Summary of ARKANSAS BEST CORP /DE/

ITEM 5.02 - DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS;
APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS. On October 21, 2009, Arkansas Best Corporation ("the Company") issued a press release announcing that Robert A. Davidson, the current President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company has announced his retirement effective on December 31, 2009. Mr. Davidson is also resigning from the Company's Board of Directors, effective on December 31, 2009. Judy R. McReynolds, the Company's current Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer will become the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2010. In addition, Ms. McReynolds was named to the Company's Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2010.
Ms. McReynolds, who is 47 years old, has served in her current position since February 1, 2006. From January 2000 to January 2006, Ms. McReynolds was the Company's Vice President-Controller. She previously served as the Controller of the Company from July 1998 until December 1999. Ms. McReynolds joined the Company as a Director of Corporate Accounting in June 1997.
A copy of the press release is attached as an exhibit to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

ITEM 9.01 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

99.1   Press release of Arkansas Best Corporation dated October 21, 2009,
       regarding the announcement of the December 31, 2009 retirement of President
       and Chief Executive Officer Robert A. Davidson and the January 1, 2010
       promotion of Judy R. McReynolds to President and Chief Executive Officer.