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ABF Freight System, one of the nation's largest less-than-load (LTL) common and contract general freight motor carriers, has produced a two new migration trends infographics.  (Click individual graphic to see a larger image.)

The first illustrates the relocation patterns of their individual customers who moved themselves using the LTL freight company's two do-it-yourself transportation options in 2011. The second details how moving companies are changing the U.S. landscape.

Unlike the other national van lines which released their migration trends earlier in the month, however, ABF is not a licensed household goods mover.

Instead the $1.5 billion subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation provides individual customers or corporate clients who choose ABF U-Pack Moving service either an empty 28' long hi-profile commercial freight trailer, or 370 cubic foot ReloCubes into which they can load their personal property themselves.

The company then provides linehaul transportation services between the two local freight terminals closest to each customers origin and destination.

While both infographics are packed with useful demographic information, the amount of data is somewhat confusing based on the number of sources – especially to someone planning their own long distance interstate relocation.

California, Florida, Texas, and Arizona were among the top five for both inbound and outbound move volume handled by ABF. More than a third of all U-Pack moves in 2011 were related to at least one of these four states. The graphic displays the percentage of moves conducted by U-Pack to and from each state and when they're moving.

Although ABF's chart shows that nine out of the ten busiest moving days of the year occurred in the summertime between the months of June and August, U-Pack user don't quite follow the same peak season relocation patterns of typical van line customers moving during the summer.  

In January, 2011, Arkansas Best Corp. of Fort Smith purchased Albert Moving and Storage in Wichita Falls, Texas for $4 million.

According to David Humphrey, a vice president with Arkansas Best, the nationwide freight company acquired the family owned moving company after working with their MovingStaffers labor service company for the past decade or so. The relationship primarily supported operations of U-Pack Moving.

Albert Moving and Storage will retain its branding and will function as an independent subsidiary of Arkansas Best, said company chairman Bobby Albert.

The purchase allows ABF, which is not licensed as a household goods carrier by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, to participate in the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's (SDDC) expensive new Defense Personal Property System, DPS.

Related Articles:

United Van Lines releases 2011 migration study – RELO Roundtable

Atlas Van Lines releases 2011 Migration Trends results – RELO Roundtable

Allied Van Lines 44th Annual Magnet States Report – Allied Van Lines

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