Arkansas Best sees turnaround

   Arkansas Best Corp. had a fourth quarter profit of $1.4 million in 2011, compared to a loss of $3.1 million for the same 2010 period.
   Operating revenue was $463 million in the quarter, compared to $441 million in the same 2010 quarter.
   The less-than-truckload company had a profit of $6.2 million for the full year, compared to a $32.7 million loss in 2010. Revenue was $1.91 billion in 2011, up from $1.66 billion the year previously.
    “Arkansas Best’s profitable results for the fourth quarter and full year reflect an improving business environment as characterized by revenue growth in each of our operating segments,” said Judy R. McReynolds, president and chief executive officer, in a statement.
   “For our non-asset-based businesses, 2011 was a year of management focus and investment that laid the foundation for more significant revenue and profit growth in the future,” she said.