ABF Training Program Recognized with Listing on the Training Top 125

FORT SMITH, Ark., Feb. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For the fourth consecutive year, ABF^® is listed among Training magazine's Training Top 125, which ranks companies' excellence in employer-sponsored training and development programs.  

"ABF has a long-standing commitment to recruiting, training and equipping dedicated supply chain professionals," said ABF President and CEO Roy Slagle.  "Backed by ongoing training support, ABF employees are given the power 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."

Training magazine recognized the 2013 Training Top 125 winners with crystal awards and revealed their rankings during a black-tie gala during the Training 2013 Conference & Expo at the Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Resort. Now in its 13th year, the Training Top 125 is the only list that ranks companies unsurpassed in harnessing human capital.

"Each year, Training Top 125 applicants raise the bar with the innovation, excellence, and effectiveness of their training programs," said Lorri Freifeld, Training editor-in-chief. "The 2013 Training Top 125 winners continued that trend, providing performance-driven training responses to significant challenges and achieving compelling results that tied directly to corporate strategic goals. Congratulations to all the companies named to the 2013 Training Top 125."

The Top 125 includes ranking 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. 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.

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.

Contact: Russ Aikman, director of marketing & public relations

SOURCE ABF Freight System, Inc.