Fort Smith, Arkansas, October 16, 1998 -- ABF Freight System, Inc. has announced the completion of its ABF eCenter - a complete suite of Internet-based tools tailored to the services requested by its customers. This unmatched functionality, at www.abfs.com, now includes:

• Tracing with optional e-mail notification of status updates, delivery or possible delay.
• Pricing quotations with customer-specific rates.
• On-line viewing and retrieval of critical documents, complete with signatures.
• One-click access to customized shipment status reports.
• Direct e-mail access to virtually every ABF facility and department.
• Dozens of other features and informative material, with frequent enhancement.

ABF's customers are finding meaningful value in these services. Ms. Donna Dingler, Customer Service Representative with GameTime, a leading manufacturer of park and playground equipment, said, "ABF's web site provides tools that save me time, allowing me to perform my job more efficiently. For example, I can now provide a variety of shipment information to my customers faster than ever before, almost immediately. My customers are pleased, especially with the copies of shipping documents retrieved on-line. My customer relations have improved as a direct result of the tools provided via ABF's web site."

Ms. Michele John of Kabo Chemicals, a major manufacturer of defoamer/antifoam products, added, "The new e-mail notification works great and saves me a lot of time. It is so nice to have one less thing to worry about in my day. ABF has set the standard for keeping the customer's needs and requests in the forefront. ABF cares about the people it works with and for."

Mr. Bob Davidson, ABF's Vice President of Marketing and Pricing, commented, "We are gratified that ABF's award-winning web site is simplifying life for our customers. The Internet is global but it should also be personal - addressing the specific needs of individual shippers and receivers. As cycle times continue to plunge, we believe the information can be as valuable as the goods that are shipped. ABF is committed to sharing information, adding value to our services and reducing the administrative costs of transportation."

A complete descriptive list of ABF's current eCenter features follows. The company plans continued expansion of its Internet services.

• Customer-specific pricing quotations. Through this exclusive feature, most Internet rate inquiries are interactive, with instantaneous response, including detailed pricing information unique to a particular customer. Some more complicated inquiries, including offshore lanes, receive a response by e-mail, facsimile or telephone, as requested by the user. During expanded business hours, virtually all inquiries receive a reply within 20 minutes. Confidential information is protected by encryption technology and by passwords, which can be requested through the Internet site.
• On-line viewing and retrieval of critical transportation documents. The signed bill of lading and delivery receipt are available on every shipment. Other documents, such as packing lists and weight confirmations are provided, when applicable.
• ABF ToolKit, an innovative personal computer navigational aid for its customers. The ABF ToolKit is a desktop toolbar that provides ready, one-button access to an expanding variety of customer productivity tools at ABF's Internet site. The versatile ToolKit, available at no charge on the web site, can be customized to incorporate other PC applications or Internet sites chosen by the user.
• Shipment tracing through the ABF network, by carrier pro number, shipper bill of lading number, purchase order number or other customer reference number. Specific shipment location and other information are continually updated.
• E-mail notification of critical events. The user may request e-mail notification as the shipment moves through the ABF system or when it has been delivered. E-mail notification can also be provided when ABF's predictive tracking systems project that a particular shipment may be delayed.
• Comprehensive shipment status reports (e.g., all inbound shipments) customized to the customer's specific needs. Report parameters are saved, and the customer may retrieve subsequent reports with a single mouse click.
• Status of loss and damage claims. The current status of a loss and damage claim is provided, along with contact information for the service representative involved with the claim.
• Routing, service and postal code information throughout North America, including Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, highlighting ABF's broad direct coverage network. Location, personnel, and contact information are provided for each of ABF's 310 terminal service facilities. Direct e-mail contact is provided for all sales, management and administrative personnel.
• On-line pickup requests transmitted directly to the origin serving station.
• On-line bill of lading preparation, printing, and transmission options.
• Generic rate quotations and transit times for shipments moving between points in the contiguous United States and between the United States and Canada. Serving terminal information is also provided for the origin and destination service facilities.
• An informative Resource Library including rate calculation software, special service information, ABF's searchable service guide and the simplified Guide to Pricing Application, all of which may be retrieved directly from the Internet.
• Descriptive explanations of ABF's varied service offerings, an archive of press releases and additional company and industry information.

ABF, with 1997 revenues over $1.1 billion, is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corpora-tion (NASDAQ/NMS - ABFS). ABF is one of the nation's largest LTL motor carriers with service to all fifty states, plus Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada and beyond.

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