UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2010

o Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 000-19969

ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		71-0673405
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3801 Old Greenwood Road

Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903

(479) 785-6000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including

area code, of the registrant’s principal executive offices)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x		Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o		Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes x No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class		Outstanding at July 30, 2010
Common Stock, $0.01 par value		25,313,999 shares

Table of Contents

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	June 30		December 31
	2010		2009
	(Unaudited)
	($ thousands, except share data)

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	80,457	$	39,332
Short-term investment securities	63,487		93,861
Restricted cash equivalents and short-term investments	51,840		50,857
Accounts receivable, less allowances (2010 – $3,303; 2009 – $3,470)	135,627		115,459
Other accounts receivable, less allowances (2010 – $1,324; 2009 – $1,149)	8,113		6,749
Prepaid expenses	9,003		10,390
Deferred income taxes	33,427		39,035
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	3,643		24,726
Other	4,850		4,333
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	390,447		384,742

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land and structures	240,316		240,185
Revenue equipment	516,115		514,481
Service, office and other equipment	158,833		157,885
Leasehold improvements	22,108		21,839
	937,372		934,390
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization	528,362		505,538
	409,010		428,852
OTHER ASSETS	52,376		55,952

	$	851,833	$	869,546

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — continued

	June 30			December 31
	2010			2009
	(Unaudited)
	($ thousands, except share data)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Bank overdraft and drafts payable	$	10,097		$	21,941
Accounts payable	72,477			59,386
Income taxes payable	106			826
Accrued expenses	153,176			150,799
Current portion of long-term debt	7,396			3,603
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	243,252			236,555

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion	22,764			13,373

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT LIABILITIES	71,563			67,445

OTHER LIABILITIES	19,734			20,254

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	20,013			31,023

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued 2010: 26,873,851 shares; 2009: 26,749,265 shares	269			267
Additional paid-in capital	276,450			274,663
Retained earnings	297,558			327,948
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,677,932 shares	(57,770		)	(57,770		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(42,000		)	(44,212		)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	474,507			500,896

	$	851,833		$	869,546

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30						June 30
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(Unaudited)
	($ thousands, except share and per share data)

OPERATING REVENUES	$	411,347		$	362,635		$	771,237		$	702,312

OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS	422,157			389,932			817,313			758,211

OPERATING LOSS	(10,810		)	(27,297		)	(46,076		)	(55,899		)

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest and dividend income	274			803			608			1,733
Interest expense and other related financing costs	(434		)	(344		)	(999		)	(685		)
Other, net	(457		)	1,392			211			311
	(617		)	1,851			(180		)	1,359

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(11,427		)	(25,446		)	(46,256		)	(54,540		)

FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAXES
Current benefit	(847		)	(2,805		)	(9,336		)	(22,213		)
Deferred (benefit) provision	(3,232		)	(7,277		)	(8,200		)	1,194
	(4,079		)	(10,082		)	(17,536		)	(21,019		)

NET LOSS	(7,348		)	(15,364		)	(28,720		)	(33,521		)

LESS: NONCONTROLLING INTEREST IN NET INCOME OF SUBSIDIARY	96			79			116			79

NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION	$	(7,444	)	$	(15,443	)	$	(28,836	)	$	(33,600	)

LOSS PER SHARE
Basic	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.62	)	$	(1.15	)	$	(1.35	)
Diluted	(0.30		)	(0.62		)	(1.15		)	(1.35		)

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic	25,182,579			25,043,815			25,137,886			25,042,874
Diluted	25,182,579			25,043,815			25,137,886			25,042,874

CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$	0.03		$	0.15		$	0.06		$	0.30

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

														Accumulated
				Additional										Other
	Common Stock			Paid-In			Retained			Treasury Stock				Comprehensive			Total
	Shares	Amount		Capital			Earnings			Shares	Amount			Loss			Equity
	(Unaudited)
	($ and shares, thousands)

Balances at December 31, 2009	26,749	$	267	$	274,663		$	327,948		1,678	$	(57,770	)	$	(44,212	)	$	500,896
Net loss (excluding noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiary of $116)							(28,836		)								(28,836		)
Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax of $46														(71		)	(71		)
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, net of tax of $1,554:
Net actuarial loss														2,403			2,403
Prior service credit														(2		)	(2		)
Net transition obligation														41			41
Pension settlement expense, net of tax of $69														109			109
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax of $164														(261		)	(261		)
Change in fair value of available for sale security, net of tax of $5														(7		)	(7		)
Total comprehensive loss																	(26,624		)
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans	125	2		466													468
Tax effect of share-based compensation plans and other				(837		)											(837		)
Share-based compensation expense				2,158													2,158
Dividends declared on common stock							(1,554		)								(1,554		)
Balances at June 30, 2010	26,874	$	269	$	276,450		$	297,558		1,678	$	(57,770	)	$	(42,000	)	$	474,507

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Six Months Ended
	June 30
	2010			2009
	(Unaudited)
	($ thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	$	(28,720	)	$	(33,521	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	36,096			37,916
Other amortization	133			147
Pension settlement expense	178			158
Share-based compensation expense	2,158			3,173
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	303			1,911
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	(8,200		)	1,194
Gain on sales of assets	(72		)	(961		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(83		)	—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(20,857		)	(7,620		)
Prepaid expenses	1,399			926
Other assets	706			534
Income taxes	21,605			(7,250		)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	14,582			5,510
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	19,228			2,117

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of capital leases	(3,399		)	(12,730		)
Proceeds from asset sales	2,676			2,922
Purchases of short-term investment securities	(27,542		)	(75,288		)
Proceeds from sales of short-term investment securities	57,916			64,095
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired	—			(4,873		)
Capitalization of internally developed software and other	(2,293		)	(2,621		)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES	27,358			(28,495		)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments on long-term debt	(3,011		)	(1,360		)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	11,416			—
Net change in bank overdraft	(11,844		)	(3,236		)
Change in restricted cash equivalents and short-term investments	(983		)	—
Payment of common stock dividends	(1,554		)	(7,740		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	83			—
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and other	432			152
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES	(5,461		)	(12,184		)

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	41,125			(38,562		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	39,332			100,880
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	80,457		$	62,318

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) — continued

Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value

Fair value is generally determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In the absence of active markets for the identical assets or liabilities, such measurements generally involve developing assumptions based on observable market data. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These inputs form a three-level valuation hierarchy as follows:

· Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

· Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

· Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation model.

The following table presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

			June 30, 2010
			Fair Value Measurements Using
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
					($ thousands)
Money market funds(1)	$	23,770	$	23,770	$	—	$	—
Auction rate debt security(2)	770		—		770		—
Equity, bond and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the VSP(3)	5,312		5,312		—		—
	$	29,852	$	29,082	$	770	$	—

			December 31, 2009
			Fair Value Measurements Using
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
					($ thousands)
Money market funds(1)	$	34,437	$	34,437	$	—	$	—
Auction rate debt security(2)	780		—		780		—
Equity, bond and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the VSP(3)	6,303		6,303		—		—
	$	41,520	$	40,740	$	780	$	—

(1)		Included in cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents.
(2)		Available for sale security included in other long-term assets. An unrealized gain of $0.1 million, net of taxes, related to the security was included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
(3)		Consists of U.S. and international equity mutual funds, government and corporate bond mutual funds and money market funds which are held in a trust with a third-party brokerage firm and included in other long-term assets. A corresponding liability is included in other long-term liabilities.

