ABF Recognized With a Top 10 Listing on the Training Top 125

FORT SMITH, Ark., Feb. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third consecutive year, ABF® is listed among Training magazine's Training Top 125, which ranks companies' excellence in employer-sponsored training and development programs. ABF ranks seventh on this list.  

"ABF strives to be a leader in recruiting, training and equipping transportation professionals," said ABF President and CEO Roy Slagle.  "Once trained, our employees are empowered to serve the specific needs of a diverse group of customers. It is always gratifying to have our efforts recognized by a prestigious publication like Training magazine."

The rankings were announced during a gala at the Training 2012 Conference and Expo held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on February 13-15. The complete list appears in the February issue of Training magazine and on the website, trainingmag.com.

Now in its 12th year, the Training Top 125 ranking is based on benchmarking statistics such as total training budget; percentage of payroll; number of training hours per employee program; goals, evaluation, measurement, and workplace surveys; hours of training per employee annually; and detailed formal programs. The ranking is determined by assessing a range of qualitative and quantitative factors, including financial investment in employee development, the scope of development programs, and how closely such development efforts are linked to business goals and objectives.

"We tweaked the 2012 Training Top 125 criteria, placing additional emphasis on the qualitative scoring and requiring even more specific evidence of the effectiveness of training programs and their role in the achievement of corporate strategic goals," said Lorri Freifeld, editor-in-chief of Training magazine. "The competition was fierce this year, and it was a very difficult task to choose the winners from the many excellent applications we received. Congratulations to the 2012 winners, who demonstrated their unwavering commitment to, passion for, and investment in training."

As the principal subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS), ABF operates as a global provider of customizable supply chain solutions. ABF enhances supply-chain efficiencies and achieves optimum performance by focusing on specific logistics needs and customizing innovative solutions. The carrier's resource-rich infrastructure includes an innovative Dual-System Network for regional and national transportation. Its portfolio of logistics services extends from the manufacturer's floor to expedited and/or white-glove final delivery. In between, customers benefit from a single point of contact and total end-to-end supply chain visibility.

Contact: Mr. Russ Aikman, director of marketing & public relations

SOURCE ABF Freight System, Inc.