(FORT SMITH, Ark., March 20, 2006) — ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, has selected its 2006 Load Team, an elite group of freight-handling professionals from across ABF's North American network. The ABF^® Load Team members are:

Jack Barta, South Chicago Tony Booher, Dayton, Ohio John Brittian, Atlanta Hector Chapa, Dallas Chris Dutko, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Scott Hahn, Carlisle, Penn. Randy Heath, Little Rock, Ark. Carey Kearney, Albuquerque, N.M. Ronnie Rowell, Kansas City, Mo. Todd Smith, Salt Lake City

"Load Team members help to personify ABF's commitment to meeting the needs of our customers through safe and efficient freight handling," says ABF Senior Vice President of Operations Wes Kemp. "Due to the talents of dedicated employees like these, shipping customers can trust ABF — knowing that more than 99 percent of all shipments are moved claim free."

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 Load Team program was established not only to honor outstanding performance but also to draw upon dock employees' insights regarding dock procedures and equipment.

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