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) — continued

NOTE C — INCOME TAXES

The effective tax benefit rates for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were 37.9% and 38.5%, respectively. The difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate primarily results from the effect of state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance and, for the six months ended June 30, 2009, the alternative fuel tax credit. The alternative fuel tax credit, which expired December 31, 2009, increased the effective tax benefit rate by 1.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2009. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company received refunds of $31.5 million of federal and state taxes paid in prior years primarily for loss carrybacks allowed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

NOTE D — LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Capital Lease Obligations

Long-term debt consisted of capital lease obligations related to revenue equipment (tractors and trailers used primarily in ABF’s operations), real estate and certain office equipment as follows:

	June 30		December 31
	2010		2009
	($ thousands)
Capital lease obligations	$	30,160	$	16,976
Less current portion	7,396		3,603
Long-term debt, less current portion	$	22,764	$	13,373

In January 2010, ABF entered into capital lease agreements with 36-month terms to finance $11.4 million of revenue equipment that was acquired in 2009. During the three months ended June 30, 2010, ABF entered into additional capital lease agreements with 36-month and 60-month terms to finance $4.8 million of revenue equipment acquired in 2010. The capital lease agreements specify the terms of the arrangements, including the monthly base rent and interest rates, and contain rental adjustment clauses for which the maximum amounts have been included in the future minimum payments under the capital leases in the table below.

The following is a summary of the future minimum payments under capital leases:

	June 30
	2010
	($ thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	8,625
Due after one year through three years	22,011
Due after three years through five years	1,389
Due after five years	1,013
Total minimum lease payments	33,038
Less amounts representing interest	2,878
Present value of net minimum leases included in long-term debt	$	30,160

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) — continued

Assets held under capital leases were included in property, plant and equipment as follows:

	June 30		December 31
	2010		2009
	($ thousands)

Land and structures (terminals)	$	1,794	$	1,780
Revenue equipment	31,138		14,958
Service, office and other equipment	622		622
	33,554		17,360
Less accumulated amortization(1)	3,791		538
	$	29,763	$	16,822

(1) Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense.

Financing Arrangements

The Company has an asset-backed securitization program with SunTrust Bank, which provides for cash proceeds of an amount up to $75.0 million. Under this two-year agreement dated December 30, 2009, ABF continuously sells a designated pool of trade accounts receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary, which in turn may borrow funds on a revolving basis. This wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary is a separate bankruptcy-remote entity and its assets would be available only to satisfy the claims related to the interest in the trade accounts receivables. The Company pays annual fees equal to 0.75% of the unused portion of the accounts receivable facility. This agreement contains representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default that are customary for financings of this type, including maintaining consolidated tangible net worth, as defined, of $375.0 million. As of June 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with the covenants. There have been no borrowings under this facility during 2010, and the borrowing capacity was at the facility limit of $75.0 million as of June 30, 2010.

The Company has agreements with four financial institutions to provide collateralized facilities for the issuance of letters of credit (“LC Agreements”). The Company issues letters of credit primarily in support of workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims liabilities in various states in which the Company is self-insured. The Company has up to $90.0 million of availability for the issuance of letters of credit under the LC Agreements of which $75.0 million is committed subject to the Company’s compliance with the requirements of issuance. The LC Agreements require cash or short-term investments to be pledged as collateral for outstanding letters of credit. As of June 30, 2010, the Company had $44.2 million of letters of credit outstanding under the LC Agreements of which $43.6 million were collateralized by restricted cash equivalents and short-term investments.

The Company also has a program in place with an insurance carrier for the issuance of surety bonds in support of the self-insured program mentioned in the previous paragraph. As of June 30, 2010, surety bonds outstanding related to the self-insured program totaled $12.3 million collateralized by $6.1 million of restricted short-term investments in certificates of deposit.

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) — continued

NOTE E — PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension, Supplemental Benefit Pension and Postretirement Health Plans

The following is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost:

	Three Months Ended June 30
	Nonunion Defined						Supplemental				Postretirement
	Benefit Pension Plan						Benefit Pension Plan				Health Benefit Plan
	2010			2009			2010		2009		2010		2009
	($ thousands)

Service cost	$	2,236		$	2,270		$	—	$	147	$	35	$	43
Interest cost	2,734			3,090			103		261		217		277
Expected return on plan assets	(3,043		)	(2,358		)	—		—		—		—
Transition obligation recognition	—			—			—		—		33		33
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost	(1		)	(224		)	—		349		—		—
Pension settlement expense	—			—			178		158		—		—
Recognized net actuarial loss and other	1,896			2,360			70		138		5		142
Net periodic benefit cost	$	3,822		$	5,138		$	351	$	1,053	$	290	$	495

	Six Months Ended June 30
	Nonunion Defined						Supplemental				Postretirement
	Benefit Pension Plan						Benefit Pension Plan				Health Benefit Plan
	2010			2009			2010		2009		2010		2009
	($ thousands)

Service cost	$	4,472		$	4,541		$	—	$	300	$	70	$	85
Interest cost	5,468			6,180			208		537		435		555
Expected return on plan assets	(6,086		)	(4,717		)	—		—		—		—
Transition obligation recognition	—			—			—		—		67		67
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost	(3		)	(448		)	—		698		—		—
Pension settlement expense	—			—			178		158		—		—
Recognized net actuarial loss and other	3,794			4,720			129		270		9		284
Net periodic benefit cost	$	7,645		$	10,276		$	515	$	1,963	$	581	$	991

The Company’s full-year 2010 nonunion defined benefit pension plan expense is estimated to be $15.3 million compared to $20.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Considering the volatility in the overall equity markets during 2010, the expected return on plan assets may not be achieved in the near term. As of the plan’s December 31, 2010 measurement date, the impact on the pension liability as a result of the difference between the expected and actual return on plan assets along with changes in the applicable discount rate will be recognized as an actuarial gain or loss at year-end in other comprehensive income, net of taxes.

The Company does not have a required minimum cash contribution but could make tax-deductible contributions to its defined benefit pension plan in 2010. The decision of whether to make a contribution to the plan will be made in third quarter 2010 based on all relevant factors as determined by the Company’s management. If a contribution is made to the plan, management currently believes it will be $10.0 million or less. The Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan covers substantially all noncontractual employees hired before January 1, 2006. All eligible noncontractual employees hired subsequent to December 31, 2005 participate in a defined contribution plan.

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) — continued

Multiemployer Plans

Under the provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act, retirement and health care benefits for ABF’s contractual employees are provided by a number of multiemployer plans. ABF’s contributions to these plans are based generally on the time worked by its contractual employees, as specified in ABF’s five-year collective bargaining agreement that became effective on April 1, 2008 and other supporting supplemental agreements. ABF recognizes as expense the contractually required contribution for the period and recognizes as a liability any contributions due and unpaid.

