Freight Transportation & Shipping Services
ABF Implements Network for Expanding Next-Day and Second-Day Service
(FORT SMITH, Ark., July 31, 2006) - ABF Freight System, Inc.®, has implemented a regional transportation network to facilitate next-day and second-day delivery in the Eastern United States. Called the Regional Performance Model, or RPMSM, the network features enhanced flexibility and operational efficiency for short-haul freight transportation.
The RPM network creates additional next-day and second-day service that reduces ABF's transit for nearly half of the available tonnage moving within its boundaries. The RPM network also adds increased reliability to ABF's current next-day and second-day service offerings. Operational procedures introduced with the RPM network also free resources, creating increased reliability within ABF's national line-haul network, even though the networks operate in parallel.
"Tight capacity and evolving logistical standards mean customers are looking for reliable solutions for all of their shipments, including regional freight," says ABF President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Davidson. "Customers from Maine to South Carolina will automatically get consistent next-day and second-day service for regional freight simply by choosing ABF as their carrier-no special designations, no gimmicks. They get the rapid response and dependable delivery they need from a regional carrier, plus the flexibility, supply chain visibility, careful cargo care, attentive customer service and reliability they've come to expect from ABF.
"Our Regional Performance Model runs side-by-side with our best-in-class long-haul network allowing our customers the convenience of one carrier that handles their regional, inter-regional, and long-haul freight. We're simply walking and chewing gum- simultaneously running regional and long-haul networks. The separate over-the-road networks are invisible to customers, who will benefit from common pickup, delivery, sales and customer service capabilities," Davidson added.
Established in 1923, ABF is one of North America's oldest and most reputable motor carriers. Recognized for superior performance in safety, security, technology and freight-handling, ABF has a distinguished record. In four of the past five years, ABF has earned either the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award, the Excellence in Security Award, or both from the American Trucking Associations Safety and Loss Prevention Management Council. ABF is the only five-time winner of the ATA President's Trophy for Safety and the only carrier to earn both the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award and the Excellence in Security Award in the same year. ABF also was recognized by CIO magazine for innovative excellence in information technology, earning the 2005 CIO Enterprise Value Award for the transportation industry as well as a spot on the CIO Top 100 Companies list in both 2005 and 2004.
ABF operates an extensive network of customer service centers and distribution facilities strategically located throughout North America. Through this network, ABF provides comprehensive shipping services to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Guam and Puerto Rico. Globally, the carrier serves 250 ports in more than 130 countries. ABF is certified as an Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) carrier by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as a Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) carrier to and from Canada. Via its TimeKeeper® service, ABF provides guaranteed service for expedited or time-definite shipments.
ABF is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS).
Contact: Mr. Danny Loe, director of marketing & public relations
Telephone: (479) 785-8803
