Fort Smith, Arkansas, May 27, 1999 -- ABF Freight System, Inc. has announced the expansion of eCenter - its suite of Internet-based tools tailored to the services requested by its customers.

The new features, Advanced Reports, Freight Bill Review, and Forms and ABF Documents, are available at www.abfs.com. In addition, through Transparent Links, ABF eCenter tools now may be incorporated directly into a shipper's web site.

Through Advanced Reports, ABF's customers can design their own reports choosing from a wide variety of shipment selection, data item and sort sequence options. These reports can be saved and quickly retrieved for future use. For less experienced users, ABF provides 10 standard reports (e.g., undelivered shipments, unpaid bills, or recent outbound shipments) that can be created with a single click.

ABF's customers have quickly embraced Advanced Reports. Kerry Tyler, Traffic Manager for POP Displays, a leading manufacturer of point-of-purchase displays based in Long Island City, NY, said, "I am speechless as to the vast amount of options available to me via Advanced Reports. With this new tool, I can format, download and print detailed information for my company's sales reps, customer service reps, and purchasing personnel, and also for my customers. ABF has made it possible to retrieve virtually all pertinent information from one source, thus eliminating time-consuming phone calls, follow-ups and faxes."

Vicki Northup, Shipping Clerk with Lime-O-Sol Company, a leading manufacturer of home cleaning products, added, "I no longer have to call multiple people to manage my shipments. Advanced Reports provides all the information I need."

Freight Bill Review, another ABF exclusive feature, allows ABF's customers to quickly resolve questions regarding the charges on an ABF freight bill. ABF answers most inquiries, by e-mail, within one hour with a detailed explanation of the basis for the charges or an immediate adjustment to the amount due. Robert A. Davidson, ABF's Vice President - Marketing and Pricing, stated, "ABF has long been noted for the most accurate freight bills in the industry, due to our Quality Process, our experienced employees, and a high degree of automation. When the pricing on a freight bill is unclear, we are delighted to explain how we arrived at the charges. We believe that opening this process will reduce payment exceptions and transaction costs for our customers."

With the new Forms and ABF Documents, customers can access and print various forms used in the course of business (e.g., a Canadian Customs Invoice). In addition, customers can view and print various ABF documents, such as ABF's Common Carrier permit or Insurance Certificate.

ABF now also offers Transparent Links, which extends many eCenter tools for use at customer web sites. This eCommerce feature allows shippers to incorporate data from ABF's Internet site directly into their own. As a result, these shippers are able to provide information and support (e.g., shipment tracing, pickup requests) directly to their own customers.

Davidson commented, "For some time, our customers have expressed the desire to place our powerful eCenter tools on their own web site in order to better serve their customers. ABF is pleased to be the first LTL carrier to meet this need. Our commitment to reducing transaction costs and expanding shipment knowledge to our customers is reflected in this extension of eCenter."

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

• Advanced reports. Customers can create detailed reports, customized to their specific needs. Customers can choose from a wide variety of shipment selection, data item and sort sequence options. A report "Wizard" is available to guide report creation. These reports can be saved and quickly retrieved for future use. For less experienced users, ABF provides 10 standard reports (e.g., undelivered shipments, unpaid bills, or recent outbound shipments) that can be created with a single click.
• 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, customs documents, and weight confirmations are provided, when applicable.
• ABF ToolKit, an innovative personal computer navigational aid. The ABF ToolKit is a desktop toolbar that provides 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. Automated e-mail notification can also be provided when a shipment is delivered with an exception or when ABF's predictive tracking systems project that a particular shipment may be delayed.
• Freight bill review. Customers can quickly resolve questions regarding the charges on an ABF freight bill. ABF answers most inquiries, by e-mail, within one hour with a detailed explanation of the basis for the charges or an immediate adjustment to the amount due.
• 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.
• Forms and ABF documents. Customers can access and print various forms used in the course of business (e.g., a Canadian Customs Invoice). In addition, customers can view and print various ABF documents, such as ABF's Common Carrier permit or Insurance Certificate.
• 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 Shipper's Guide, 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 Freight System, Inc. 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. They also offer international service to more than 160 other countries through 300 ports. ABF is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS).

END OF RELEASE