(FORT SMITH, Ark., August 18, 2004) - ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, is celebrating the ninth annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Aug. 22-28, 2004, with its annual "Appreciate Your Trucker... ABF Does" campaign. ABF^® service centers throughout North America will have special activities and awards during Appreciation Week.

"I sincerely appreciate the contributions of ABF employees across North America to the continued success of our company. ABF people are widely known as the safest, most innovative members of our industry, and their productive, conscientious work brings unmatched value-added logistics solutions to our customers. The great reputation ABF enjoys as a trusted supply-chain partner is a reflection of the drive and dedication of these outstanding employees," said ABF President and CEO Bob Davidson.

ABF's appreciation campaign immediately follows the National Truck Driving Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah. This safe-driving event is sponsored by the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Drivers across the ABF system competed in the state competitions, with 20 of those drivers taking first place and earning the right to compete in this year's national championships.

ABF's safety, security and freight-handling performance has been consistently recognized as best-in-class. Acknowledging this performance, the ATA presented ABF with the 2004 Excellence in Security Award. In 2003, ABF was awarded the President's Trophy for safety by the ATA, for an unprecedented fifth time. ABF has also been a Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) approved carrier to and from Canada since 2003. During the past decade, 99 percent of all shipments handled by ABF have moved without a loss or damage claim. 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 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. Recognized by CIO magazine as one of the Top 100 Agile Companies for 2004, the company's Web site, abf.com, has also 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: Mr. Danny Loe, director of marketing & public relations
Telephone: (479) 785-8803