(FORT SMITH, Ark., July 23, 2009) — ABF Freight System, Inc.^®, is sending 20 championship drivers from 10 states to the 72nd National Truck Driving Championships, August 18–22, 2009, in Pittsburgh. Professional drivers earn the right to compete in the National Championships by winning state driving championships and by maintaining an accident-free driving record for the past year.

“Among the competitors representing ABF are nine repeat winners from 2008, including three former National Champion Drivers and three 2009 state driving Grand Champions. Two competitors, Paul Gattin and Ben Saiz, also currently serve as America’s Road Team Captains. The former National Champion drivers are:

Joining the former national champions on the ABF slate of competitors are:

Team Championship trophies were awarded to the ABF driving teams in Arkansas, New Mexico and Wyoming, where ABF earned more first place trophies than any other carrier.

“It is due to the dedication and leadership of outstanding employees like these drivers that ABF enjoys a great reputation as a trusted supply-chain partner. The productive, conscientious work of these professionals helps to bring unmatched value-added logistics solutions to ABF customers,” said Jim McFarlin, ABF safety and security director. “Everyone at ABF greatly appreciates their hard work and dedication, and we’re proud of the way they represent ABF and the trucking industry."

Known informally as the “Super Bowl of Safety,” the annual event is sponsored by the Safety and Loss Prevention Management Council of the American Trucking Associations to promote driving safety among the nation’s three million professional truck drivers. Competitive divisions include straight truck, three-axle, four-axle, five-axle, tank truck, flatbed, five-axle sleeper, twins or auto transporter. The comprehensive competitions include written examinations, pre-trip inspection and a demonstration of braking, parking, backing and maneuvering skills.

Established in 1923, ABF^® is best-in-class for safety, security, technology and freight-handling. InformationWeek, CIO, InfoWorld, and BtoB magazines have cited ABF’s strategic use of information technology as exemplary. ABF is the only five-time winner of the American Trucking Associations President’s Trophy for Safety, the only five-time winner of the Excellence in Security Award, and the only four-time winner of the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award. ABF also is the only carrier to earn both the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award and the Excellence in Security Award in the same year, which ABF accomplished twice.

ABF provides guaranteed service for expedited or time-definite shipments via its TimeKeeper^® service. Regional shipments are handled via the carrier’s RPM^® Network, providing next-day and second-day shipping. The ABF system stretches throughout North America, with local service centers serving all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Globally, the carrier serves 250 ports in more than 130 countries.

ABF is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS).

Source: ABF Freight System, Inc.

Contact: Mr. Danny Loe, director of marketing & public relations
Telephone: (479) 785-8803

Websites: abf.com
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              FreightValue.com 
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