ABF currently contributes to 26 multiemployer pension plans, which vary in size and in funding status. In the event of the termination of a multiemployer pension plan or if ABF were to withdraw from a multiemployer pension plan, ABF would have material liabilities for its share of the unfunded vested liabilities of each such plan. ABF has not received notification of any plan termination, and ABF does not currently intend to withdraw from these plans. Therefore, the Company believes the occurrence of events that would require recognition of liabilities for its share of unfunded vested benefits is remote.

Approximately 50% of ABF’s contributions are made to the Central States Southeast and Southwest Area Pension Fund (the “Central States Pension Fund”). The Central States Pension Fund adopted a rehabilitation plan as a result of its actuarial certification for the plan year beginning January 1, 2008 which placed the Central States Pension Fund in “critical status” under the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006. ABF’s current collective bargaining agreement complies with the rehabilitation plan which was adopted by the Central States Pension Fund prior to the April 1, 2008 effective date of the collective bargaining agreement. The Actuarial Certification of Plan Status as of January 1, 2010 certified that the Central States Pension Fund remains in critical status with a funded percentage of 63.1%.

The Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010 (the “Pension Relief Act”) was signed into law on June 25, 2010. The Pension Relief Act includes provisions that may provide funding relief for multiemployer pension plans that satisfy certain solvency requirements. The Company has not received information from the multiemployer plan administrators regarding the impact, if any, of the Pension Relief Act on the funding status of the multiemployer pension plans to which ABF contributes. Based on the most recent annual funding notices the Company has received, approximately 60% of ABF’s contributions to multiemployer pension plans, including the Central States Pension Fund discussed above, are made to plans that are in critical status. Due to their funding position, certain plans may not be eligible for funding relief provisions of the Pension Relief Act because of its solvency requirements.

The multiemployer plan administrators have provided to the Company no other significant changes in information related to multiemployer plans from the information disclosed in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

NOTE F — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, total comprehensive loss was $6.5 million and $26.6 million, respectively. Total comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was $13.3 million and $29.8 million, respectively.

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) — continued

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:

	June 30			December 31
	2010			2009
	($ thousands)

Pre-tax amounts:
Foreign currency translation	$	(756	)	$	(639	)
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs	(68,167		)	(71,916		)
Increase in fair value of available for sale security (see Note B)	170			182
Total	$	(68,753	)	$	(72,373	)

After-tax amounts:
Foreign currency translation	$	(462	)	$	(391	)
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs	(41,650		)	(43,940		)
Increase in fair value of available for sale security (see Note B)	112			119
Total	$	(42,000	)	$	(44,212	)

Dividends on Common Stock

On July 23, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.03 per share payable to stockholders of record as of August 6, 2010.

The following table is a summary of dividends declared during the applicable quarter:

	2010				2009
	Per Share		Amount		Per Share		Amount
	($ thousands, except per share data)

First quarter	$	0.03	$	777	$	0.15	$	3,847
Second quarter	$	0.03	$	777	$	0.15	$	3,893
Third quarter (2010 amount estimated)	$	0.03	$	786	$	0.15	$	3,892

NOTE G — EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Awards

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding stock options granted under the 1992 Stock Option Plan, the 2000 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and the 2002 Stock Option Plan and outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the 2005 Ownership Incentive Plan (“the 2005 Plan”). The 1992 Stock Option Plan expired on December 31, 2001. The 2005 Plan superseded the Company’s 2000 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and 2002 Stock Option Plan with respect to future awards and originally provided for the granting of 1.5 million shares. In April 2010, shareholders approved an amendment to increase the number of shares that may be issued under the 2005 Plan by 700,000 shares. The awards may be granted as incentive and nonqualified stock options, Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”), restricted stock or restricted stock units. Any outstanding stock options under the 1992, 2000 or 2002 stock option plans which are forfeited or otherwise

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) — continued

unexercised will be included in the shares available for grant under the 2005 Plan. As of June 30, 2010, the Company had not elected to treat any exercised options as employer SARs and no employee SARs had been granted. No stock options have been granted since 2004.

Restricted Stock

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock program, which consists of restricted stock and restricted stock units awarded under the 2005 Plan, is presented below:

			Weighted-Average
			Grant Date
	Shares/Units		Fair Value
Outstanding – January 1, 2010	838,304		$	32.80
Granted	—		—
Vested	(119,964	)	33.39
Forfeited	(23,460	)	32.86
Outstanding – June 30, 2010	694,880		$	32.69

On July 22, 2010, the Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees approved an award of 312,130 restricted stock units to be granted on July 28, 2010, five business days following the Company’s preceding quarter’s earnings release. The closing market price of the Company’s stock was $22.56 per share on the July 28, 2010 grant date.

Stock Options

A summary of the Company’s stock option program is presented below:

					Weighted-
					Average
			Weighted-		Remaining	Intrinsic
	Shares		Average		Contractual	Value(1)
	Under Option		Exercise Price		Term (Years)	($ thousands)

Outstanding – January 1, 2010	539,857		$	26.16
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(30,900	)	15.63
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding – June 30, 2010(2)	508,957		$	26.79	2.1	$	—

(1)		The intrinsic value for each option represents the excess, if any, of the market value of the Company’s Common Stock on June 30, 2010 over the exercise price of the option.
(2)		Options outstanding at June 30, 2010 were vested and available to be exercised.

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) — continued

NOTE H — LOSS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30						June 30
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	($ thousands, except share and per share data)
Basic loss per share
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	$	(7,444	)	$	(15,443	)	$	(28,836	)	$	(33,600	)
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards	—			(127		)	(17		)	(209		)
Adjusted net loss	$	(7,444	)	$	(15,570	)	$	(28,853	)	$	(33,809	)
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares	25,182,579			25,043,815			25,137,886			25,042,874
Net loss per share	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.62	)	$	(1.15	)	$	(1.35	)

Diluted loss per share
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	$	(7,444	)	$	(15,443	)	$	(28,836	)	$	(33,600	)
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards	—			(127		)	(17		)	(209		)
Adjusted net loss	$	(7,444	)	$	(15,570	)	$	(28,853	)	$	(33,809	)

Denominator:
Weighted-average shares	25,182,579			25,043,815			25,137,886			25,042,874
Effect of dilutive securities	—			—			—			—
Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions	25,182,579			25,043,815			25,137,886			25,042,874

Net loss per share	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.62	)	$	(1.15	)	$	(1.35	)

For the six months ended June 30, 2010, the outstanding stock awards disclosed in Note G, and for the six months ended June 30, 2009, outstanding stock awards of 1,452,740 were not included in the diluted loss per share calculations because their inclusion would have the effect of decreasing the loss per share.

NOTE I — OPERATING SEGMENT DATA

The Company uses the “management approach” to determine its reportable operating segments, as well as to determine the basis of reporting the operating segment information. The management approach focuses on financial information that the Company’s management uses to make decisions about operating matters. Management uses operating revenues, operating expense categories, operating ratios, operating income and key operating statistics to evaluate performance and allocate resources to the Company’s operations. ABF, which provides transportation of general commodities, represents the Company’s only reportable operating segment.

