ABF Global Supply Chain Services Adds South America to Coverage Area

FORT SMITH, Ark., Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Uruguay are now included in the expanding ocean transport portfolio of ABF Global Supply Chain Services. ABF Global is providing a single contact for full-container-load (FCL) and expedited less-than-container-load (LCL) supply chain solutions.  Ocean transport for these South American countries is in addition to ABF Global's previously announced coverage in Europe and Asia.

"With an established presence in Europe, China, India and Southeast Asia countries, South America is a natural extension of our global coverage," said Carlos Martinez-Tomatis, ABF GSCS division vice president. "ABF Global now covers nearly 90 percent of the total ocean international market to and from the United States. Our goal is to reach 96 percent of the total import/export market, which we anticipate achieving before the end of 2013."

The provider's FCL transport solutions offer convenient and economical ocean transport with end-to-end visibility. ABF controls dedicated space on ships providing frequent service from and to all major worldwide ports. As a result, the company offers single-contact, expedited LCL/LTL solutions for customers who have international manufacturing centers or suppliers.

"Long-term planning is enhanced by advanced scheduling for consolidation and departures. Features and benefits include in transit, virtual warehousing. Dynamic rerouting capabilities enable on-the-water inventory allocation and order fulfillment directly from the container to the end-user or multiple delivery locations," said Martinez-Tomatis.

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.