ABF Earns Spot on 2009 InformationWeek 500 - Its Fourth Consecutive Appearance on the List

FORT SMITH, Ark., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ABF Freight System, Inc.((R)), has been cited as an innovator in information technology by InformationWeek magazine, which lists ABF((R)) on the 2009 InformationWeek 500. The InformationWeek 500 companies were revealed on September 14, 2009, at a gala awards ceremony at the St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach, Calif. ABF appears on the list for a fourth consecutive year.

"For over 20 years, the InformationWeek 500 has honored the most innovative users of business technology," said Rob Preston InformationWeek editor-in-chief. "Year after year, InformationWeek 500 companies harness technology to improve efficiency, boost productivity, drive revenue, and establish a competitive advantage. We applaud this year's winners, and the CIOs and other executives whose ingenuity and risk taking are at the center of business technology innovation."

The InformationWeek 500 rankings are unique among corporate rankings as it spotlights the power of innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest IT spenders. To be ranked in the InformationWeek 500, companies with revenue of $250 million or more must complete a rigorous application on their technology strategies. The process includes quantitative and qualitative assessments of business tech innovation. Completed applications are reviewed by a panel of InformationWeek editors, who determine the ranking. The data is aggregated for all 500 companies.

"ABF is honored to be included on this prestigious list once again," said ABF Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roy Slagle. "Through collaboration with our customers, our IT group continues to improve supply-chain visibility and processes through homegrown innovation. The result is a unique experience where user-centric applications are designed to meet the specific needs of our customers."

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((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.TimeKeeper.com
              http://www.FreightValue.com
              http://www.upack.com

SOURCE ABF Freight System, Inc.

Arkansas Best (ABFS)

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