The Company eliminates intercompany transactions in consolidation. However, the information used by the Company’s management with respect to its reportable segment is before intersegment eliminations of revenues

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ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) — continued

and expenses. Intersegment revenues and expenses are not significant. Further classifications of operations or revenues by geographic location are impractical and are, therefore, not provided. The Company’s foreign operations are not significant.

The following tables reflect reportable operating segment information for the Company, as well as a reconciliation of reportable segment information to the Company’s consolidated financial statements:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30						June 30
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	($ thousands)
OPERATING REVENUES

ABF	$	379,443		$	343,805		$	712,468		$	666,918
Other revenues and eliminations	31,904			18,830			58,769			35,394
Total consolidated operating revenues	$	411,347		$	362,635		$	771,237		$	702,312

OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS
ABF
Salaries, wages and benefits	$	248,985		$	245,226		$	485,424		$	478,723
Fuel, supplies and expenses	64,729			52,733			125,641			103,261
Operating taxes and licenses	10,718			10,553			21,209			21,067
Insurance	5,929			6,417			10,111			9,920
Communications and utilities	3,313			3,563			7,179			7,534
Depreciation and amortization	16,908			17,861			34,706			36,471
Rents and purchased transportation	39,849			32,357			73,941			60,243
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(126		)	(244		)	(424		)	(961		)
Other	1,734			2,161			2,958			4,325
	392,039			370,627			760,745			720,583
Other expenses and eliminations	30,118			19,305			56,568			37,628
Total consolidated operating expenses and costs	$	422,157		$	389,932		$	817,313		$	758,211

OPERATING LOSS
ABF	$	(12,596	)	$	(26,822	)	$	(48,277	)	(53,665		)
Other income (loss) and eliminations	1,786			(475		)	2,201			(2,234		)
Total consolidated operating loss	(10,810		)	(27,297		)	(46,076		)	(55,899		)

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest and dividend income	274			803			608			1,733
Interest expense and other related financing costs	(434		)	(344		)	(999		)	(685		)
Other, net(1)	(457		)	1,392			211			311
Total consolidated other income (expense)	(617		)	1,851			(180		)	1,359

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$	(11,427	)	$	(25,446	)	$	(46,256	)	$	(54,540	)

(1) Other, net includes gains (losses) on cash surrender value of life insurance policies.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

Arkansas Best Corporation (the “Company”) is a holding company engaged through its subsidiaries primarily in motor carrier freight transportation. The Company’s principal operations are conducted through ABF Freight System, Inc. and other subsidiaries of the Company that are engaged in motor carrier freight transportation (collectively “ABF”). ABF is the Company’s only reportable operating segment.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) describes the principal factors affecting results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, and critical accounting policies of the Company. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying quarterly unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. The Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K includes additional information about significant accounting policies, practices and the transactions that underlie the Company’s financial results, as well as a detailed discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties to which its financial and operating results are subject. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Results of Operations

Executive Overview

Consolidated revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 increased 13.4% and 9.4%, respectively, on a per-day basis compared to the same prior year period, with the increase primarily attributable to ABF operations. Consolidated revenue growth was also impacted by business operations that are reported in the Company’s revenues other than ABF, including increased roadside vehicle assistance services at Fleetnet America, Inc. and the effect of the acquisition, in late second quarter 2009, of a privately-owned logistics business. ABF represented 92% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2010. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, ABF’s revenues increased 10.4% and 6.4%, respectively, on a per-day basis compared to the same periods in 2009.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company reported consolidated net losses allocable to the Company’s shareholders of $7.4 million and $28.8 million, respectively, after taxes, primarily reflecting the operating results of ABF. ABF’s second quarter 2010 operating ratio (defined as percent of operating expenses to revenues) improved to 103.3% from 107.8% in the second quarter 2009. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, ABF’s operating ratio improved to 106.8% from 108.0% in the same period of 2009. On an ongoing basis, ABF’s ability to operate profitably and generate cash is impacted by tonnage (defined as gross weight hauled), which influences operating leverage as tonnage levels vary; the pricing environment; customer account mix; and the ability to manage costs effectively, primarily in the area of salaries, wages and benefits (“labor”). The ABF key performance factors are discussed in the following paragraphs and ABF’s operating results are more fully discussed in the ABF section of MD&A.

ABF’s operations are affected by general economic conditions, as well as a number of other competitive factors that are more fully described in the Business and Risk Factors sections of the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The prolonged unfavorable economic environment has adversely impacted the business activities of ABF’s customers which has reduced ABF’s tonnage levels and limited ABF’s ability to secure adequate

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pricing for its services. Year-over-year tonnage began declining in the fourth quarter of 2006, and ABF experienced annual tonnage declines on a per-day basis of 5.3%, 4.2% and 11.4% in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, ABF’s tonnage improved 11.9% and 7.7%, respectively, on a per-day basis compared to the same periods of 2009. For the month of July 2010, average daily total tonnage for ABF increased approximately 13% compared to the same period last year. ABF’s management believes the 2010 increase in tonnage is representative of modest year-over-year improvement in general economic conditions as indicated by measures such as the Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers’ Index and the seasonally adjusted Industrial Production Index published by the Federal Reserve. Although there are indications of economic factors that could contribute to further year-over-year increases in tonnage, management remains cautious in its expectations due to the uncertainty of continued general economic recovery. ABF’s tonnage remains at depressed levels and there can be no assurances that ABF will achieve or maintain improvements in operating results based on current tonnage levels.

As a result of the extended recessionary economic environment and its impact on tonnage levels, ABF has implemented cost reduction programs. ABF is generally effective in managing its costs to business levels. However, during prolonged periods of depressed tonnage levels, incremental reductions in labor and other operating costs become increasingly challenging and less effective as a larger proportion of ABF’s operating costs are fixed in nature when maintaining customer service levels. ABF’s ability to effectively manage labor costs, which amounted to 65.6% and 68.1% of ABF’s revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, has a direct impact on its operating performance. Labor costs, including retirement and health care benefits for ABF’s contractual employees that are provided by a number of multiemployer plans (see Note E to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q), are impacted by ABF’s contractual obligations under its labor agreement primarily with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“IBT”). The current five-year collective bargaining agreement, which became effective April 1, 2008, provides for compounded annual contractual wage and benefit increases of approximately 4%, subject to wage rate cost-of-living adjustments.

