Well I think that your theory is skewed. Yes times are really bad. Yes ABF lost a bunch of money. But the difference is, ABF management took action early on as to save themselves from doom. Yes we have had layoffs, and I really hate to see that, but as time goes on, more and more of our terminals are bringing back the laid off employees because we are getting busier.
Why is this happening? I don't have the official answer. But I suspect that ABF has the lowest claims in the industry, according to the recent press release stating that they received ATA Excellence in Security Award for Record Fifth Time, and probably the most innovative approach to attract customers just might have something to do with it. ABF runs a tight ship in times like this, and I have to tell you that it is not pleasant at times, but as a group, I think that we are all grateful to have leadership that has the foresight to be able to weather the bad times. Sometimes it is a pain to avoid the tollways, spend a few extra minutes doing other chores that will save the company some cash. As small an effort that it is individually, collectively make a huge difference to the bottom line.
Time will test all business in this country. Who will and will not survive? We shall see.