<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE ARKANSAS
BEST CORPORATION QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30,
1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000894405
<NAME> ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                             596
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  202,384
<ALLOWANCES>                                    12,438
<INVENTORY>                                     33,622
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               296,519
<PP&E>                                         620,838
<DEPRECIATION>                                 212,762
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 920,222
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          304,358
<BONDS>                                        360,521
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                         15
<COMMON>                                           195
<OTHER-SE>                                     156,911
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   920,222
<SALES>                                         67,118
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               815,836
<CGS>                                           52,614
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  830,661
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 4,114
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              15,404
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (28,999)
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (10,654)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (18,345)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (18,345)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (1.05)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.05)