Data-Tronics Corp.'s David Hardt To Retire After 40 Years In Information Technology

(Fort Smith, Arkansas, December 18, 2007) – David Hardt, President of Data-Tronics Corp., the information technology (IT) subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS), will retire January 31, 2008, concluding over 40 years of service with the company.

“Under David Hardt’s leadership, Data-Tronics has evolved into an acknowledged transportation leader in IT solutions with award-winning applications for ABF Freight System, Inc.® and its customers,” said Robert A. Davidson, Arkansas Best President and Chief Executive Officer. “Over the last several years, ABF has been honored with numerous IT awards recognizing internally-developed applications created by Data-Tronics. Because of the influence of David Hardt and others, Data-Tronics has a history of offering cost effective solutions that are customized for the unique requirements of both ABF and its customers. Because of the professionalism and competence of Data-Tronics, we rarely use outside consultants,” said Mr. Davidson. “I want to thank David for his many contributions to our company and for his part in the development of our world class IT platform and the establishment of Data-Tronics’ reputation for technological innovation.”

Mr. Hardt joined Data-Tronics in January 1968 as a computer programmer. During his career at Data-Tronics, Mr. Hardt served as Director of Systems Analysis & Programming for sixteen years and Vice President & General Manager for six years. He was named President of Data-Tronics in August 1995. Mr. Hardt has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Trucking Associations’ Information Technology Council. In April 2007, Mr. Hardt was inducted as a member of the Academy of Computing by the University of Arkansas Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering.

     ABF’s recognition for IT excellence in recent years includes:

ABF was recently named on the 2007 InformationWeek 500 list of information technology innovators recognized by InformationWeek magazine.

In 2006, ABF was also honored as an InformationWeek magazine IT innovator for ABF’s TimeKeeper.com web portal that enables customers to quote, manage and track freight shipments that are expedited or time-definite.

In 2005, the upack.com Web site of ABF U-Pack Moving® was named the Best Institutional Services Web site by the Web Marketing Association.

Also in 2005, CIO magazine honored ABF on two different occasions. For the second consecutive year ABF was named as a winner in the CIO 100 awards competition, recognizing organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in IT.

ABF was also named as the exclusive recipient for the entire transportation industry of CIO magazine’s 2005 Enterprise Value Award that recognizes exemplary application of IT.

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. Data-Tronics Corp., another subsidiary of Arkansas Best, provides information technology solutions for ABF. More information is available at arkbest.com, abf.com and data-tronics.com

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