(FORT SMITH, Arkansas, December 4, 2002) — ABF Freight System Inc.^® has been named by Selling Power magazine as one of the top three companies to sell for in the service sector of the United States economy. ABF^® was also named in the top five of the best 50 companies to sell for overall.

“We are pleased to be recognized by Selling Power magazine as a company that provides an environment where our sales force can succeed,” stated David Stubblefield, ABF president and CEO. “Our investment in recruiting, training and equipping our employees has given ABF a competitive edge, allowing us to provide superior customer care. ABF’s sales professionals provide the critical link with our customers, consulting and collaborating to develop customized transportation solutions. At every level of our company, ABF’s employees are empowered to make decisions and respond to each customer’s unique requirements.”

The Selling Power survey ranked U.S. companies with sales forces of 500 or more sales representatives in three categories — compensation, training and career mobility. Top sales executives, training managers and human resources managers were surveyed to determine rankings. Evaluation of compensation involved average starting salaries, incentive pay plans and other benefit packages. Criteria for training included time invested in product knowledge, selling skills and follow-up instruction. Career mobility was judged upon number of performance reviews, turnover in the sales force and the number of people promoted each year from the sales ranks.

Companies were classified in two general industry groups — manufacturing and service. Overall scores were compiled and the top 25 of each group were named to the 50 best companies to sell for list. The complete article can be reviewed at www.sellingpower.com.

ABF Freight System Inc. is one of North America’s largest and most experienced motor carriers, with direct service to all 50 states, nine Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico. In addition to its broad service to Mexico, the carrier offers service to 250 ports in more than 130 countries worldwide. Via its TimeKeeper^® service, ABF provides guaranteed expedited service for time-critical and time-definite shipments. The company’s Web site, www.abf.com, is ranked among the best 50 of all sites by CIO magazine and top 10 Web sites by BtoB magazine. ABF has been in continuous service since 1923 and is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS).

Contact: Mr. Chris Baltz, director of marketing & public relations — ABF Freight System Inc. — Telephone: (479) 785-8803