Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited) [Abstract]
Total operating revenue	$ 97,831	$ 87,935
Operating expenses
Salaries, wages and related expenses	29,007	29,225
Purchased transportation	19,646	15,833
Fuel	18,949	19,017
Supplies and maintenance	12,953	12,404
Revenue equipment rent	12,200	10,212
Depreciation	2,882	3,059
Communications and utilities	1,007	933
Claims and insurance	3,412	1,905
Operating taxes and licenses	960	1,087
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(266)	(1,760)
Miscellaneous	1,111	1,233
Total operating expenses	101,861	93,148
Loss from operations	(4,030)	(5,213)
Interest and other (income) expense
Interest expense	626	371
Equity in loss (earnings) of limited partnership	10	(235)
Gain on sale of investment in limited partnership	(1,649)	0
Other	186	242
Total interest and other (income) expense	(827)	378
Loss before income taxes	(3,203)	(5,591)
Income tax expense	52	58
Net loss	$ (3,255)	$ (5,649)
Net loss per share of common stock
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.32)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.32)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	17,924	17,727
Diluted (in shares)	17,924	17,727