(Fort Smith, Ark., Sept. 27, 2001) - ABF Freight System, Inc.® has been recognized by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) as the top motor carrier both in claims/loss prevention and in security. The "Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention" and "Excellence in Security" awards were recently presented to ABF by the Safety & Loss Prevention Management Council of the ATA.

In accepting the "Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention" award, Richard Lang, ABF Director - Customer Service, stated, "Thousands of times each day we make commitments to deliver our customers' shipments on time, intact and damage-free. If we fail, our customers may lose time and money and the goodwill of their own customers. This award is a testament to the dedication and success of the entire ABF team in fulfilling our promises to our customers."

ABF's claims and loss prevention initiatives have positioned it as a leader in freight handling. Over the past decade, 99% of all shipments handled by ABF have moved claim-free.

Mr. Lang added, "As part of ABF's Quality Process, we join in focus groups with customers to eliminate existing and potential loss or damage problems. In doing so, ABF is able to leverage the knowledge and expertise of our frontline employees, some of the most experienced freight-handlers in the industry. Through this process, ABF has attracted many new customers that had previously experienced claims problems with other carriers."

The "Excellence in Security" award was accepted by Jim McFarlin, ABF Director - Safety and Security. Mr. McFarlin stated, "ABF has made significant investments in the personnel and tools required to provide best-in-class security for our customers' cargo. Each of our 16 Regional Security Managers, located across ABF's North American system, has past experience working for local, state or federal law enforcement agencies. In addition, at many service centers, we have electronic security devices that monitor our customers' freight. We are pleased to receive this recognition from the ATA and we intend to keep raising the bar in freight security."

In announcing its selection for these two awards, the ATA noted that ABF has "consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in the areas of claims/loss prevention and security." The ATA added that ABF has "far exceeded expectations as most outstanding in its written security policy, employee selection, incentive and recognition programs, training programs, claims reductions and security procedures."

"To win just one of these awards is a fantastic achievement. To win both is unprecedented and speaks directly to the core culture of ABF," commented David Stubblefield, ABF President and CEO. "Our mission begins with secure, damage-free freight handling and ends with a sharp focus on understanding and meeting the unique needs of each individual customer."