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 ( 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.