Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Total operating revenue	$ 377,715	$ 388,461	$ 368,822
Operating expenses
Salaries, wages and related expenses	115,333	120,834	117,134
Purchased transportation	68,303	72,682	72,297
Fuel	79,982	93,217	71,566
Supplies and maintenance	53,028	56,410	47,886
Revenue equipment rent	42,995	36,590	35,847
Depreciation	11,513	17,781	16,322
Communications and utilities	4,398	4,682	4,975
Claims and insurance	12,725	20,553	13,017
Operating taxes and licenses	4,083	4,150	4,162
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(5,892)	(5,741)	(1,103)
Miscellaneous	4,602	5,540	4,389
Total operating expenses	391,070	426,698	386,492
Loss from operations	(13,355)	(38,237)	(17,670)
Interest and other (income) expense
Interest income	0	0	(32)
Interest expense	1,649	844	470
Equity in earnings of limited partnership	(868)	(914)	(816)
Life insurance and other	717	621	209
Total interest and other (income) expense	1,498	551	(169)
Loss before income taxes	(14,853)	(38,788)	(17,501)
Income tax expense (benefit)	203	(2,118)	(5,571)
Net loss	$ (15,056)	$ (36,670)	$ (11,930)
Net loss per share of common stock
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.84)	$ (2.08)	$ (0.69)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.84)	$ (2.08)	$ (0.69)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	17,852	17,589	17,275
Diluted (in shares)	17,852	17,589	17,275