The industry pricing environment is another key factor in ABF’s operating performance. The pricing environment, which generally becomes more competitive during periods of lower tonnage levels, influences ABF’s ability to obtain compensatory margins and price increases on customer accounts. ABF’s pricing is typically measured by billed revenue per hundredweight, which is a reasonable, although approximate, measure of price change. This measure is affected by freight profile factors such as average shipment size, average length of haul, freight density and customer and geographic mix. ABF focuses on individual account profitability rather than billed revenue per hundredweight when considering customer account or market evaluations due to the difficulty in quantifying, with sufficient accuracy, the impact of changes in freight profile characteristics, which is necessary to estimate true price changes. However, total company profitability for ABF is considered together with measures of billed revenue per hundredweight. Total billed revenue per hundredweight decreased 0.9% and 1.0% during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, versus the same periods of 2009. Excluding freight profile changes and increases in fuel surcharges, pricing on ABF’s traditional less-than-truckload (“LTL”) business experienced percentage declines in the low- to mid-single digits during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same periods of 2009, despite the general rate increase implemented in January 2010 as discussed below. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the pricing environment was very competitive and management expects the pricing environment to remain competitive throughout the remainder of 2010, although there can be no assurances in this regard. The competitive pricing environment has limited ABF’s ability to secure adequate prices to cover increasing operating costs and has adversely impacted ABF’s operating results. Management believes that pricing levels may improve based on business conditions experienced toward the end of second quarter 2010 which are reflective of the increases in tonnage levels and other industry conditions, although there can be no assurances in this regard.

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Effective January 11, 2010 and January 5, 2009, ABF implemented general rate increases to cover known and expected cost increases. Nominally, the increases were 5.70% and 5.79%, respectively, although the amounts vary by lane and shipment characteristics. The general rate increase affected approximately 45% of ABF’s business for the six months ended June 30, 2010, while rate increases on the remaining business are subject to individually negotiated pricing arrangements that are effective at various times throughout the year. ABF’s ability to retain the general rate increase and to increase rates on the remainder of its business is dependent on the competitive pricing environment. Obtaining base rate increases involves a lengthy process to address the pricing and resulting profitability of individual customer accounts. Prolonged periods with insufficient base LTL rate improvements result in higher operating ratios as elements of unit cost, including contractual wage and benefit rates, continue to increase.

The transportation industry is dependent upon the availability of adequate fuel supplies. The Company has not experienced a lack of available fuel but could be adversely impacted if a fuel shortage were to develop. ABF charges a fuel surcharge based on changes in diesel fuel prices compared to a national index. The ABF fuel surcharge rate in effect is available on the ABF Web site at abf.com. (The information contained on the ABF Web site is not a part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.) Although revenues from fuel surcharges generally more than offset increases in direct diesel fuel costs, other operating costs have been, and may continue to be, impacted by fluctuating fuel prices. The total impact of energy prices on other nonfuel-related expenses is difficult to ascertain. ABF cannot predict, with reasonable certainty, future fuel price fluctuations, the impact of energy prices on other cost elements, recoverability of fuel costs through fuel surcharges, and the effect of fuel surcharges on ABF’s overall rate structure or the total price that ABF will receive from its customers. During periods of changing diesel fuel prices, the fuel surcharge and associated direct diesel fuel costs also vary by different degrees. Depending upon the rates of these changes and the impact on costs in other fuel- and energy-related areas, operating margins could be impacted. Fuel prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years. ABF experienced significantly higher fuel prices in the first ten months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. After reaching a peak in July 2008, fuel prices declined approximately 60% through mid-March 2009, then increased approximately 50% by the end of June 2010. As a result of the higher fuel prices in 2010, ABF’s average fuel surcharge rate during the six months ended June 30, 2010 was 53% above the average rate for the same period of 2009. Whether fuel prices fluctuate or remain constant, ABF’s operating income may be adversely affected if competitive pressures limit its ability to recover fuel surcharges. Throughout the first six months of 2010, the fuel surcharge mechanism had strong market acceptance among ABF customers, although certain nonstandard arrangements with some of ABF’s customers have limited the amount of fuel surcharge recovered. While the fuel surcharge is one of several components in ABF’s overall rate structure, the actual rate paid by customers is governed by market forces based on value provided to the customer.

ABF operates in a highly competitive industry which includes both union and nonunion motor carriers. The Company’s nonunion competitors have a lower fringe benefit cost structure, and certain carriers have reduced their wage rates for their freight-handling and driving personnel. In addition, wage and benefit concessions granted to certain union competitors allow for a lower cost structure than that of ABF. Competitors with lower labor cost structures could reduce freight rates to gain market share which may further limit ABF’s ability to maintain or increase base freight rates. The tentative agreement reached by ABF and the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee of the IBT in April 2010 for a modification of ABF’s collective bargaining agreement, which included a proposed 15% wage reduction and a performance-based incentive plan, was not ratified by a majority of ABF’s IBT member employees. ABF continues its attempts to address with the IBT the effect of ABF’s wage and benefit cost structure on its operating results.

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Consolidated Results

	Three Months Ended June 30
	2010			2009
	($ thousands, except workdays and per share data)
WORKDAYS	63.5			63.5

OPERATING REVENUES
ABF	$	379,443		$	343,805
Other revenues and eliminations	31,904			18,830
	$	411,347		$	362,635
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
ABF	$	(12,596	)	$	(26,822	)
Other and eliminations	1,786			(475		)
	$	(10,810	)	$	(27,297	)

DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.62	)

	Six Months Ended June 30
	2010			2009
	($ thousands, except workdays and per share data)
WORKDAYS	126.5			126.0

OPERATING REVENUES
ABF	$	712,468		$	666,918
Other revenues and eliminations	58,769			35,394
	$	771,237		$	702,312
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
ABF	$	(48,277	)	$	(53,665	)
Other and eliminations	2,201			(2,234		)
	$	(46,076	)	$	(55,899	)

DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE	$	(1.15	)	$	(1.35	)

Consolidated revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 increased 13.4% and 9.4%, respectively, on a per-day basis compared to the same prior year periods, with the increase primarily attributable to ABF operations. Consolidated revenue growth was also impacted by business operations that are reported in the Company’s revenues other than ABF, including increased roadside vehicle assistance services at Fleetnet America, Inc. and the effect of the acquisition, in late second quarter 2009, of a privately-owned logistics business. Consolidated operating loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, decreased $16.5 million and $9.8 million, respectively, from the same periods in 2009. The improvement in consolidated operating loss and per share amounts primarily reflect the operations of ABF, as discussed in the ABF section that follows.

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ABF

The following table sets forth a summary of operating expenses and operating loss as a percentage of revenue for ABF:

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30				June 30
	2010		2009		2010		2009
ABF OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS

Salaries, wages and benefits	65.6	%	71.3	%	68.1	%	71.8	%
Fuel, supplies and expenses	17.1		15.3		17.6		15.5
Operating taxes and licenses	2.8		3.1		3.0		3.2
Insurance	1.6		1.9		1.4		1.5
Communications and utilities	0.9		1.0		1.0		1.1
Depreciation and amortization	4.5		5.2		4.9		5.5
Rents and purchased transportation	10.5		9.4		10.4		9.0
Gain on sale of property and equipment	—		(0.1	)	(0.1	)	(0.1	)
Other	0.3		0.7		0.5		0.5
	103.3	%	107.8	%	106.8	%	108.0	%

ABF OPERATING LOSS	(3.3	)%	(7.8	)%	(6.8	)%	(8.0	)%

The following tables provide a comparison of key operating statistics for ABF:

	Three Months Ended June 30
	2010		2009		% Change

Workdays	63.5		63.5

Billed revenue(1) per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges	$	23.59	$	23.81	(0.9	)%

Pounds	1,624,709,950		1,451,669,827		11.9	%

Pounds per day	25,585,983		22,860,942		11.9	%

Shipments per DSY(2) hour	0.490		0.496		(1.2	)%

Pounds per DSY hour	703.98		646.11		9.0	%

Pounds per shipment	1,438		1,303		10.4	%

Pounds per mile	20.37		19.29		5.6	%

(1) Billed revenue does not consider the revenue deferral required for financial statement purposes under the Company’s revenue recognition policy.

