(FORT SMITH, Ark., August 1, 2005) - ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, is the recipient of the 2005 Fleet Contest Division Leader Award from the National Safety Council (NSC). Presented during the Annual NSC Safety Awards Banquet June 30 in Los Angeles, the award recognizes outstanding performance in transportation safety.

"ABF professional drivers contribute daily to safe and secure freight transportation throughout North America," said ABF Safety and Security Director Jim McFarlin, who accepted the award on behalf of the 7,000 professional drivers employed by ABF. "Safety is always a top priority at ABF, and it's an honor to have our safety efforts recognized with this prestigious award from the NSC."

Founded in 1913 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1953, the NSC is an international nonprofit public service organization providing programs, products and services to 30 million people employed at 48,000 member facilities worldwide. Based in Itasca, Illinois, the NSC offers occupational safety, driver improvement and emergency care training to protect employees and businesses.

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 the organization has recognized ABF 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. In addition, 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, Mexico, Guam and Puerto Rico. Globally, the carrier serves 250 ports in more than 130 countries. ABF is certified as an Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) carrier by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as a Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) carrier to and from Canada. 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