<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE COMPANY'S
FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000745379
<NAME> KENAN TRANSPORT COMPANY
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                          12,098
<SECURITIES>                                         0
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<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                        514
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<PP&E>                                          76,230
<DEPRECIATION>                                  31,172
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<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           10,716
<BONDS>                                              0
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<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         3,096
<OTHER-SE>                                      44,970
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    67,901
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                52,429
<CGS>                                                0
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<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
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<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  4,253
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,633
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              2,620
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<NET-INCOME>                                     2,620
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.10
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