ABF Wins the ATA Security Award for Fourth Time

June 1, 2007
Arkansas-based freight company earns award for fourth time since inaugural 2001 award

FORT SMITH, Ark., May 31 -- ABF Freight System, Inc., has been recognized by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) for exceptional security practices, earning the 2007 Excellence in Security Award from the ATA Security Council. The 2007 award was presented in Orlando during the group's annual Trucking Security and Law Enforcement Conference and Exhibit. Including the inaugural award in 2001, ABF has earned the Excellence in Security Award an unprecedented four times.

"Each year, the council recognizes the motor carrier that has excelled at protecting personnel, equipment and freight and has surpassed all others in securing its company's and customers' assets," said Susan A. Chandler, executive director of the ATA Security Council. "ABF is a company that has evaluated the risk, implemented the programs, applied the tools, trained the personnel and managed the systems and processes that successfully minimized theft and violence. ABF constantly evaluates and improves its security measures, personnel training and experience records, and as a result, insures future prevention and recovery."

"ABF's industry-leading security and cargo care record, acknowledged by this prestigious award and by certifications such as ACE, FAST and C-TPAT, give ABF customers a significant supply chain advantage," said ABF President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Davidson. "Today, more than ever before, shippers recognize the importance of cargo security. An efficient, reliable supply chain requires a carrier that can deliver goods intact, on time, damage free and without security delays. Our customers appreciate the fact that ABF will continue to lead the industry in this area."

The ABF security program is led by 15 regional security managers strategically located throughout the carrier's North American system. Each security manager is a former law enforcement official who works closely with ABF management and local, state and federal authorities and regulators. "Protecting our customers' freight and company assets and the safety and security of our employees are major concerns for the company," said Jim McFarlin, ABF safety and security director. "ABF security procedures and guidelines were formulated as a guide for all employees-from upper management to touch labor -- so they have the knowledge to conform to the security requirements of the company. This approach has positioned ABF as the premiere LTL carrier when it comes to delivering shipments safely and securely."

Established 1923, ABF is recognized as best-in-class for safety, security, technology and freight-handling. InformationWeek, CIO, InfoWorld and BtoB magazines have cited ABF's strategic use of information technology as exemplary. ABF is the only five-time winner of the American Trucking Associations President's Trophy for Safety. ABF is the only carrier to earn both the Excellence in Claims/Loss Prevention Award and the Excellence in Security Award in the same year, which ABF accomplished twice.

ABF provides guaranteed service for expedited or time-definite shipments via its TimeKeeper(R) service. Regional shipments are handled via the carrier's RPM(SM) network, providing next-day and second-day shipping. The ABF system stretches throughout North America, with local service centers serving all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Guam and Puerto Rico. Globally, the carrier serves 250 ports in more than 130 countries.