ABF Freight lays foundation for $20 million Memphis expansion

Third-party logistics provider ABF Freight System Inc., a subsidiary of ArcBest Corp., is laying the groundwork for a probable relocation of a significant part of its North Little Rock operations to the Greater Memphis area. The move could include the transfer of an estimated 400 jobs.

“Memphis has long been a hub for transportation and shipping companies, including many of our competitors,” says ABF PR and Marketing Director Russ Aikman. “There are a variety of criteria being evaluated, and a final decision has not yet been made.”

ABF was recently awarded a $4 million, 15-year PILOT incentive from the Economic Development Growth Engine of Memphis and Shelby County, and the company coould buy two properties north of its 2080 Dunn Avenue location in South Memphis, where approximately 100 people are currently employed, as part of a $20 million expansion that would include the demolition of an existing building and new construction.

Aikman says the possibilities of such a move have been discussed with ABF employees.

“It’s important to note that if ABF Freight expands in Memphis the company would continue to have a service center in the Greater Little Rock area serving our Central Arkansas customers,” says Aikman. “Because a final decision has not been made, the company cannot share details on any specific moving plans.”

ABF operates 247 service centers in 50 states, including a Collierville location, and the company enjoyed total revenues during 2013 of approximately $1 billion.

By Michael Waddell