(FORT SMITH, Arkansas, October 7, 2003) — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has named Jim McFarlin, director of safety and security for ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, as the 2003 Safety Director of the Year. This award is the latest in a long series of honors received by ABF^® and its employees over the past two decades in recognition of the company’s leadership in safety and security. Last month, ABF was awarded the President’s Trophy for safety by the ATA for an unprecedented fifth time.

The following is a partial listing of recent safety, security and freight-handling awards received by ABF:

• Jim McFarlin named Safety Director of the Year – 2003
• ABF receives President’s Trophy for safety, the highest safety award in the motor carrier industry – 2003, 1998, 1993, 1989 and 1984
• Brian Shutt named Security Professional of the Year – 2003
• Andy Boyd receives Partners in Safety Award – 2002
• Richard Lang named Claims/Loss Prevention Professional of the Year – 2002
• ABF receives Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award as best in industry – 2002 and 2001
• Scott Harris named National Driver of the Year – 2002
• ABF receives Excellence in Security Award as best in industry – 2001
• Jim McFarlin receives Outstanding Service Award for safety – 2000
• William Whim named National Driver of the Year – 2000

The Safety Director of the Year award is presented annually by the ATA’s Safety and Loss Prevention Management Council to the motor carrier safety executive whose professional qualifications, safety programs and achievements are considered outstanding. Sponsored by Aon Truck Group, it is the highest honor given to a professional in the field of motor carrier safety. In announcing its selection, ATA President and CEO Bill Graves stated, “The trucking industry is extremely proud of professionals like Jim and the example they set for the trucking industry in making the business of trucking and highway travel safe for everyone.” 

ABF Vice President of Safety and Security A.J. Phillips added, “At ABF, the safety of our customers, employees and the public who share our nation’s highways is of highest priority. Under Jim McFarlin’s leadership, ABF’s safety record continues to set the standard for the trucking industry. The ATA has made an excellent choice in selecting Jim to receive this award. Over our 80-year history, we have invested a tremendous amount of time and resources to develop the best freight-handling and driving practices in our industry. We remain equally committed to providing exceptional customer care and maintaining best-in-class safety procedures.”

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. 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.