(2) Dock, street and yard (“DSY”) measures are further discussed within this ABF section of MD&A.

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	Six Months Ended June 30
	2010		2009		% Change

Workdays	126.5		126.0

Billed revenue(1) per hundredweight, including fuel surcharges	$	23.60	$	23.83	(1.0	)%

Pounds	3,038,707,358		2,809,064,375		8.2	%

Pounds per day	24,021,402		22,294,162		7.7	%

Shipments per DSY hour	0.483		0.491		(1.6	)%

Pounds per DSY hour	678.39		633.32		7.1	%

Pounds per shipment	1,404		1,289		8.9	%

Pounds per mile	20.05		19.19		4.5	%

(1) Billed revenue does not consider the revenue deferral required for financial statement purposes under the Company’s revenue recognition policy.

ABF’s revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was $379.4 million and $712.5 million, respectively, compared to $343.8 million and $666.9 million reported for the same periods in 2009. ABF’s revenue per day increased 10.4% and 6.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2009. The increase in ABF’s revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 primarily reflects increases in tonnage per day of 11.9% and 7.7%, respectively, and higher fuel surcharge revenues, which result from an increase in the fuel surcharge rate based on changes in diesel fuel prices compared to a national index. ABF’s tonnage increase was primarily attributable to an improved freight environment, particularly during second quarter 2010, compared to the historically low tonnage levels faced in 2009. The second quarter 2010 tonnage improvement reflects a slight increase in the number of shipments and a general increase in weight per shipment, influenced by a higher proportion of truckload-rated business.

Billed revenue per hundredweight for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was 0.9% and 1.0% below the same respective periods in 2009, despite the general rate increase and year-over-year increases in fuel surcharge levels. The comparisons of billed revenue per hundredweight were also impacted by changes in freight profile including pounds per shipment, freight density and customer and geographic mix. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, total pounds per shipment increased 10.4% and 8.9%, respectively, and ABF experienced a higher proportion of truckload-rated shipments. These freight profile changes have the effect of reducing the nominal revenue per hundredweight measure without a commensurate impact on effective pricing or shipment profitability. Excluding freight profile changes and increases in fuel surcharges, pricing on ABF’s traditional LTL business experienced percentage declines in the low- to mid-single digits during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same periods of 2009, despite the general rate increase implemented in January 2010. Management believes that pricing levels may improve based on business conditions experienced toward the end of second quarter 2010 which are reflective of the increases in tonnage levels and other industry conditions, although there can be no assurances in this regard. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, billed revenue per hundredweight compared to the same period in 2009 reflects a very competitive pricing environment, and management expects the pricing environment to remain competitive throughout the remainder of 2010, although there can be no assurances in this regard.

ABF generated operating losses of $12.6 million and $48.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, versus operating losses of $26.8 million and $53.7 million during the same periods in 2009. ABF’s second quarter 2010 operating ratio improved to 103.3% from 107.8% in the second quarter of 2009. For

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the six months ended June 30, 2010, ABF’s operating ratio improved to 106.8% from 108.0% in the same period of 2009. The improvement in ABF’s operating ratio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was primarily influenced by the tonnage-driven increase in revenue, which predominantly occurred in the second quarter 2010, as a portion of operating costs are fixed in nature and decrease, as a percent of revenue, with increases in revenue levels including fuel surcharges. ABF’s operating ratio was also impacted by changes in operating expenses as discussed in the following paragraphs.

Salaries, wages and benefits expense as a percentage of revenue decreased 5.7% and 3.7% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same periods in 2009. Portions of salaries, wages and benefits are fixed in nature and decrease, as a percent of revenue, with increases in revenue levels including fuel surcharges. The decrease in salaries, wages and benefits expense as a percent of revenue was influenced by a decrease in ABF’s nonunion fringe benefit expenses, which impacted the operating ratio for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 by 1.1% and 0.9%, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. The decrease in nonunion fringe benefit expenses was primarily due to lower nonunion pension and supplemental pension costs and suspension of the Company’s contributions to its nonunion 401(k) and defined contribution plans. Salaries, wages and benefits costs were further influenced by workers’ compensation expense, which were 0.8% lower as a percentage of revenue in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009, primarily due to the higher severity of claims in the 2009 period. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, workers’ compensation expense as a percent of revenue was slightly higher than the same period of 2009 and ABF’s ten-year historical average.

Despite the decrease in salaries, wages and benefits expense as a percentage of revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, these costs increased $3.8 million and $6.7 million compared to the same periods in 2009. The cost increases were impacted by higher contractual wage and benefit costs related to ABF’s union workforce under the IBT National Freight Industry Standards Agreement. The annual contractual wage increases effective on April 1, 2010 and 2009 were 1.9% and 1.8%, respectively. On August 1, 2009, health, welfare and pension benefit costs under the agreement increased 7.5%. On August 1, 2010, health, welfare and pension benefit costs under the agreement will increase 6.9%.

Although ABF has implemented cost reduction programs, incremental reductions in labor and other operating costs become increasingly challenging and less effective as ABF maintains customer service levels. Shipments per dock, street and yard (“DSY”) hour and total pounds per mile are measures ABF uses to assess the effectiveness of labor costs. Shipments per DSY hour is used to measure effectiveness in ABF’s local operations, although total pounds per DSY hour is also a relevant measure when the average shipment size is changing. Total pounds per mile is used by ABF to measure the effectiveness of its linehaul operations, although this metric is influenced by other factors including freight density, loading efficiency, average length of haul and the degree to which rail service is used. Salaries, wages and benefits expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was favorably impacted by managing labor costs to business levels as demonstrated by the productivity measures in the previous table, including 9.0% and 7.1% increases in pounds per DSY hour and 5.6% and 4.5% increases in pounds per mile compared to the same prior year periods. However, these improved productivity measures were also favorably influenced by higher utilization of rail service and the effect of increases in pounds per shipment of 10.4% and 8.9%, respectively, reflecting changes in customer account profile and mix during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the same periods of 2009. Shipments per DSY hour were slightly lower in the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the prior year periods due, in part, to changes in customer account profile and mix as the number of shipments were relatively comparable. The prolonged recessionary environment and the depressed tonnage levels that ABF has experienced continue to have a significant impact on operating results. Furthermore, maintaining customer service levels limits the adjustments which would otherwise be necessary to align the cost structure throughout

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are unrestricted cash and short-term investments on-hand, cash generated by operations and borrowing capacity under its accounts receivable securitization program.

