(Fort Smith, Arkansas, January 30, 2002) - ABF Freight System, Inc.^® announces the promotion of A. J. Phillips to Vice President of Industrial Relations and Safety & Security. Previously, Mr. Phillips served as Regional Vice President, Operations.

Mr. Phillips joined ABF^® in 1972 as a dispatch assistant at the Dayton, Ohio service center. He was promoted to Branch Manager of the Dayton facility in 1987. Mr. Phillips was promoted to the position of Regional Vice President in 1995.

In his new position, Mr. Phillips will administer policies and procedures to protect the assets of ABF, its employees and customers. He will also review and assist in the handling of employee feedback and will oversee labor contract compliance.

"A. J. Phillips brings to his new position extremely strong people skills and 29 years of experience in various operations positions," noted David Stubblefield, ABF President and CEO. "Under his leadership, ABF will continue to set the industry standard for safe, secure, professional freight handling."

Mr. Phillips and his wife of 28 years, Barbara, have two children, Jason and Ashley. Mr. Phillips will assume the position being vacated by John Dale who is retiring. Mr. Dale retires after 40 years in the trucking industry on January 31, 2002.