ABF Freight Drivers Earn Recognition at the National Truck Driving Championships

FORT SMITH, Ark., Aug. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Two veteran ABF Freight(SM) drivers, Ralph Garcia and Loren Hatfield, won awards at the 2014 National Truck Driving Championships August 12-16 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Garcia won second place in the sleeper class and Hatfield won fifth place in the flatbed class of the competition hosted by the American Trucking Associations.

"Competing in the championship round is an honor for both of these gentlemen, as well as for ABF Freight. Just earning the right to compete at this level is an incredible achievement. We are very proud of Ralph, Loren and the entire ABF Freight team of drivers who earned the right to compete by winning state championships and maintaining accident-free driving records," said ABF Freight President and CEO Roy Slagle.

Garcia, of New Mexico, competed in the event for the 17^th time. He was the 2013 National Champion in the four-axle class as well as the recipient of the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award. Garcia's professional accomplishments include serving as an America's Road Team Captain and as a White House Champion of Change. He has also driven accident free for over three million miles and 29 years.

Hatfield, of Arkansas, competing in the Nationals for the fifth time, currently serves as an America's Road Team Captain. His record includes twice earning the highest written score at the Arkansas Truck Driving Championships, where he has earned honors as rookie of the year, grand champion and top sportsman. Hatfield has driven accident free for 21 years and has accumulated over 2.5 million accident-free miles.

"The National Truck Driving Championships showcase the industry's commitment to safety," said Bill Graves, ATA president and CEO. "I applaud all the competitors for their efforts in making our highways safe, and congratulate the finalists for demonstrating how dedication to safe driving skills can make you a champion."

ABOUT ABF FREIGHT
ABF Freight(SM) operates the core less-than-truckload network for North American shippers of all sizes who value quality and an exceptional experience. Our customers know we'll find a way to deliver superior regional and long-haul LTL solutions, including best-in-class trade show, white glove, expedited and time-critical services. With easy access through a single point of contact to a broad array of logistics services at our sister companies, we meet all supply chain needs.

ABOUT ARCBEST
ArcBest Corporation(SM) (Nasdaq: ARCB) solves complex logistics and transportation challenges. Our companies and brands—ABF Freight(SM), ABF Logistics(SM), Panther Premium Logistics(SM), FleetNet America®, U-Pack® and ArcBest Technologies—apply the skill and the will with every shipment and supply chain solution, household move or vehicle repair. ArcBest finds a way. For more information, visit arcb.com, abf.com, pantherpremium.com, fleetnetamerica.com and upack.com. ArcBest Corporation(SM). The Skill & The Will(SM).

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SOURCE ABF Freight