FORT SMITH, Ark., Sept. 1 - ABF Freight System, Inc. has announced the expansion of its TimeKeeper® service through the addition of air cargo capabilities. With this enhancement, the TimeKeeper name will be changed to TimeKeeper Air^sm.

TimeKeeper Air offers premium service for emergency and time-critical shipments moving throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Through strategic air partnerships and an advanced ground network, TimeKeeper Air provides next-day, second-day, third-day and other service options -- all with a complete customer satisfaction guarantee.

ABF President and CEO David Stubblefield stated, "Since 1993, ABF's TimeKeeper service has set the standard for guaranteed, expedited ground service. More recently, our customers have expressed their desire for additional premium service options, with the same 'TimeKeeper' reliability. TimeKeeper Air combines our proven reliability on expedited ground service with broad air capability. As a result, TimeKeeper Air can meet virtually any service need our customers may have. We believe that TimeKeeper Air is the perfect complement to our recently-enhanced standard service, which provides thousands of new two-day lanes.''

ABF has been piloting TimeKeeper Air at 15 customer service centers for several months. During this pilot, ABF made significant investments in computer systems and personnel training to support optimal blending of air and ground service. On-going investments in TimeKeeper Air will continue to be focused on providing an immediate response to all customer inquiries -- at highly competitive rates and service levels.

TimeKeeper Air service and rate quotations are available at 1-800-874-2061. Long term service and pricing agreements are also available with this service. Customers may also find out more about TimeKeeper Air through ABF's award-winning Internet site at www.abfs.com or by contacting their local ABF service center.

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 international service to more than 160 other countries through 300 ports. ABF is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS).