Exhibit 23.1

 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



We have  issued  our report  dated  April 9, 1997,  accompanying  the  financial
statements  of  Transport  South,  Inc.  for the year ended  December  31, 1996,
included in the Form 8-K/A,  dated February 12, 1998 of Kenan Transport Company.
We hereby  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  of said  report in the
Registration  Statement  of Kenan  Transport  Company  on Form S-8  (registering
shares issuable pursuant to the Kenan Transport Company 1998 Long-Term Incentive
Plan).



/s/Grant Thornton LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
July 17, 1998