(Fort Smith, Arkansas, April 14, 1999) -- Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS) (www.arkbest.com) announced today income from continuing operations for the first quarter of 1999 was $7.5 million, or $0.32 per diluted common share, compared to 1998 first quarter income from continuing operations of $3.8 million, or $0.14 per diluted common share. First quarter 1999 net income of $6.8 million was the highest first quarter net income in Arkansas Best's history.

"Arkansas Best had another strong quarter as all of the continuing subsidiaries improved on their previous year's first quarter results," said Robert A. Young, III, Arkansas Best President and Chief Executive Officer. "ABF's operating ratio was more than two points lower than the same period last year."

ABF Freight System, Inc.

ABF's first quarter 1999 operating ratio was 93.7% compared to 95.8% for the first quarter of last year. ABF's operating income for the quarter was $18.7 million versus 1998 first quarter operating income of $11.8 million. LTL revenue per hundredweight for the 1999 first quarter was $19.18, an increase of 5.3% over the same period of 1998. "The strong rate environment seen throughout 1998 continued into the first quarter of this year," said Mr. Young. LTL tonnage per day for the first quarter of 1999 reflects an increase of 0.7% versus the same period a year ago. Though slowed somewhat by January inclement weather, the productivity of ABF's workforce remained at good levels during the quarter.

"ABF continued its pattern of strong performances consistently seen for the last nine quarters," said Mr. Young. "ABF's account pricing and cost control discipline, combined with a favorable economic environment, produced an outstanding first quarter. This quarter's results provide a great start for the year. On April 1, ABF introduced changes in its freight-handling network that reduces, by one-third, the cycle time of shipments moving through its distribution centers. These operational modifications reduced the transit time days in many longer lanes and provided standard second-morning service in over 12,000 new lanes. As a result of these significant changes, ABF is poised for continued success," said Mr. Young.

. . .

The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from current expectations due to a number of factors, including general economic conditions; competitive initiatives and pricing pressures; union relations; availability and cost of capital; shifts in market demand; weather conditions; the performance and needs of industries served by Arkansas Best's businesses; actual future costs of operating expenses such as fuel and related taxes; self-insurance claims and employee wages and benefits; actual costs of continuing investments in technology; and the timing and amount of capital expenditures.

    ABF FREIGHT SYSTEM, INC.
    COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1999

                             First Quarter
                                          1999        1998    % Change

        Operating Revenue(A)         $ 295,452   $ 280,267       5.4 %
        Operating Income(A)          $  18,673   $  11,761       ---
        Operating Ratio                   93.7%       95.8%      ---

        Revenue(A)                 LTL    $ 269,344   $ 254,205       6.0 %
                                    TL       26,108      26,062       0.2 %
                                 Total      295,452     280,267       5.4 %

        Tonnage(A)                 LTL      702,238     697,738       0.7 %
        (tons)                      TL      174,863     176,802      (1.1)%
                                 Total      877,101     874,540       0.3 %

        Shipments                  LTL    1,417,680   1,374,114       3.2 %
                                    TL       21,870      22,179      (1.4)%
                                 Total    1,439,550   1,396,293       3.1 %

        Revenue/CWT                LTL     $  19.18    $  18.22       5.3 %
                                    TL     $   7.47    $   7.37       1.3 %
                                 Total     $  16.84    $  16.02       5.1 %
 
        Revenue/Shipment         Total     $ 205.24    $ 200.72       2.3 %
 
        Cost/Shipment            Total     $ 192.27    $ 192.30       0.0 %

        (A)  Note:  Values rounded to thousands ($000)
             Note:  There were 63 workdays in the first quarter of 1999 and the
                    first quarter 1998.

             Includes U.S., Canadian and Puerto Rican operations of ABF
             affiliates.