ABF Again Named Best in Claims/Loss Prevention and Security

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(FORT SMITH, Ark., October 17, 2005) — ABF Freight System, Inc.®, has been recognized by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) as the top motor carrier in both claims/loss prevention and security. ABF® is the only carrier to earn both the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award and the Excellence in Security Award in the same year.

This marks the 30th time since 1971 that ABF has earned recognition from the Safety and Loss Prevention Management Council. In addition to the 2005 awards, ABF also won the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award in 2001 and 2002 and the Excellence in Security Award in 2001 and 2004.

The ATA Safety and Loss Prevention Management Council presented the two awards to ABF on October 4th in Miami, Fla., at the group’s annual conference. In presenting the Security Award, the ATA called ABF "a company that constantly evaluates and improves its security measures, personnel training and experience record." When presenting the Claims/Loss Prevention Award, the ATA noted the "magnitude of this achievement and the significant work that goes into reaching this standard," adding that the company "has excelled" in developing "a comprehensive loss prevention plan."

"Receiving the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award three times in the past five years demonstrates ABF’s commitment to proper cargo handling. We recognize that each pallet, carton or box is a critical part of our customers’ business and that loss, damage or delay harms that business," said ABF President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Davidson. "The low turnover among our conscientious, experienced employees, coupled with management emphasis and training, results in the best claims experience in our industry. When specific problem areas are uncovered, we use focus groups and the ABF Quality Process to address the root causes; we typically involve our customers and dock employees in this effective problem resolution process. This approach has positioned ABF as the premiere LTL carrier when it comes to delivering shipments on time, intact, and damage free."

Davidson added, "In addition, we are pleased to receive the Excellence in Security Award again. Due to concerns regarding terrorism, our customers, especially those involved with foodstuffs and personal products, are rightfully conscious of the importance of security in the supply chain. It is truly gratifying to see the hard work and ingenuity of ABF’s employees being recognized with dual awards in the same year, a feat that no other LTL carrier has ever accomplished."

Established in 1923, ABF is one of North America's oldest and most reputable motor carriers. It continues to be recognized as a benchmark for safety, security, technology and freight-handling standards. ABF's emphasis on quality and value was cited by Logistics Management magazine, which awarded the carrier a 2004 Quest for Quality Award. ABF also was recognized by CIO magazine for innovative excellence in information technology, earning the 2005 CIO Enterprise Value Award for the transportation industry and a spot on the CIO Top 100 Companies list in both 2004 and 2005.

ABF operates an extensive network of customer service centers and distribution facilities strategically located throughout North America. Through this network, ABF provides comprehensive shipping services to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Guam and Puerto Rico. Globally, the carrier serves 250 ports in more than 130 countries. ABF is certified as an Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) carrier by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as a Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) carrier to and from Canada. Via its TimeKeeper® service, ABF provides guaranteed service for expedited or time-definite shipments.

ABF is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (NASDAQ: ABFS).

Contact: Mr. Danny Loe, director of marketing & public relations
Telephone: (479) 785-8803