(FORT SMITH, Ark., January 24, 2005) - ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, has announced its 2005 Load Team, consisting of the top freight-handling professionals from across the ABF^® system. ABF 2005 Load Team members are as follows:

Tom Ayres, Salt Lake City, Utah Dan Beyer, South Chicago, Ill. George Hamilton, Ellenwood, Ga. Gary Huffman, Carlisle, Pa. Troy Jones, Little Rock, Ark.

Richard Maddox, Dallas, Texas Tony Petelin, Kansas City, Kan. Jose Luis Plata, Albuquerque, N.M. Wayne Powell, Winston-Salem, N.C. Todd Willoughby, Dayton, Ohio

Wes Kemp, ABF's vice president of operations, commented, "The ability to handle and load freight quickly and efficiently is an integral part of our commitment to our customers. It takes teamwork to ensure customers receive their freight on time and intact. Thanks to the contribution of employees like these, ABF enjoys an outstanding record of moving over 99 percent of all shipments damage free. These individuals exemplify ABF's dedication to quality."

Load Team members are selected on the basis of their safety records, involvement in ABF's Quality process, integrity and their ability to load trailers in an optimal fashion - a skill that facilitates the safe, timely and efficient movement of shipments. The team meets with officers and department heads on matters of dock procedures and equipment.

Established in 1923, ABF is one of North America's oldest and most reputable motor carriers. It continues to be recognized as a benchmark for safety, security, technology and freight-handling standards. Last year, the ATA awarded ABF the Excellence in Security Award, the 28th time that ABF has been recognized by the organization since 1971. ABF's emphasis on quality and value was cited by Logistics Management magazine, which awarded the carrier a 2004 Quest for Quality Award. And ABF 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.

ABF operates an extensive network of customer service centers and distribution facilities strategically located throughout North America. Through this network, ABF provides comprehensive shipping services to all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Besides broad service to Mexico, the carrier also serves 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