(Fort Smith, Arkansas, January 18, 2002) - ABF Freight System, Inc.^® has announced its 2002 Load Team, consisting of the top freight-handling professionals from across ABF's North American network. ABF Load Team members for 2002, are as follows:

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 epitomize ABF's commitment to meeting the needs of our customers through safe and efficient freight handling."

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.