Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a belt having a load-carrying surface located between transverse edges of the belt. The load-carrying surface is comprised of a plurality of ribs arranged in a plurality of overlapping columns extending along the length of the belt. Each rib has a leading edge and a trailing edge extending across the transverse width of the belt, and each rib is defined by a centerline located midway between the leading and trailing edge of the rib. The rib centerline has a non-linear configuration over a majority of the belt's useful lifetime.