Arkansas Best Corporation Declares A $0.15/Share Quarterly Dividend

(Fort Smith, Arkansas, July 24, 2009) – The Board of Directors of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of fifteen cents ($0.15) per share to holders of record of its Common Stock, $0.01 par value, on August 7, 2009, payable on August 21, 2009.

Arkansas Best Corporation, headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a transportation holding company. ABF Freight System, Inc., Arkansas Best’s largest subsidiary, has been in continuous service since 1923. ABF provides transportation of less-than-truckload (“LTL”) general commodities throughout North America. More information is available at arkbest.com and abf.com.

Contact: Ms. Judy R. McReynolds, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
                Telephone: (479) 785-6281

                Mr. David Humphrey, Director of Investor Relations
                Telephone (479) 785-6200