| ABF
Implements Network for Expanding Next-Day and Second-Day Service |
|
Premium Service Employees Multi-Region Change of Operations
Phase 3 Issued July 2006
|
| From the RD
News Desk |
| (FORT SMITH, Ark.) - 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. |
| ABF is the largest
subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS). ABF®'s
Operating Ratio Is 90.1% |
| On July 24th, 2006, Arkansas Best
Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS - News) announced second quarter 2006 net
income of $32.3 million, or $1.26 per diluted common share. Income from
continuing operations was $29.0 million, or $1.13 per diluted common
share, compared to second quarter 2005 income from continuing operations
of $22.6 million, or $0.88 per diluted common share. Arkansas Best's
second quarter 2006 revenue was $479.3 million, an increase of 12.0%
over second quarter 2005 revenue of $427.9 million. |
| As previously announced, in June 2006
Arkansas Best completed the sale of Clipper Exxpress, its former
intermodal transportation subsidiary. Arkansas Best's discontinued
operations include an after-tax gain on the sale of Clipper of $0.12 per
common share, which is subject to adjustments based on the final closing
balance sheet as of June 14, 2006. In addition, discontinued operations
include after-tax income of $0.01 per common share associated with
Clipper's second quarter operating results through the closing date. |
| Report
Source: |
| http://www.abfs.com/about/news/2006/p073106.asp |
| http://www.arkbest.com/news/press-template.asp?pr=/news/pr/p20060724.htm |
