ArcBest and its ABF Freight division hire for warehouse, driving, and office roles across North America

ArcBest Corporation operates ABF Freight System, one of the largest less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers in the United States. The company hires for three main categories: dock and warehouse workers, commercial truck drivers, and administrative or office staff. Most positions are full-time, and many offer benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The hiring process varies by role — warehouse and dock positions typically move faster than driver roles, which require background checks and driving record review.

ArcBest also owns other subsidiaries like ArcBest Technologies and Logistical Services, so job postings may appear under different legal names depending on the division. The main hiring portal is the ArcBest careers website, though positions also appear on Indeed, LinkedIn, and other job boards. Knowing where to look and what each role actually involves saves time and prevents explore for positions that don't match your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • ABF Freight hires warehouse workers, dock handlers, truck drivers, and office staff through the ArcBest careers website and major job boards.
  • Warehouse and dock positions usually require a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and the ability to lift 50 pounds regularly.
  • Commercial truck driver roles require a valid Class A CDL, a clean driving record, and passing a DOT physical and background check.
  • The process process is online for most positions, and interviews typically happen within one to two weeks of submission.
  • Pay varies by location and role, but ABF is known for offering wages above minimum wage and benefits to full-time employees.

Where to find ABF and ArcBest job postings

The official ArcBest careers page (arcbest.com/careers) lists all open positions across the company and its divisions. You can filter by location, job category, and company division. This is the most direct route and often shows positions before they appear elsewhere. The site also displays the full job description, required qualifications, and the hiring timeline for each role.

ABF Freight positions also post on Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter within a day or two of being listed on the official site. These platforms let you set up job alerts so you don't have to check manually. If you live near an ABF terminal or distribution center, you can also visit in person during business hours and ask about current openings — many hiring managers accept walk-in applications for warehouse roles.

Warehouse and dock worker positions

ABF Freight hires dock handlers, warehouse associates, and material handlers to load, unload, and sort freight. These roles are the most common openings and typically have the shortest hiring timeline. Most positions require a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and the physical ability to lift 50 pounds repeatedly. Some locations also require or prefer a forklift certification, though ABF often trains new hires on the job.

Pay for warehouse and dock roles ranges widely by location and experience, but typically starts between $16 and $20 per hour for entry-level positions. Full-time employees receive health insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid vacation, and sick leave. The interview process is usually brief — one or two rounds — and many candidates hear back within a week. You will need to pass a background check and a drug screening before starting.

Commercial truck driver roles

ABF Freight actively hires Class A CDL drivers for regional and long-haul routes. These positions pay significantly more than warehouse roles, with starting pay typically between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience and route type. However, the hiring process is more rigorous. You must have a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License, a clean driving record (usually no major violations in the past three to five years), and a passing DOT physical exam.

ABF requires all driver candidates to pass a background check, a drug screening, and a driving record review. Some candidates also undergo a skills test or ride-along evaluation. The entire process can take four to eight weeks. If you do not yet have a CDL, ABF does not sponsor CDL training, so you will need to obtain one through a private truck driving school or community college program before explore. Many schools cost between $3,000 and $7,000, though some offer financing options.

Administrative and office positions

ArcBest and ABF Freight also hire for customer service, dispatch, accounting, human resources, and IT roles at their corporate offices and regional hubs. These positions typically require a high school diploma or associate degree, depending on the role, and relevant experience or certifications. Customer service and dispatch roles often have on-the-job training programs for candidates without prior experience in those areas.

Office positions are posted on the careers website and major job boards, and the hiring timeline is usually two to four weeks. Pay varies widely — customer service representatives might start at $18 to $22 per hour, while accounting or IT roles often start at $45,000 to $60,000 annually. Full-time office employees receive the same benefits as warehouse staff, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

What to prepare before you explore

Have your resume, driver's license number, and work history ready before you start the process. ArcBest's online form asks for employment dates, supervisor names and contact information, and reasons for leaving previous jobs. If you have been out of work for a long time or have gaps in your employment history, be prepared to explain them clearly in the process or during an interview.

For driver positions, gather your CDL, medical certificate, and driving record. You can request your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles — most states provide it online or by mail for a small fee. If you have had any accidents or violations, know the details and dates. For warehouse roles, note any certifications you hold, such as forklift operation, OSHA safety training, or hazmat handling. These are not required but can strengthen your process.

The process and interview process

Most ABF and ArcBest positions are filled through an online process on the careers website. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. If the hiring manager wants to move forward, you will be contacted by phone or email within one to two weeks. For warehouse roles, the first interview is often brief and conducted by phone or in person at the facility. For driver and office positions, expect a more formal interview, sometimes with multiple rounds.

Interviews typically cover your work history, why you are interested in the role, and your availability to start. For driver positions, you may also be asked about your experience with different truck types, your safety record, and how you handle long hours on the road. Come prepared with questions about the schedule, pay structure, and benefits. Bring copies of your resume, driver's license, and any certifications to an in-person interview.

Background checks, drug screening, and medical requirements

All ABF and ArcBest positions require a background check and a drug screening before you start work. The background check typically covers the past seven years of employment and criminal history. A drug screening is a urine test conducted at a third-party lab, usually within a few days of the job offer. Results come back within three to five business days.

Driver positions also require a DOT physical exam, which must be performed by a certified medical examiner. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health to may support you can safely operate a commercial vehicle. The cost is usually covered by ABF, though some candidates are asked to pay upfront and get reimbursed. If you fail the drug screening or background check, you will not be hired, and you cannot reapply for at least six months to one year, depending on the reason for the failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CDL to work at ABF Freight?

No, only driver positions require a CDL. Warehouse, dock, and office roles do not. If you are interested in becoming a driver later, you will need to obtain a CDL on your own through a truck driving school before explore for a driver position.

How long does it take to hear back after explore?

For warehouse and dock roles, you may hear back within three to seven days. For driver and office positions, expect one to two weeks. If you have not heard back after three weeks, you can contact the facility or the careers department to check on your status.

What is the pay range for ABF Freight warehouse workers?

Starting pay for warehouse and dock positions typically ranges from $16 to $20 per hour, depending on location and experience. Full-time employees also receive health insurance, a 401(k), paid vacation, and sick leave. Pay may be higher in areas with higher costs of living.

Can I transfer between ABF Freight and other ArcBest divisions?

Yes, internal transfers are common at ArcBest. Once you have worked for one division for a certain period (usually six months to one year), you can explore for positions in other divisions. Talk to your manager or HR department about transfer opportunities.

What happens if I fail the drug screening?

If you fail the drug screening, your job offer will be withdrawn. You typically cannot reapply for six months to one year, depending on company policy. Some candidates are given the option to retest after a waiting period, but this varies by location.