Fort Smith, Arkansas, May 24, 1999 -- ABF Freight System, Inc. has entered into an agreement with NationsWay Transport Service, Inc. which will facilitate the transition of former NationsWay customers who wish to join the ABF system. This exclusive agreement involves future services only and does not provide for ABF to be involved with past NationsWay shipments. Specific financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

ABF's President/CEO David Stubblefield stated, "I would like to welcome former NationsWay customers into the ABF system. Through our agreement with NationsWay, ABF has made an investment in order to establish a solid, seamless relationship. For instance, we now have information regarding delivery requirements and other special needs. We want to make this difficult time of transition as smooth as possible for you."

Mr. Stubblefield added that ABF's representatives are currently making contact with NationsWay's customers in order to work out the details of handling their shipments and to develop mutually satisfactory pricing arrangements for those customers who have not been customers of ABF. These customers are encouraged to contact their local ABF service center or to call 1-800-610-5544 for more information about the transition into the ABF system.

ABF Freight System, Inc. (www.abfs.com) is one of the nation's largest motor carriers and has direct service to all 50 states, nine Canadian provinces, Guam and Puerto Rico. In addition to the carrier's recently announced enhanced service to Mexico, ABF provides guaranteed expedited service for time-critical and time-definite shipments via its TimeKeeper® service. ABF is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS).

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