ABF Press Release - ABF Enhances Service To/From Mexico

ABF� Enhances Service To/From Mexico

FORT SMITH, Ark., Sept. 19, 2001 -- ABF Freight System, Inc.^� is now providing daily direct service to Juarez and Chihuahua, Mexico, after border clearance through El Paso, Texas. This service enhancement is provided through ABF's existing alliance with MultiPack.

This new service includes door-to-door rates between points throughout North America and Juarez and Chihuahua, the two largest communities in the Mexican State of Chihuahua. ABF's new cross-border capability will offer next day delivery following border crossing and customs clearance.

"For the past several years, our unique alliance with MultiPack has allowed ABF to offer seamless coverage within Mexico that is unmatched in our industry," stated Don Reynolds, ABF Vice President of National Sales. "The addition of direct service to Juarez and Chihuahua, including door-to-door rates, extends our unique capabilities to virtually all of Mexico."

Door-to-border and door-to-broker services remain as additional options for ABF customers. ABF's highly trained bilingual staff is positioned and available to offer service excellence on both sides of the border.

ABF Freight System, Inc. is one of the nation's largest and most experienced motor carriers, offering direct service to all 50 states, nine Canadian provinces, Guam and Puerto Rico. In addition to the carrier's broad service to Mexico, ABF provides guaranteed expedited service for time-critical and time definite shipments via its TimeKeeper^� service. The carrier has been in continuous service since 1923 and reported record revenues and earnings in 2000. Earlier this year, ABF was named "Innovator of the Year" by Network World magazine. The company's Web site, abf.com, is ranked among the best 50 of all sites by CIO magazine. ABF is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation(NASDAQ/NMS-"ABFS").

Contact: Mr. Chris Baltz, Director of Marketing - ABF Freight System, Inc.-Telephone: 501-785-8803