ABF Wins the ATA Excellence in Security Award for Record Fifth Time

FORT SMITH, Ark., July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ABF Freight System,
Inc.((R)), has been recognized by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) for
exceptional security practices -- earning the 2009 Excellence in Security
Award from the ATA Supply Chain Security and Loss Prevention Council. The 2009
award was presented at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth,
Georgia, during the 2009 ATA Supply Chain and Law Enforcement Conference July
15-17, 2009. Including the inaugural award in 2001, ABF((R)) has earned the
Excellence in Security Award an unprecedented five times.

"ABF Freight System is being recognized for the breadth and effectiveness of
its security plans that cover both traditional asset protection and innovative
homeland security programs. It is a carrier dedicated to constantly evaluating
and improving its security measures and experience record to ensure future
prevention and recovery," said Susan Chandler, executive director of the ATA
Supply Chain Security and Loss Prevention Council.

"ABF's industry-leading security and cargo care record, recognized by this
council and by certifications such as ACE, FAST and C-TPAT, give ABF customers
a significant supply chain advantage. Earning this prestigious award is
further evidence that ABF is fully committed to providing our customers with
these advantages even during an economic downturn," said ABF President and
Chief Operating Officer Wes Kemp. "We believe our customers deserve safe,
secure and error-free service, which comes from the training, experience, and
responsiveness of dedicated and empowered ABF employees."

The ABF security program is led by 13 regional security managers strategically
located throughout the carrier's North American system. Each security manager
is a former law enforcement official who works closely with ABF management and
local, state and federal authorities and regulators. "Protecting our
customers' freight and company assets and the safety and security of our
employees are ABF priorities," said Jim McFarlin, ABF safety and security
director. "ABF security procedures and guidelines were formulated as a guide
for all employees -- from upper management to the front line -- so they have
the knowledge to conform to the security requirements of the company. This
approach has positioned ABF as the premiere LTL carrier when it comes to
delivering shipments safely and securely."

The ATA Supply Chain Security and Loss Prevention Council is an organization
of transportation security, freight claims and loss prevention professionals
representing motor carriers and interested organizations. It serves, promotes,
and creates value for members and the industry through research, education,
training, and peer interaction. American Trucking Associations is the largest
national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of
other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated
state trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering
every type of motor carrier in the U.S.

Established in 1923, ABF((R)) 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 a five-time winner of the American Trucking Associations
President's Trophy for Safety and the only five-time winner of the Excellence
in Security Award. ABF 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((R)) service. Regional shipments are handled via the carrier's
RPM((R)) 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).
Contact: Mr. Danny Loe, director of marketing & public relations
Telephone: (479) 785-8803

Websites: http://www.abf.com http://www.FreightValue.com
http://www.TimeKeeper.com http://www.upack.com

SOURCE ABF Freight System, Inc.

Mr. Danny Loe, director of marketing & public relations of ABF Freight System,
Inc., +1-479-785-8803