Cash Flow and Short-Term Investments: Components of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were as follows:

	June 30		December 31
	2010		2009
	($ thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents, primarily money market funds	$	80,457	$	39,332
Short-term investments, primarily FDIC-insured certificates of deposit	63,487		93,861
Total unrestricted	143,944		133,193
Restricted(1)	51,840		50,857
Total(2)	$	195,784	$	184,050

(1) Restricted cash equivalents and short-term investments represent certificates of deposit, cash deposits and money market funds pledged as collateral for outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds in support of workers’ compensation and third-party casualty claims liabilities (see Financing Arrangements in this section of MD&A and Note D to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

(2) Cash and certificates of deposit are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Money market funds are recorded at fair value based on quoted prices.

Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments increased $10.8 million from December 31, 2009 to June 30, 2010. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, cash provided by operations of $19.2 million included federal and state income tax refunds of $31.5 million. Operating cash flows were also impacted by changes in working capital, primarily growth in accounts receivable associated with the improved business volumes, and distributions to retired officers of $7.8 million under the unfunded supplemental benefit plan. Cash provided by operations along with $11.4 million in proceeds from issuance of long-term debt related to capital leases were used to fund capital expenditures net of proceeds from asset sales, repay $11.8 million of bank overdrafts (which represent checks issued that are later funded when cleared through banks), repay $3.0 million of long-term debt related to capital leases and pay dividends of $1.6 million on Common Stock.

During the six months ended June 30, 2009, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments declined $27.4 million, primarily reflecting purchases of revenue equipment (tractors and trailers used primarily in ABF’s operations) and other property and equipment totaling $9.8 million net of asset sales, payment of dividends on Common Stock of $7.7 million and the acquisition of a privately-owned logistics company for net cash consideration of $6.2 million including repayment of debt assumed in the acquisition. Cash used by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2009 included $15.5 million of contributions to the nonunion pension plan.

Financing Arrangements: The Company has an asset-backed securitization program with SunTrust Bank, which provides for cash proceeds for an amount up to $75.0 million. Under this two-year agreement dated December 30, 2009, ABF continuously sells a designated pool of trade accounts receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary, which in turn may borrow funds on a revolving basis. This wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary is a separate bankruptcy-remote entity and its assets would be available only to satisfy the claims related to the interest in the trade accounts receivables. Advances under the facility bear interest based upon LIBOR, plus a margin. The Company also pays annual fees equal to 0.75% of the unused portion of the accounts receivable

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Contractual Obligations: The following table provides the aggregate annual contractual obligations of the Company including capital and operating lease obligations, purchase obligations and near-term estimated benefit plan distributions as of June 30, 2010. The Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K includes additional information and description of these obligations.

	Payments Due by Period
	($ thousands)
			Less Than		1-3		3-5		More Than
Contractual Obligations	Total		1 Year		Years		Years		5 Years

Capital lease obligations, including interest(1)	$	33,038	$	8,625	$	22,011	$	1,389	$	1,013
Operating lease obligations(2)	53,692		12,008		17,772		11,116		12,796
Purchase obligations(3)	26,452		26,452		—		—		—
Voluntary savings plan distributions(4)	5,312		2,227		1,242		338		1,505
Postretirement health expenditures(5)	8,201		665		1,494		1,541		4,501
Deferred salary distributions(6)	11,409		1,225		2,426		1,949		5,809
Supplemental pension distributions(7)	11,315		529		3,651		—		7,135
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary(8)	2,394		—		—		2,394		—
Total	$	151,813	$	51,731	$	48,596	$	18,727	$	32,759

(1) Capital lease obligations relate primarily to revenue equipment as discussed in Financing Arrangements within this section and Note D to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The future minimum rental commitments are presented exclusive of executory costs such as insurance, maintenance and taxes.

(2) While the Company owns the majority of its larger terminals and distribution centers, certain facilities and equipment are leased. As of June 30, 2010, the Company had future minimum rental commitments, net of noncancelable subleases, totaling $51.4 million for terminal facilities and $2.3 million for other equipment. The future minimum rental commitments are presented exclusive of executory costs such as insurance, maintenance and taxes. In addition, the Company has provided lease guarantees through March 2012 totaling $0.4 million related to Clipper Exxpress Company, a former subsidiary of the Company.

(3) Purchase obligations include purchase orders or authorizations to purchase and binding agreements relating to revenue equipment and property. These purchase obligations are included in the Company’s 2010 capital expenditure plan, which is estimated to be approximately $45 million to $50 million, net of proceeds from asset sales. The Company’s 2010 capital expenditure plan includes amounts financed under capital leases. Actual 2010 capital expenditures may differ from the estimated amount depending on factors such as availability and timing of delivery of equipment.

(4) Represents elective distributions anticipated under the Voluntary Savings Plan, a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Future distributions are subject to change for retirement, death or disability of current employees.

(5) Represents projected distributions over the next ten years for premiums related to postretirement health benefits. These estimated distributions are subject to change based upon increases and other changes in premiums and medical costs and continuation of the plan for current participants. Postretirement health benefit plan liabilities accrued in the consolidated balance sheet totaled $13.7 million as of June 30, 2010.

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(6) Represents projected deferred salary agreement distributions. These distributions are subject to change based upon assumptions for projected salaries and retirements, deaths, disability or early retirement of current employees. As of June 30, 2010, the liability balance related to the deferred salary distributions totaled $8.3 million.

(7) Represents estimated distributions over the next ten years under the unfunded supplemental benefit pension plan (“SBP”). The accrual of benefits was frozen for the remaining participants under the SBP effective December 31, 2009. The distribution of $0.5 million anticipated in 2010 relates to the six-month deferral of payment to a former participant in accordance with U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. The amounts and dates of distributions in future periods are dependent upon actual retirement dates of eligible officers and other events and factors. The SBP liability balance totaled $9.4 million as of June 30, 2010.

(8) Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary represents the option, provided to noncontrolling shareholders, to sell to the Company their remaining interest in a logistics business, which the Company acquired during second quarter 2009. The option to sell may not be exercised until the sixth anniversary of the date of acquisition.

The Company does not have a required minimum cash contribution, but could make tax-deductible contributions, to its defined benefit pension plan in 2010. The decision of whether to make a contribution to the plan will be made in third quarter 2010, based on all relevant factors as determined by the Company’s management. If a contribution is made to the plan, management currently believes it will be $10.0 million or less.

ABF contributes to multiemployer health, welfare and pension plans based generally on the time worked by its contractual employees, as specified in the collective bargaining agreement and other supporting supplemental agreements (see Note E to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q).

Other Liquidity Information: Continued operating losses, primarily resulting from depressed tonnage levels, could continue to adversely affect the Company’s ability to generate cash from operations. Management believes existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, cash generated by operations, and amounts available under the accounts receivable securitization program will be sufficient for the foreseeable future to maintain current operations and finance the Company’s lease commitments; letter of credit and surety bond commitments; quarterly dividends; nonunion benefit plan distributions; capital expenditures; health, welfare and pension contributions under collective bargaining agreements; and other expenditures. Additional capital lease and other secured financing may also be used to fund capital expenditures.

In addition to the sources of liquidity discussed above, the Company currently has an effective registration statement on file with the Securities Exchange Commission that would allow the sale of any combination of debt or equity securities in one or more future public offerings. The ability to complete any such sale is subject to market conditions and there can be no assurance that any such sale will actually occur.

