(FORT SMITH, Ark., March 20, 2006) — ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, has selected its 2006-2007 Road Team, consisting of the top driving professionals from across ABF's North American network. The ABF^® Road Team members are:

Mike Broadhead, Salt Lake City Bill Ellis, Sacramento, Calif. Reginald Gamblin, Amarillo, Texas Larry Green, Toledo, Ohio Kelvin Holly, Albuquerque, N.M. Tim Lozny, South Chicago

Art Lucas, Buffalo, N.Y. Usevio Martinez, Amarillo, Texas Ben Saiz, Albuquerque, N.M. Chris Smith, Salt Lake City Tony Spero, Stratford, Conn. Randy Young, San Bernardino, Calif.

"Our 2006-2007 Road Team members have been chosen from what we believe is the best group of drivers in the transportation industry," says ABF Senior Vice President of Operations Wes Kemp. "Their dedication to safe driving, commitment to quality and error-free service and devotion to upholding the highest standards of professionalism make these drivers role models for the entire industry."

During their 24-month term, ABF Road Team members serve as ambassadors for ABF and the trucking industry at large. Each member is available to address the vital role freight transportation plays in the global economy. When called upon, they speak on safety, the image of the truck driver and the industry, sharing the road with trucks, or other subjects of community or industry interest.

Established in 1923, ABF is one of North America's oldest and most reputable motor carriers. Recognized as a benchmark for safety, security, technology and freight-handling standards, ABF has a distinguished record of service. In four of the past five years, ABF has earned either the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award, the Excellence in Security Award, or both from the American Trucking Associations Safety and Loss Prevention Management Council. ABF is the only carrier to have earned both awards in the same year, which it achieved in 2005 and 2001. ABF also was recognized by CIO magazine for innovative excellence in information technology, earning the 2005 CIO Enterprise Value Award for the transportation industry as well as a spot on the CIO Top 100 Companies list in both 2005 and 2004.

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 service for expedited or 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