ArcBest is a North American freight and logistics company with over 250 locations and 15,000 employees across warehouse, freight, and operational roles. With a 100-year legacy and a commitment to workforce well-being, ArcBest continues to evolve its benefits strategy to meet the needs of a demanding, distributed population.
The problem
Clinic-based care couldn’t keep up with a modern, shift-based workforce
Employees often worked through pain, unable to attend physical therapy during normal clinic hours. Without early intervention, MSK issues escalated, increasing avoidable surgeries, recovery times, and healthcare costs. For a business built on coordination and uptime, the impact was personal and financial.
ArcBest needed a solution that would meet employees where they were and prove its value quickly.
65%
reduction in surgery intent¹
50%
reduction in lost productivity¹
The solution
Digital MSK care that meets employees on their terms
ArcBest launched Sword’s virtual physical therapy solution across its population. Employees could start care from home, guided by wearable sensors and a licensed PT, without time off or clinic travel. The platform’s flexibility fit around every shift, schedule, and job type.
With Thrive for MSK pain, Bloom for pelvic health, and Predict to surface high-risk members, ArcBest could scale high-touch care, fast.
Healthcare outcomes
80% of members reported major pain relief
Over 12,800 sessions were completed. Most employees saw significant improvement, and satisfaction remained high across all user groups. Sword’s model also supported the behavioral and emotional impacts of chronic pain through intelligent engagement design.
80%
80% no longer in significant pain¹
97%
rated Sword 7/10 or higher¹
Financial results
A shift from reactive cost to proactive ROI
Within a year, ArcBest realized a 3.2:1 ROI by preventing avoidable surgeries and improving productivity. Sword didn’t just lower MSK spend—it helped ArcBest change the trajectory of employee health.
Sword is the rare benefits partner that understands our vision to create a culture of wellness. Our employees are happier, healthier, and more productive.
