(Fort Smith, Arkansas, May 31, 2001) – Arkansas Best Corporation (NASDAQ/NMS: “ABFS”) will be making a presentation at the Merrill Lynch Global Transportation Leaders Conference on Thursday June 7 at The St. Regis Hotel in New York, NY. Robert A. Young III, Arkansas Best’s President and Chief Executive Officer and David Loeffler, Arkansas Best’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will be speaking. This 30-minute presentation will begin at 9:45 AM EDT and will include a 10-minute question and answer session. The live program will be Webcast and an archive will be available following the presentation.

To access the live audio and to view the speakers’ slide presentation, please go to the company’s web site at www.arkbest.com. This presentation will be archived for up to 30 days.

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