Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Total operating revenue	$ 87,935	$ 92,107
Operating expenses
Salaries, wages and related expenses	29,225	29,460
Purchased transportation	15,833	16,216
Fuel	19,017	22,467
Supplies and maintenance	12,404	12,622
Revenue equipment rent	10,212	8,604
Depreciation	3,059	4,496
Communications and utilities	933	1,299
Claims and insurance	1,905	3,309
Operating taxes and licenses	1,087	1,035
(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment	(1,760)	1
Miscellaneous	1,233	1,380
Total operating expenses	93,148	100,889
Loss from operations	(5,213)	(8,782)
Interest and other expense (income)
Interest income	0	(2)
Interest expense	371	96
Equity in earnings of limited partnership	(235)	(99)
Life insurance and other	242	100
Total interest and other (income) expense	378	95
Loss before income taxes	(5,591)	(8,877)
Income tax expense (benefit)	58	(940)
Net loss	$ (5,649)	$ (7,937)
Net loss per share of common stock
Basic	$ (0.32)	$ (0.45)
Diluted	$ (0.32)	$ (0.45)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	17,727	17,446
Diluted	17,727	17,446
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0	$ 0