(FORT SMITH, Arkansas, April 9, 2003) — Brian Shutt, manager of security for ABF Freight System Inc.^®, has been selected by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) as the 2003 “Security Professional of the Year.” This award was recently presented to Mr. Shutt at the ATA Safety & Loss Prevention Management Council’s annual conference.

Mr. Shutt has been involved with ABF’s security initiatives for eighteen years and has been manager of security since 1997. Prior to his employment with ABF^®, he worked in law enforcement, both in civilian and military service. Mr. Shutt is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security and is serving as second vice-chair of the Security Committee of the Safety & Loss Prevention Management Council of the ATA.

“The Council and the Awards Committee created this new award to honor and reward the significant achievements and contributions of individuals who exceed the scope of their normal responsibilities to advance the profession,” noted Bill Graves, president and chief executive officer for the ATA.

According to the ATA, the “Security Professional of the Year” award distinguishes “exemplary employees recognized among their peers as the most outstanding individual for the ability to reduce cargo theft and implement a strong security program.” In presenting this award, the ATA noted, “Brian Shutt was chosen because he consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in the areas of security and far exceeded expectations as most outstanding on the basis of his written security policies, employee selections, incentive and recognition programs, training programs, reduction in cargo theft and security procedures.” 

“The training and procedural components of our security initiatives keep ABF at the top of the industry. Brian has made significant contributions to these initiatives,” commented Jim McFarlin, director of safety and security for ABF. “When Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta visited our offices, he noted that ABF is a role model for the entire transportation industry. We take that responsibility seriously and we’re proud of the leadership role Brian plays in the continued safety and security of our employees, our equipment, our customers’ freight and the general public.”

ABF’s freight-handling performance has been consistently recognized as best-in-class. Over the past decade, 99% of all shipments handled by ABF have moved without a loss or damage claim. ABF recently achieved a quarterly record for low claims, with 99.23% of all shipments moving claims-free. Over the past two decades, ABF has received the prestigious President’s Trophy for safety from the ATA in virtually every year that it has been eligible. In each of the last 30 years, ABF’s safety ranking has been first, second or third within its trucking category. In 2001, the ATA selected ABF as the top LTL motor carrier both in claims/loss prevention and in security, the first such dual award of its kind. In 2002, ABF was again selected by the ATA as the top LTL motor carrier in claims/loss prevention.

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 the 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.