(FORT SMITH, Ark., January 7, 2005) - ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, will send three award-winning drivers to the 2005-06 America's Road Team Finals to be held at the American Trucking Associations (ATA) headquarters in Alexandria, Va. A total of 30 national finalists will compete the week of Jan.10-12 to become America's Road Team Captains. The selected ABF^® drivers are: Richard Alford of the Louisville service center, Ralph Garcia of the Albuquerque service center and Arthur (Otto) Schmeckenbecher of the Little Rock service center.

In selecting the national finalists, the ATA considered the safety record, community involvement and presentation skills of each nominated driver. "The commitment of these driver candidates to improve the public image of our industry is impressive," said Bill Graves, ATA president and CEO, "as are their individual accident-free driving skills. The trucking industry would be proud to have any one of these drivers representing us."

ATA created America's Road Team in 1986 in an effort to promote the trucking industry, its positive safety record and its professional drivers, and to highlight the importance of the industry to the U.S. economy. As captains, drivers deliver the trucking industry's highway safety message to the motoring public, the news media, civic organizations and legislative bodies. Thousands of professional drivers from across the nation compete annually to represent the industry in this highly-regarded position.

"These drivers are serious about their profession and safety. They are very aware that the way they conduct themselves reflects on ABF and the industry. Each one is an outstanding role model for other professional drivers and an excellent representative for our industry," noted Rich Beaulieu, ABF's vice president of transportation.

During the upcoming competition, the 30 finalists will make presentations, participate in mock media interviews, and contribute to round-table discussions about the trucking industry. Being selected as an ATA America's Road Team Captain is one of the highest honors a professional truck driver can receive. At least one ABF driver has represented the industry on every America's Road Team since 1995.

"These three individuals are great examples of the caliber of drivers who work for ABF," added Mr. Beaulieu. "We are proud to have Richard, Ralph and Otto representing ABF in the competition for America's Road Team. Not only do they excel in the driving profession, they also possess the character and dedication required to represent our industry as members of that elite group."

ABF's performance was recognized as exemplary on numerous occasions throughout 2004. For example, the carrier earned the 2004 Excellence in Security Award from the American Trucking Associations-the 28th time it has received recognition from the organization since 1971. Its emphasis on quality and value was cited by Logistics Management magazine, which awarded ABF a 2004 Quest for Quality Award. And it was twice recognized by CIO magazine for innovative excellence in information technology, earning the 2005 CIO Enterprise Value Award for the transportation industry and a spot on the 2004 CIO Top 100 Agile Companies list.

Established in 1923, ABF is one of North America's oldest and most reputable 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 is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS).

Contact: Mr. Danny Loe, director of marketing & public relations
Telephone: (479) 785-8803