(Fort Smith, Arkansas, September 11, 2000) -- ABF Freight System, Inc.® has announced its 2001 Load Team, consisting of nine employees from across ABF's North American network. The ABF® Load Team highlights the skills and commitment of the freight-handling professionals at ABF distribution centers.

ABF Load Team members for 2001, are as follows:

• Robert L. Boring, Dayton, Ohio
• Ronald W. Crouse, Little Rock, Arkansas
• Christopher Fortenbaugh, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
• Joe C. Gurulé, Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Robert Henry Morris, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Nelson L. Neill, Winston Salem, North Carolina
• Mario Saldana, Dallas, Texas
• Jeffrey W. Warner, South Chicago, Illinois
• James W. Wright, Ellenwood, Georgia

Wes Kemp, ABF's Vice President-Operations, commented, "We greatly appreciate the work of these nine exceptionally talented individuals and their contribution to ABF's success. They're the best of the best. In addition to their outstanding work, they also serve as outstanding role models for other employees."

Load Team members are selected on the basis of their safety records and involvement in ABF's Quality process. Also considered is their ability to load trailers in an optimal fashion - a skill that facilitates the safe, timely and efficient movement of shipments.