(FORT SMITH, Arkansas, August 6, 2003) — ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, announces the launch of their re-engineered Web site at abf.com, offering a simpler graphical interface, streamlined applications, and industry-first advances in automated personalization — enhancements focused on bringing customers the information they need more quickly. Behind-the-scenes technology optimizes the user interface based upon the specific usage patterns of each customer. In addition, each online tool has been fine-tuned for ease-of-use and integration with related applications.

“The changes to abf.com are more than your standard Web site face-lift,” noted ABF President and CEO Bob Davidson. Since 1999, ABF^® has allowed customers to select favorites from the industry’s largest selection of online tools, facilitating quick access from any site page. The personalization technology abf.com now employs is significantly more advanced. “ABF’s new site presents the first and only proactive, online personalization available to transportation customers, bringing enhanced control and a smarter, more efficient online experience than any other carrier delivers today,” added Mr. Davidson.

In light of the demanding schedule that the typical shipper faces, a central principle of the redesign was to create an experience that matched the most relevant online tools and shipment information to the specific site user. Dock managers, customer service representatives, logistics executives, and other professionals using ABF’s online services will find an environment that intuitively redesigns itself, while providing that customer with ultimate control.

Karen Beseda, outbound logistics manager and supply chain specialist for TimberGrass^®, the industry leader in bamboo flooring, was among 150 of the most active abf.com users who have been testing the re-engineered site since June. “The new abf.com is centered much more on my transportation needs. ABF already had the most functional Web site in the industry, and I didn’t think a redesign could be an improvement, but it truly is,” commented Ms. Beseda.

Benefits that ABF customers will see with the redesigned site include:

• Automated personalization that puts the right tools and information in front of the right user. Customers will experience two major site changes with this technology. First, the site’s navigation adjusts to the unique usage patterns of each customer. Customers retain the ability to select their favorites, overriding any automatic selections made by the site. Second, a new, information-rich home page details within a single interface all shipments picked up, due, or delivered within a rolling three-week window. The new interface also provides quick links to management reports and shipping documents as well as previous bills of lading and pickup requests.
• Reduced completion times for intensive applications. For example, a new “Short Form” version of ABF’s pickup request tool preloads shipper contact and location data, shortening the process time in scheduling a pickup.
• Streamlined navigation and design structure that simplifies access to pages, improves the readability of page content, and reduces page download times.
• Expanded account profile options that allow customers to manage their contact and location information online.

“Although ABF’s Web site has consistently been recognized as best-in-class in the motor carrier industry and beyond, we’ve continued to innovate, remaining attentive to the information and technology concerns of our customers,” added Mr. Davidson. “In today’s work environment, our customers are juggling a variety of responsibilities in any given day. We are proud to present this new technology that will save our customers time and effort, and we look forward to delighting our customers with future enhancements that are currently underway.”

ABF Freight System 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.