Arkansas Best Corporation's Jerry Yarbrough to Retire After 36 Years in Transportation

(Fort Smith, Arkansas, January 22, 2004) - Jerry Yarbrough, Senior Vice President - Corporate Development for Arkansas Best Corporation, will retire January 31, 2004, concluding 36 years with the company.
"Since 1968, Jerry has been an important part of the success of Arkansas Best and ABF Freight System, Inc.," said Robert A.Young III, Arkansas Best President and Chief Executive Officer. "Throughout his time here, Jerry has served in many different areas of the company. During the eighties and early nineties, Jerry oversaw the various operating departments of ABF during a period of acquisition that resulted in significant growth and expansion of our company. During this same time, Jerry led our company's information technology subsidiary as it experienced tremendous technological changes. In every area of service to Arkansas Best, Jerry has provided hard work and attention to detail. Jerry's sharp mind has spawned innovative thinking that has allowed us to successfully adapt to our changing, and at times challenging, business environment. We appreciate everything that Jerry has done to help make our company what it is today. We wish he and Becca happiness and good health as they enjoy some well-deserved time together."
Mr. Yarbrough joined Arkansas Best in February 1968 as Director of Economic Analysis. From 1975 to 1994, Mr. Yarbrough served as President of Data-Tronics Corp., Arkansas Best's information technology subsidiary. From 1979 to 1994, Mr. Yarbrough also served as ABF's Senior Vice President - Operations. From January 1995 to March 1998, Mr. Yarbrough was Chairman of Integrated Distribution, Inc. and Best Logistics, Inc., Arkansas Best subsidiaries that have since been sold. Since April 1998, Mr. Yarbrough has served as Senior Vice President - Corporate Development of Arkansas Best.
Jerry and his wife Becca have two daughters, one son and one grandson. Jerry is active in various cultural activities in the Fort Smith area including the Fort Smith Museum of History.
Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS), headquartered in Fort Smith, AR, is a diversified transportation holding company with two primary operating subsidiaries. ABF Freight System, Inc., in continuous service since 1923, provides national transportation of LTL general commodities throughout North America. Clipper is an intermodal marketing company that provides domestic freight services, utilizing rail and over-the-road transportation.
Contact: Mr. David Humphrey, Director of Investor Relations
              Telephone (479) 785-6200