re confident that the strong foundation we’ve built positions us for continued success,” Runser said. “We are also advancing the initiatives we outlined at our investor day in September, which are designed to help us achieve our long-term targets and deliver greater value to shareholders. As always, our customer-first mindset remains core to our strategy.”
For the full year, ArcBest reported net income from continuing operations of $60.1 million, or $2.62 a share, on revenue of $4 billion, compared with net income of $173.4 million, $7.28, on revenue of $4.2 billion in 2024.
Asset-based segment revenue decreased 1.1% to $648.8 million from $656.2 million during the prior year. Tonnage per day increased 2.6%, while shipments per day grew 2.4%. The report noted that the tonnage growth was driven by an increase in daily shipments that was largely attributable to newly onboarded core LTL customers. But billed revenue per hundredweight decreased 2.7% as pricing gains were offset by changes in freight mix. Operating income decreased 53.4% to $24.4 million from $52.3 million.
“In the fourth quarter, asset-based LTL shipments increased 2% year over year, averaging about 20,000 shipments per day, while seasonal softness and an unusually weak October across the industry impacted volumes,” Runser said. “This year-over-year improvement demonstrates the effectiveness of our refined go-to-market strategy, and our intentional focus on expanding our core LTL business. By sharpening our approach, we’re capturing new opportunities while continuing to deliver strong service and greater value to customers.”
Asset-light segment revenue decreased 5.8% to $353.5 million from $375.4 million the prior year. The revenue decline was primarily due to lower revenue per shipment in a soft-rate environment and a higher mix of managed transportation business. Shipments per day grew slightly as growth in managed solutions offset a strategic reduction in less-profitable truckload volumes. The segment also reported an operating loss of $9.9 million, compared to an operating loss of $1.6 million.
“Shifting to managed solutions, demand remains high, and we deliver double-digit growth in shipments per day, again, this quarter,” Runser said. “The sustained momentum highlights the value our managed offering brings to our customers navigating today’s complex logistics landscape. Truckload performance was another bright spot. Throughout the quarter, we demonstrated strong pricing discipline. Revenue per shipment increased 11% year over year, and gross margins on a per shipment basis improved by 17% over the same period.”
ArcBest ranks No. 13 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America and No. 44 on the TT100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America.
