“Over the past 20 years, Gerald has played a key role in the development and implementation of ABF’s yield management principles and has contributed to our financial stability and strength,” commented ABF President and CEO Bob Davidson. “Even in an ever-changing marketplace and economic fluctuations and cycles, he has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to adapt. He has provided sound leadership in pricing and marketing strategies, helping to shape ABF into the enduring carrier shippers have come to trust and depend on for flexible customized transportation solutions. We thank Gerald for his service to our company and wish him and his wife, Sissy, good health and many blessings as they enter a new phase of their lives.”

Mr. Pirpich joined ABF^® in 1966 as a dispatcher at the Fort Smith, Arkansas service center. He moved to the general office in 1968 where he held various Traffic Department positions over the next several years.  He was promoted to director of pricing in 1982, a position he held for 20 years.  In late 2002 he was named vice president of marketing and pricing for ABF, his current position.

Through participation in various carrier organizations for the last thirty years, Mr. Pirpich has served the trucking industry.  Currently, he serves as a member of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association board of directors and has been an elected member of the National Classification Committee for more than 10 years.  

Gerald and his wife have three sons and four grandchildren. In his retirement, he looks forward to spending more time with family and having more time for travel, woodworking and other hobbies.

Chris Baltz, 15 years with ABF, will assume the position vacated by Mr. Pirpich. Previously, Mr. Baltz served as director of marketing and public relations for ABF.

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, has been 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: Ms. Jennifer Boyd, manager of publications — ABF Freight System, Inc. — Telephone: (479) 785-8892. Photo image of Mr. Pirpich is available at www.abf.com/about/press/executives.asp.