ABF Honored With Highest Safety Award for Unprecedented Fifth Time

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(FORT SMITH, Arkansas, September 22, 2003) — ABF Freight System, Inc., has been awarded the 2003 President's Trophy for safety by the American Trucking Associations (ATA). ABF is the only carrier in the industry to have won the honor five times, winning this prestigious award in 1984, 1989, 1993, 1998 and now again in 2003. The President's Trophy, presented annually to only one motor carrier in each of three mileage categories by the ATA's Safety & Loss Prevention Management Council, is the highest safety award in the motor carrier industry.

“We are honored to once again be recognized as the safest transportation provider among America's largest motor carriers,” stated ABF President and CEO Bob Davidson. “Over our 80-year history, we have invested a tremendous amount of time and resources to develop the best freight-handling and driving practices in our industry. Those efforts have paid off with fewer accidents and injuries, as well as better customer service and ongoing industry recognition. We remain equally committed to providing exceptional customer care and maintaining best-in-class safety practices.”

ABF will be presented the trophy in the over 100 million miles category at a ceremony in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 1, in recognition of its outstanding safety record, program and initiatives. In announcing its selection, the ATA noted, “ABF practices safety on a day-to-day basis with all employees identifying and controlling areas of risk. This assures continuous improvement, helping to keep a company-wide commitment to the safety of all employees – and the general public.”

ABF's safety, security and freight-handling performance has been consistently recognized as best-in-class. During the past decade, 99% of all shipments handled by ABF have moved without a loss or damage claim. In each of the last 30 years, ABF's safety ranking has been first, second or third within its trucking category. In 2001, the ATA selected ABF as the top LTL motor carrier both in claims/loss prevention and in security, the first such dual award of its kind. In 2002, ABF was again selected by the ATA as the top LTL motor carrier in claims/loss prevention.

ABF Freight System is one of North America's largest and most experienced motor carriers, with direct service to all 50 states, nine Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico. In addition to its broad service to Mexico, the carrier offers service to 250 ports in more than 130 countries worldwide. Via its TimeKeeper service, ABF provides guaranteed expedited service for time-critical and time-definite shipments. The company's Web site, www.abf.com, is ranked among the best 50 of all sites by CIO magazine. ABF has been in continuous service since 1923 and is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS).

Contact: Mr. Chris Baltz, director of marketing & public relations — ABF Freight System, Inc. — Telephone: (479) 785-8803.