EXHIBIT 23(A)
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement, in Registration Statement No. 33-
29793 and in Registration Statement No. 33-60619 of our reports dated January
24, 1997 included and incorporated by reference in CNF Transportation Inc.'s
(formerly Consolidated Freightways, Inc.) Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in such Registration
Statements.
 
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
 
San Francisco, California,
    
 May 29, 1997