(FORT SMITH, Ark., December 4, 2006) — For the fifth consecutive year, ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, is ranked among the top 10 of Selling Power magazine’s listing of the 25 best U.S. companies to sell for in the service sector. ABF^®, which ranks seventh overall, was the highest-ranking transportation company on the magazine’s 2006 listing.

For the past six years, the corporate research team at Selling Power has identified and ranked the best companies to sell for in the U.S., focusing on companies with sales forces of 500 or more people. Assessments are based on compensation, training and career mobility. Selling Power ranks the top 25 manufacturing companies and the top 25 service companies to complete its annual list of the 50 best companies to sell for.

“We are proud to once again be recognized as a leader in recruiting, training, and equipping sales professionals,” said ABF Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roy Slagle. “At every level of our company, our employees are trained to make decisions and respond to each customer’s unique requirements. Our customers then benefit from a representative who helps them anticipate supply-chain challenges and is empowered to respond with advantageous solutions.”

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