ABF Earns National LTL Carrier of the Year Award for the Third Time in Four Years

FORT SMITH, Ark., April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ABF^® has earned the 2013 National LTL Carrier of the Year Award from the National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC). ABF was recognized during the NASSTRAC Conference and Expo in Orlando, Florida, April 23. ABF also earned the Carrier of the Year Award in 2010 and 2011.

"This prestigious award recognizes all ABF employees whose dedication to safety, cargo handling and customer service inspires confidence among customers throughout North America and around the globe," said ABF President and CEO Roy Slagle. "ABF people have earned a reputation as the safest, most conscientious, highly innovative members of our industry, and it is gratifying to have their efforts once again recognized as the industry leader by NASSTRAC."

NASSTRAC recognizes transportation providers on a quantitative scale in five key areas: 1) customer service; 2) operational excellence; 3) pricing; 4) business relationship; and 5) leadership and technology. "Because this is a shipper-driven award, ABF is to be commended for this recognition," said Brian Everett, NASSTRAC executive director. The NASSTRAC Carrier of the Year program is co-sponsored by Logistics Management, a leading trade magazine for buyers of logistics services.

"Because NASSTRAC bases the award on demonstrated excellence in both performance and results, everyone at ABF is particularly proud to have earned this recognition," said Jim Keenan, ABF senior vice president of sales and marketing. "We are also grateful to this council for promoting the transportation industry through advocacy and education for both carriers and shippers."

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 company'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 time-definite and/or white-glove final delivery. In between, customers benefit from a single point of contact and total end-to-end supply chain visibility.

SOURCE ABF Freight System, Inc.