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ABF Freight System, Inc. Announces Personalized Web Pages Via myABF(SM)

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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