<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM AMERITRUCK
DISTRIBUTION CORP'S. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                             734
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   29,561
<ALLOWANCES>                                       560
<INVENTORY>                                      1,092
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                41,417
<PP&E>                                         131,870
<DEPRECIATION>                                  28,069
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 192,648
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           27,822
<BONDS>                                        169,326
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            35
<OTHER-SE>                                      (3,859)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   192,648
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               224,257
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  209,438
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   234
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              16,677
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (1,892)
<INCOME-TAX>                                       340
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (2,232)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                   (230)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (2,462)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0