(FORT SMITH, Ark., August 15, 2006) — ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, is celebrating the 11th Annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, August 20-26, 2006, with a system-wide campaign called "Appreciate Your Trucker... ABF Does." The campaign highlights the integral role played by transportation industry employees in supporting the North American economy.

"This appreciation campaign recognizes the contributions of ABF professional drivers as well as all other ABF employees. ABF's reputation as a trusted supply chain partner is built on perpetual teamwork and the dedicated attention of our employees," said ABF Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roy Slagle. "ABF employees add value to our customers' supply chains every day with personalized service and accurate, conscientious execution. We sincerely appreciate the contributions of ABF employees across North America to the continued success of our company."

During the campaign, all ABF^® employees receive a special letter of appreciation from ABF President and CEO Bob Davidson. ABF service centers throughout North America also host special festivities. The appreciation campaign immediately follows the National Truck Driving Championships in New Orleans. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) sponsors this safe-driving event. Drivers across the ABF system competed in state driving competitions, with 15 of those drivers taking first place and earning the right to compete in this year's national championships.

Established in 1923, ABF is one of North America's oldest and most reputable motor carriers. Recognized as best in class 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 five-time winner of the ATA President's Trophy for Safety and the only carrier to earn both the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award and the Excellence in Security Award in the same year. 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