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XPO vs ABF Freight (ArcBest)

Non-union national LTL (XPO) vs Teamsters union LTL (ABF). XPO offers a pension without union dues. ABF offers full Teamsters protections with seniority-based advancement.

XPO

Pay
$60,000 - $95,000
Fleet
13,000+ tractors
Rating
3.7/5

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

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

Head-to-Head Comparison

XPO

40

Total Score

VS

Pay

XPO

8/10

XPO pays $60K-$95K with hourly and mileage options.

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

8/10

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

Home Time

XPO

9/10

City daily; road scheduled.

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

9/10

City daily; road by seniority bids.

Benefits

XPO

8/10

Pension, 401(k), health, PTO.

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

8/10

Teamsters pension, health and welfare, seniority.

Training/Support

XPO

7/10

1 year required. Dock-to-driver available.

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

7/10

1 year required. Union seniority governs.

Equipment/Technology

XPO

8/10

Modern fleet with recent investment.

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

7/10

Adequate; ArcBest modernizing.

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.

XPO

Founded
1989
Fleet
13,000+ tractors
Drivers
12,000+
Divisions
Local, Regional, LTL
Experience wanted
1 year CDL-A
Strongest states
Connecticut, Ohio and California

XPO is one of the largest LTL (less-than-truckload) carriers in North America following its separation from GXO Logistics. The company has a vast terminal network and offers drivers local and regional routes with consistent home time.

Only XPO is strong in: Connecticut and California — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.

Listed by XPO and not by ABF Freight (ArcBest)

  • Competitive LTL pay with hourly and mileage options
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • Pension plan and 401(k)
  • Paid time off
  • Home daily for most positions

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 Texas — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.

Listed by ABF Freight (ArcBest) and not by XPO

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

Our Verdict

XPO leads 40-39

XPO offers pension without union membership. ABF provides full Teamsters protections. Pay is comparable. Choose XPO for non-union with pension, or ABF if union representation matters to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does XPO have a pension without being union?

Yes. XPO offers a pension plan to drivers without union membership.

Is ABF always union?

Yes, ABF Freight is a Teamsters carrier. All drivers are union members.

Which has better equipment?

XPO has invested more recently in fleet modernization.

Learn More About These Companies

XPO

Greenwich, CT · 13,000+ tractors

ABF Freight (ArcBest)

Fort Smith, AR · 4,000+ tractors