Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Total operating revenue	$ 101,329	$ 94,957	$ 193,436	$ 180,799
Operating expenses
Salaries, wages and related expenses	29,642	28,936	59,102	57,045
Purchased transportation	17,283	19,723	33,499	37,840
Fuel	25,333	17,469	47,800	33,313
Supplies and maintenance	14,229	11,950	26,851	22,563
Revenue equipment rent	8,749	8,982	17,353	17,763
Depreciation	4,552	3,911	9,048	7,898
Communications and utilities	1,048	1,197	2,347	2,371
Claims and insurance	2,419	4,444	5,728	7,278
Operating taxes and licenses	1,069	1,109	2,104	2,206
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(574)	(249)	(573)	(580)
Miscellaneous	1,346	813	2,726	1,992
Total operating expenses	105,096	98,285	205,985	189,689
Loss from operations	(3,767)	(3,328)	(12,549)	(8,890)
Interest and other expense (income)
Interest income	2	(4)	0	(15)
Interest expense	136	161	233	203
Equity in earnings of limited partnership	(260)	(157)	(359)	(197)
Life insurance and other	269	(19)	368	127
Total interest and other expense (income)	147	(19)	242	118
Loss before income taxes	(3,914)	(3,309)	(12,791)	(9,008)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(609)	1,118	(1,549)	(858)
Net loss	$ (3,305)	$ (4,427)	$ (11,242)	$ (8,150)
Net loss per share of common stock
Basic	$ (0.19)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.64)	$ (0.48)
Diluted	$ (0.19)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.64)	$ (0.48)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	17,534	17,190	17,490	17,141
Diluted	17,534	17,190	17,490	17,141