(Fort Smith, Arkansas, July 5, 2000) -- ABF Freight System, Inc.® has been named a Web Business 50/50 Award winner, placing www.abfs.com among the best 50 of all Web sites. Sponsored by CIO magazine, this award recognizes Internet leadership and innovation among organizations around the world.

A panel of nineteen CIO magazine editors, writers, art designers and Web development experts reviewed more than 500 nominated Internet sites. ABF® and American Airlines were the only transportation providers on the award list, which includes Dell Computer, IBM, Charles Schwab, The Wall Street Journal and other recognized eCommerce leaders. Complete coverage of the Web Business 50/50 Awards is featured in the July 1 issue of CIO magazine and at www.cio.com.

According to CIO magazine, these honored sites "demonstrate a keen ability to blend technology and design of the Web site with the needs of their target audience... [These Web sites] exemplify ground breaking business models and set benchmarks for others to take notice and follow."

David Stubblefield, ABF President and CEO, commented, "From its inception, the focus of ABF's Internet site has been to add value for our customers through innovation. From simple tracing to shipment rerouting to advanced logistics planning, ABF's Internet site has simplified shipping for thousands of customers. This award's recognition of ABF's eCommerce leadership across all industries, not just transportation, is gratifying. However, our best is yet to come. We will remain customer-focused, and we will continue to innovate."

ABF is also announcing a comprehensive redesign of its Web site. The site now offers a streamlined user interface and faster access to the most frequently used eCenter® tools. Michael Newcity, ABF Manager of eCommerce, stated, "ABF is committed to maintaining our leadership position in eCommerce. We will not rest on our past accomplishments and innovations. This comprehensive redesign takes our site to another level, offering a more robust user experience while allowing even quicker access to high-use tools like tracing, POD retrieval and rate quotes."

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

• Shipment Planner^{TM(patent pending)} -- Customers use a simple calendar interface to easily view and manage their shipments on ABF's Internet site. Shipments appear on the calendar by pickup date, due/delivery date or appointment date, as selected by the customer. Customers can choose the types (inbound, outbound, third-party) of shipments and the shipment information (pro number, shipper bill of lading number, purchase order number, shipper name or consignee name) to be displayed. Calendar items are hyperlinked to additional shipment detail. Customers can also manage business and personal items, such as meetings, appointments and anniversaries, with their customized Shipment Planner calendar.
• Dynamic Rerouting -- Customers can change the destination point of an in-transit shipment at ABF's Internet site. Shipments in route can also be recalled and returned to the origin. ABF's internal systems automatically issue the rerouting instructions to the proper ABF facility based upon the current location of the shipment within the ABF system. With Dynamic Rerouting, ABF also provides e-mail confirmation and revised charges.
• 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 ten standard reports (e.g., undelivered shipments, unpaid bills, or recent outbound shipments) that can be created with a single click. Reports can also be viewed within the Shipment Planner.
• Customer-specific Rate Quotation -- 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 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. Customers may save time by accessing their last 50 quotes and by creating customized templates for frequent shipments. Confidential information is protected by encryption technology and by passwords, which can be requested through the Internet site. Quick Quote provides reduced data entry. An expanded version facilitates easy bill of lading creation or pickup requests.
• Document Retrieval, including online 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.
• Shipment Tracing through the ABF network, by carrier pro number, shipper bill of lading number, purchase order number, RMA 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.
• Pickup Requests transmitted directly to the origin serving station. Customers may save time by accessing their last 50 requests and by creating customized templates for frequent shipments. Customers can enter an RMA number when submitting their pickup request information online. The easy-to-use returns management system includes the ability to trace shipments via the RMA number.
• Loss and Damage Claims Filing or Status -- Customers can file a cargo claim and upload supporting documents via the ABF Internet site. The current status of a loss and damage claim can be retrieved, along with contact information for the service representative involved with the claim.
• Bill of Lading preparation, printing, and transmission options -- Customers may save time by accessing their last 50 entries and by creating customized templates for frequent shipments.
• 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). Many forms may be completed on-line before printing. In addition, customers can view and print various ABF documents, such as ABF's Common Carrier permit or Insurance Certificate.
• 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.
• 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.

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