American Trucking Associations Lauds Security Program of ABF

Fort Smith, Arkansas (April 2, 2013) —

An emphasis on security has earned ABF Freight System, Inc., the 2004 Excellence in Security Award from the American Trucking Associations (ATA). This is the 28th time since 1971 that ABF's safety and security program has earned recognition from the ATA Safety & Loss Prevention Management Council.

The ABF security program is spearheaded by 16 regional security managers strategically located throughout the carrier's North American system. Each security manager is a former law enforcement official who works closely with ABF management and local, state and federal authorities and regulators. “More than ever before, shippers today recognize the importance of cargo security when selecting the best value among LTL carriers. An efficient, reliable supply chain requires a carrier that can deliver goods in-tact, on-time, damage-free and without security delays. Our customers also appreciate knowing ABF is competent and alert in these times of heightened security importance,” said ABF President & CEO Robert Davidson. “ABF's industry-leading security and cargo care record, acknowledged by this prestigious award and by other special qualifications such as C-TPAT, give ABF a significant competitive advantage in the LTL marketplace.”

Sponsoring this year's Security Award is QUALCOMM, Inc. “ABF has managed to establish, implement and direct a security plan, systems and technology that help it successfully minimize theft, workplace violence and other security breaches,” Mr. Norm Ellis, QUALCOMM vice president of business operations, said when presenting the award. “ABF constantly evaluates and improves its security measures, personnel training and experience record, and as a result insures future prevention and recovery. I speak for QUALCOMM when I say we appreciate companies that are never satisfied with good enough -- they employ every available resource to get the job done and done right.”

The award was presented April 20th at the Loss Prevention & Security Annual Conference and Exhibition in Scottsdale, Ariz. Accepting were Jim McFarlin, ABF director of safety and security; Brian Shutt, manager of security; and Richard Lang, director of customer service. “If we fail, our customers may lose time and money and the goodwill of their own customers. This award is a testament to the dedication and success of the entire ABF team in fulfilling our promises to our customers,” said Mr. McFarlin. “We are pleased to receive this recognition from the ATA, and we intend to keep raising the bar in freight security.”

ABF's safety, security and freight-handling performance has been consistently recognized as best-in-class. In 2003, ABF was awarded the President's Trophy for safety by the ATA, for an unprecedented fifth time. ABF has also been a Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) approved carrier to and from Canada since 2003. During the past decade, 99 percent of all shipments handled by ABF have moved without a loss or damage claim. 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, has been ranked among the best 50 of all sites by CIO magazine and top 10 Web sites by BtoB magazine. ABF has been in continuous service since 1923 and is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS).

Contact: Mr. Russ Aikman, director of marketing & public relations
Telephone: (479) 785-8913