ABF wins CIO recognition

Fort Smith-based ABF Freight System has been named a recipient of a 2011 CIO 100 award.

In announcing the winners in its 24th annual program, CIO magazine said the organizations chosen "exemplify the highest level of operation and strategic excellence in information technology (IT) and use IT in innovative ways to create business value."

ABF earned a spot on the distinguished listing for its use of IT in leveraging supply chain services.

“ABF is always striving to improve supply-chain management by integrating quality processes and leading-edge technology. It’s very gratifying to have those efforts recognized with this prestigious award,” Dave Cogswell, president of Data-Tronics Corp., ABF’s IT sibling, said in a statement.

The recipients of this year’s CIO 100 awards were selected through a three-step process. First, companies completed an online application detailing their innovative IT and business initiatives. Next, a team of judges reviewed the applications in depth, looking for unique practices and substantial results. Finally, CIO editors reviewed the judges’ recommendations and voted on the final 100.

"This year’s CIO 100 awards draw well-deserved attention to companies that are not only innovating with IT but creating genuine business value as well," said Maryfran Johnson, editor-in-chief of CIO magazine. "These winning companies and their IT organizations are an inspiration to businesses everywhere."

ABF Freight System is the largest subsidiary of Arkansas Best, and is one of the largest less-than-truckload carriers in the U.S.

Arkansas Best employs about 9,500 nationwide.