(FORT SMITH, Arkansas, November 13, 2003) — ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, has earned two awards in InfoWorld magazine’s annual listing of the top 100 enterprise projects using information technology to creatively achieve business goals. The InfoWorld 100 recognizes innovation and leadership among organizations around the globe. These awards, involving ABF’s Web site and its NetLink system, follow a series of honors received by ABF^® over the past decade in recognition of the company’s innovation and strategic use of technology.

“ABF’s investment in technology centers on bringing additional value to our customers,” commented ABF President and CEO Bob Davidson. “While abf.com offers customers unprecedented visibility and control over their shipments and advanced logistics planning tools, NetLink allows ABF to move our customers’ shipments faster and more efficiently. We are honored to be recognized by InfoWorld, providing added confirmation that our customer-focused IT strategies are on the right track.”

ABF’s reengineered Web site at abf.com offers industry-first advances in automated personalization, a simpler graphical interface, and streamlined applications – 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 much broader in scope than the typical Web site redesign,” stated Michael Newcity, ABF manager of eCommerce.  “ABF’s new site blends the myriad of time-saving tools and features that users have come to depend on with the first and only proactive, online personalization available to transportation customers, creating enhanced control and a smarter, more efficient online experience.”  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.

InfoWorld’s second award to ABF involves the company’s development of NetLink – a system that uses wireless technology to streamline procedures across ABF’s vast transportation network. City drivers, dock workers, dispatchers and other key operational personnel utilize handheld “microbrowsers” that are linked with Internet systems to create rapid shipment pickups, paperless dock operations and optimal load planning. Shipments become immediately visible on ABF’s dispatch systems throughout North America, allowing freight to be properly consolidated and quickly moved to destination.

“NetLink helps minimize costs and accelerates transit, both of which ultimately pay dividends for our customers,” noted Wes Kemp, ABF vice president of terminal operations. “The real-time information from this system greatly aids internal decision making and external customer service. With NetLink, ABF shipment status information is available to customers immediately after a shipment is picked up or delivered. In addition, special alerts can be transmitted through the handheld units, allowing ABF to quickly react to customer requests for new or specialized services.”  

In selecting the best 100, a team of InfoWorld editors and technologists reviewed projects in business, government and nonprofit arenas. Nominations were evaluated based on project complexity and innovation, use of cutting-edge technologies, system integration, problem solving, and communication with business units. ABF and United Parcel Service were the only transportation providers on the award list, which includes Cisco Systems, Ingram Micro, Pfizer, MIT, and other recognized technology leaders. ABF and Morgan Stanley were the only two organizations to be recognized with two awards on this year’s listing. Complete coverage of the InfoWorld 100 Awards is featured in the November 10 issue of InfoWorld magazine at www.infoworld.com/565.

For 25 years, InfoWorld Media Group has provided cutting-edge coverage and evaluation of IT products and services for technology experts in senior management. Powered by a continued investment in an independent Test Center, InfoWorld analysts and editors provide both hands-on analysis and evaluation, as well as expert commentary on issues surrounding emerging technologies and products.

InfoWorld is a division of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers and offers online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around the world through IDG.net, which comprises more than 330 targeted Web sites in 80 countries. Company information is available at www.idg.com.

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. 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.