Financial Instruments: The Company has not historically entered into financial instruments for trading purposes, nor has the Company historically engaged in a program for hedging fuel prices. No such instruments were outstanding as of June 30, 2010 or December 31, 2009.

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Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements

The Company’s off-balance-sheet arrangements include future minimum rental commitments, net of noncancelable subleases, of $53.7 million under operating lease agreements primarily for terminal facilities. The Company has no investments, loans or any other known contractual arrangements with unconsolidated special-purpose entities, variable interest entities or financial partnerships.

Balance Sheet Changes

Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable, less allowances, increased $20.2 million from December 31, 2009 to June 30, 2010, primarily due to an increase in revenue levels in June 2010 compared to December 2009.

Prepaid and Refundable Income Taxes: Prepaid and refundable income taxes decreased $21.1 million from December 31, 2009 to June 30, 2010, reflecting federal and state income tax refunds of $31.5 million received during the six months ended June 30, 2010.

Accounts Payable: Accounts payable increased $13.1 million from December 31, 2009 to June 30, 2010, due to an increase in business levels in June 2010 compared to December 2009 and accruals of $6.0 million for revenue equipment received but not yet paid for as of June 30, 2010.

Long-Term Debt: Long-term debt, including the current portion, increased $13.2 million from December 31, 2009 to June 30, 2010, as a result of additional capital lease financing the Company has secured in 2010 related to ABF revenue equipment as further discussed in Financing Arrangements of the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of MD&A.

Income Taxes

The difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate primarily results from the effect of state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance and, for the six months ended June 30, 2009, the alternative fuel tax credit. The alternative fuel tax credit, which expired on December 31, 2009, increased the effective tax benefit rate by 1.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2009. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company received refunds of $31.5 million of federal and state taxes paid in prior years primarily from loss carrybacks allowed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. As a result of federal tax refunds received, the Company has realized $8.1 million of the federal tax benefit recorded in 2010.

At June 30, 2010, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $13.4 million. The Company has evaluated the need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets by considering the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in prior carryback years and available tax-planning strategies. Deferred tax liabilities scheduled to reverse in future years will offset the majority of deferred tax assets. Federal legislative changes in 2009 allowed taxable losses for 2008 or 2009 to be carried back five years. After 2009, the federal loss carryback period reverts to two years. The Company had taxable income of $88.5 million, $122.1 million, $157.1 million and $99.5 million in 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Company has filed loss carryback returns and received refunds for losses incurred through February 28, 2010, the end of the Company’s tax year. In some cases, state taxes paid in prior years will also be available for recovery by carryback of losses incurred for 2009 through February 28, 2010. Because of uncertainty regarding the level and timing of future taxable income, the expectation of future taxable income alone does not make realization of deferred tax assets more likely than not. There are tax-planning strategies available which would support

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deferred tax assets recorded as of June 30, 2010. For example, certain expense components that generate deferred tax assets are eligible for a significantly longer carryback period if the Company so elects. Because there is sufficient taxable income in the longer carryback period, the assets related to these expense items are expected to be fully realized. Also, contributions to the Company’s nonunion pension plan prior to September 15, 2010 are also available to convert deferred tax assets to refundable taxes. The Company would need approximately $38 million of future taxable income to realize net deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2010. This amount does not consider the availability of the carryback of any future losses incurred nor does it consider available tax-planning strategies.

At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets totaled $2.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The valuation allowance decreased by $0.5 million from December 31, 2009 to June 30, 2010 primarily due to the expiration of certain state net operating loss and contribution carryforwards and changes in estimates of foreign tax credits that are more likely than not to be realized. Valuation allowances related to state net operating losses and contribution carryovers for which realization is not more likely than not totaled $2.0 million and $2.2 million at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. In addition, valuation allowances of $0.5 million and $0.8 million at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, were related to foreign tax credit carryforwards and foreign net operating loss carryovers. Foreign tax credits can be carried forward; however, the annual amount that may be used is dependent on future foreign and U.S. taxable income and realization is not more likely than not. The need for additional valuation allowances will be continually monitored by management.

Financial reporting income differs significantly from taxable income because of such items as accelerated depreciation, pension accounting rules, and a significant number of liabilities such as vacation pay, workers’ compensation reserves and other reserves, which, for tax purposes, are generally only deductible when paid. In recent years, financial reporting income has exceeded taxable income. In 2009, and in the six months ended June 30, 2010, the financial reporting loss exceeded the tax loss.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s accounting policies that are “critical,” or the most important, to understand the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and that require management of the Company to make the most difficult judgments are described in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in these critical accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2010.

Seasonality

ABF is impacted by seasonal fluctuations, which affect tonnage and shipment levels. Freight shipments, operating costs and earnings are also adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. The second and third calendar quarters of each year usually have the highest tonnage levels while the first quarter generally has the lowest, although other factors, including the state of the economy, may influence quarterly freight tonnage levels.

Effects of Inflation

Generally, inflationary and contractual increases in labor and fuel costs, which are discussed in the Results of Operations section of MD&A, have historically been offset through price increases and fuel surcharges. In periods of increasing fuel prices, the effect of higher associated fuel surcharges on the overall price to the customer influences ABF’s ability to obtain increases in base freight rates. In periods with declining fuel

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are filed or furnished with this report or are incorporated by reference to previously filed material:

Exhibit
No.

3.1		Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on March 17, 1992, Commission File No. 33-46483, and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2		Certificate of Designations of $2.875 Series A Cumulative Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on May 5, 2009, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

3.3		Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 24, 2009, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

3.4		Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company dated as of April 21, 2009 (previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 24, 2009, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

3.5*		Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company dated as of April 22, 2010.

4.1		First Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2001 between Arkansas Best Corporation and Computershare Investor Services, LLC, as Rights Agent (including exhibits thereto) (previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-A/A Amendment No. 2 filed with the Commission on May 16, 2001, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

4.2		Amendment to First Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2003 between Arkansas Best Corporation and LaSalle Bank, National Association, as Rights Agent (previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 8-A/A Amendment No. 3 filed with the Commission on April 4, 2003, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

4.3		Second Amendment to First Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2007 between Arkansas Best Corporation and LaSalle Bank, National Association, as Rights Agent (previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 18, 2007, Commission File No. 000-19969, and incorporated herein by reference).

31.1*		Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*		Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32**		Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

		Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements

	Consolidated Balance Sheets — June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009	3

	Consolidated Statements of Operations — For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009	5

	Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity — For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010	6

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009	7

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	8

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	20

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	35

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	35

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	36

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	36

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	36

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	36

Item 4.	Removed and Reserved	36

Item 5.	Other Information	36

Item 6.	Exhibits	37

SIGNATURES		39

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit
No.

101.INS**		XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

	ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
	(Registrant)

Date: August 5, 2010	/s/ Judy R. McReynolds
	Judy R. McReynolds
	President – Chief Executive Officer
	and Principal Executive Officer


Date: August 5, 2010	/s/ Michael E. Newcity
	Michael E. Newcity
	Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
	and Principal Financial Officer