(Fort Smith, Ark., Aug. 17, 2000) - ABF Freight System, Inc.® driver John Hazlett was named national champion last week in the three-axle class at the "Superbowl of Safety" - ATA's 2000 National Truck Driving Championships in New Orleans. This national competition highlights the driving skills, industry knowledge and work ethic of professional truck drivers, along with their contribution to the safety of America's highways.

Hazlett, a city driver at ABF's Vincetown, NJ, facility, qualified for this national competition earlier this year by winning Pennsylvania's state championship in the three-axle class. Hazlett was one of 387 drivers competing in nine different classes of competition with drivers representing all 50 states. Twelve other state champion ABF drivers also participated in the national competition.

The National Truck Driving Championships marked the start of the fifth annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. ABF is currently celebrating Appreciation Week with its annual "Appreciate Your Trucker... ABF Does" campaign. This campaign not only recognizes the truck drivers of ABF®, but also acknowledges the contribution of each employee within the company.