EXHIBIT 99.1


                              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



                            ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
                   DECLARES AN $0.08/SHARE QUARTERLY DIVIDEND


         (Fort Smith, Arkansas, April 23, 2003) - The Board of Directors of
Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq: ABFS) has declared a quarterly cash dividend
of eight cents ($0.08) per share to holders of record of its Common Stock $.01
par value (Nasdaq: ABFS) on May 7, 2003, payable on May 21, 2003.

         Arkansas Best Corporation, headquartered in Fort Smith, AR, is a
diversified transportation holding company with two primary operating
subsidiaries. ABF Freight System, Inc., in continuous service since 1923,
provides national transportation of LTL general commodities throughout North
America. Clipper is an intermodal marketing company that provides domestic
freight services, utilizing rail and over-the-road transportation.





         Contact: Mr. David E. Loeffler, Vice President,
                  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

                  Telephone: (479) 785-6157



         Mr. David Humphrey, Director of Investor Relations

                  Telephone: (479) 785-6200


                                 END OF RELEASE