ArcBest raised its second-quarter operating ratio outlook to 90.8%, increasing asset-based unit margin guidance by 200 basis points at both ends for a 600–700bps sequential improvement. April revenue per day climbed 10.9% year-over-year and May revenue per day grew 9%, driven by heavier 9% shipment weights and higher fuel surcharges.
ArcBest increased its adjusted operating ratio outlook for Q2 to 90.8%, implying a sequential improvement of 600 to 700 basis points versus Q1. The asset-based unit’s less-than-truckload margin guidance was raised by 200 basis points at both ends of the range.
The asset-based segment normally anticipates a 350bps sequential margin gain, but the revised forecast more than doubles this expectation, driven by disciplined pricing initiatives, cost optimization measures and technology-driven productivity enhancements.
April revenue per day rose 10.9% year-over-year, outpacing preliminary estimates, while May revenue per day increased 9%, with both tonnage and yield up 5%. May’s tonnage spike was led by a 9% increase in weight per shipment, offsetting a 4% drop in daily shipments.
Higher diesel prices triggered larger fuel surcharges, boosting revenue per shipment by 13% in the first two months of Q2. Excluding fuel, yield growth was nearly flat as heavier shipment weights exerted downward pressure on yield metrics.
