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FedEx Freight vs ABF Freight (ArcBest)

Non-union LTL with FedEx corporate backing vs Teamsters union LTL. FedEx offers pension and tuition reimbursement. ABF offers union protections and Teamsters pension.

FedEx Freight

Pay
$60,000 - $95,000
Fleet
15,000+ tractors
Rating
4.1/5

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

Pay
$60,000 - $95,000
Fleet
4,000+ tractors
Rating
3.9/5

Head-to-Head Comparison

FedEx Freight

41

Total Score

VS

Pay

FedEx Freight

8/10

FedEx pays $60K-$95K with structured increases.

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

8/10

ABF pays $60K-$95K under Teamsters contract.

Home Time

FedEx Freight

9/10

City daily; road predictable.

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

9/10

City daily; road by seniority.

Benefits

FedEx Freight

9/10

Pension, 401(k), tuition, FedEx corporate.

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

8/10

Teamsters pension, health and welfare, seniority.

Training/Support

FedEx Freight

7/10

1 year required. FedEx Learning.

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

7/10

1 year required. Union seniority.

Equipment/Technology

FedEx Freight

8/10

15,000+ tractors, FedEx standards.

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

7/10

Adequate; modernizing under ArcBest.

Where they actually differ

The scores above are our reading. This part is just the two carriers' profiles side by side — divisions, what they ask of a new hire, where they run, and which benefits only one of them lists.

FedEx Freight

Founded
2001
Fleet
15,000+ tractors
Drivers
14,000+
Divisions
Local, Regional, LTL
Experience wanted
1 year CDL-A
Strongest states
Tennessee, Texas and California

FedEx Freight is the LTL division of FedEx Corporation and one of the largest LTL carriers in North America. The company offers local and regional driving positions with the backing of one of the world's most recognized brands.

Only FedEx Freight is strong in: Tennessee and California — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.

Listed by FedEx Freight and not by ABF Freight (ArcBest)

  • FedEx corporate benefits package
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Pension plan and 401(k)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Home daily for most routes

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

Founded
1923
Fleet
4,000+ tractors
Drivers
5,000+
Divisions
Local, Regional, LTL
Experience wanted
1 year CDL-A
Strongest states
Arkansas, Texas and Ohio

ABF Freight is the LTL division of ArcBest Corporation. With Teamsters representation, ABF offers strong union wages and benefits. The company has operated since 1923 and maintains a nationwide service center network.

Only ABF Freight (ArcBest) is strong in: Arkansas and Ohio — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.

Listed by ABF Freight (ArcBest) and not by FedEx Freight

  • Teamsters union contract
  • Union-scale wages
  • Health and welfare fund
  • Pension plan
  • Paid holidays and vacation

Our Verdict

FedEx Freight leads 41-39

FedEx Freight has the edge in total benefits (FedEx corporate package, tuition reimbursement) and equipment. ABF offers Teamsters union protections that some drivers strongly prefer. Pay is comparable. Choose based on union preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both have pensions?

Yes. FedEx has a corporate pension. ABF has Teamsters pension. Different funds, both provide retirement income.

Is FedEx Freight union?

No. ABF is Teamsters. That's the primary structural difference.

Which has better equipment?

FedEx Freight, backed by FedEx corporate resources.

Learn More About These Companies

FedEx Freight

Memphis, TN · 15,000+ tractors

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

Fort Smith, AR · 4,000+ tractors