ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION FEELS EFFECT OF SOFTENING ECONOMY AND PRICE DISCOUNTING

(Fort Smith, Arkansas, June 12, 1995) - Arkansas Best Corporation (the "Company") reported that earnings were slightly below break-even for the months of April and May, and must improve during the month of June to show a profit for the second quarter of 1995. Earnings at ABF Freight System, Inc. ("ABF"), the Company's largest subsidiary, continue to be negatively effected by a slowing economy and increased pricing pressure which have resulted in tonnage levels below Company expectations.
"Discounting has intensified during the past couple of months and the current pricing environment is probably the toughest since 1987," said David E. Stubblefield, President of ABF. "What has happened is the economy has softened, probably more than economists have identified. When the economy softens, we are all under pressure to match our revenue levels. So pricing gets more erratic."
The Company's other subsidiaries are also experiencing the effects of the softening economy.
Contact:      Mr. Randall M. Loyd, Director - Financial Reporting
                     Telephone: (501) 785-6200