Fort Smith, Arkansas, August 13, 1999 -- ABF Freight System, Inc. has announced the release of myABF(SM), allowing customers to create personalized web pages that greatly simplify navigation of its Internet site at www.abfs.com or myabf.com.
With myABF, customers can manage the wide variety of transportation tools and shipment information available via ABF's eCenter(SM) in combination with other Internet content such as stock quotes, weather reports and links to virtually any Internet destination. Users of myABF easily and quickly create and format their own personal web pages, with the eCenter tools and content they choose.
Robert A. Davidson, ABF's Vice President - Marketing and Pricing, stated, "Over the past year, a growing wave of customers has embraced ABF's eCenter of on-line tools in order to leverage information about their shipments and to reduce their administrative and transaction costs. They tell us that the ABF Internet site is far and away the best in the industry, but we continue to make it better. The latest and most dramatic example, myABF, allows customers to customize these tools to their specific needs and to simplify their use of the Internet."
Michael Newcity, ABF's Webmaster, added, "By employing active server pages with centralized data via XML, myABF provides customers with access to our eCenter and the entire Internet without sacrificing response times and ease- of-use. myABF is yet another example of ABF's leadership in technology and innovation."
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. Users 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. Contrasted with typical
Internet rate quotations, ABF uses detailed pricing information unique
to a particular customer, providing quotations that match actual
freight invoices. Most Internet rate inquiries are interactive, with
instantaneous response. 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(TM), 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 within one hour, by e-mail, 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 309 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.
-- An informative Resource Library including free rate calculation
software, special service information, ABF's searchable service guide
and the simplified Shipping 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(R) 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).
Contact: Mr. Robert A. Davidson, Vice President -- Marketing and Pricing of ABF Freight System, Inc. -- Telephone: 501-785-8990.
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