(FORT SMITH, Ark., April 26, 2006) – ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, has secured a U.S. patent directed to its Electronic Shipment Planner, an Internet-based technology available through the carrier’s website. This technology powers ABF’s Shipment Planner^® and Shipment Snapshot applications and helps ABF^® customers manage and track shipments through a calendar interface. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, issued U.S. Patent Number 7,003,720 to ABF.

Shipment Planner and Shipment Snapshot energize the carrier’s reporting system by allowing customers to view and manage shipments online through a simple calendar interface. According to customer preference, shipments appear on the calendar by pickup date, due/delivery date or appointment date. Customers choose the types of shipments and the shipment information to be displayed. The items are hyperlinked to additional shipment detail. Customers also can customize the calendar to manage business and personal schedules.

“This patent exemplifies ABF’s focus on developing innovative technological solutions that our customers find distinctly usable, saving them time and money,” says Michael Newcity, ABF’s director of e-systems and emerging technologies. “Through our ongoing assessment of customer needs, ABF continues to lead the industry in developing user-centric applications via Internet-based technology.”

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