(Fort Smith, Arkansas, December 14, 2000) -- ABF Freight System, Inc.^® has announced its 2001 Road Team, consisting of twelve employees from across ABF's North American network. These 12 drivers form a team centered on safety, leadership and concern for the trucking industry.

ABF Road Team members for 2001, are as follows:

• Daniel Hiser, Little Rock, Arkansas
• Timothy Lozny, South Chicago, Illinois
• Jeffery Keller, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
• Larry Green, Toledo, Ohio
• Richard Alford, Louisville, Kentucky
• John Monteith, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
• Leroy Grigley, Ellenwood, Georgia
• Ruben Armendariz, Albuquerque, New Mexico
• James Curtis, Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Britt Binns, Sacramento, California
• John McGinley, Vincentown, New Jersey
• Anthony Spero, Stratford, Connecticut

These drivers have met the highest standards of professionalism and represent the 7,000 ABF drivers who safely travel North America's highways and city streets every day. Road Team members are ambassadors for ABF and the trucking industry in promoting safety and increasing public awareness, and appreciation, of the trucking industry.

John Dale, ABF's Vice President - Safety & Security, commented, "Our 2001 Road Team members have been selected from what we believe is the best group of drivers in our industry. These 12 drivers have set the standard for professionalism and safe-driving.''

During their 18-month term, the ABF Road Team members are available to speak at schools, civic organizations, transportation organizations, and other groups. In addition, the ABF Road Team serves to educate the driving public about safety issues, as well as the vital role the trucking industry plays in our global economy.

Recently, ABF road driver William M. Whim was selected the 2000 National Driver of the Year by the American Trucking Associations. The Kansas Motor Carriers Association submitted Whim's nomination after he was named the 2000 Kansas Driver of the Year. Whim is a two-time winner of the ATA's National Driver of the Year award. His exceptional driving record includes more than 5 million accident-free miles. The ATA's National Truck Driver of the Year award is based not only on safe, accident free driving records, but also on a driver's other contributions to highway safety and a record of providing assistance to others.

Additionally, ABF city driver John Hazlett was recently named national champion 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.