CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


Board of Directors
Smithway Motor Xpress Corp:

We consent to  incorporation  by reference in the  registration  statement  (No.
333-21253)  on Form S-8 of Smithway  Motor Xpress Corp. of our report dated June
14, 1999,  relating to the statements of net assets  available for plan benefits
of Smithway Motor Xpress,  Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings and Investment Plan as
of December  31, 1998 and 1997,  and the  related  statements  of changes in net
assets  available  for plan  benefits  for the years  then  ended,  and  related
schedules,  which report  appears in the December 31, 1998 Form 11-K of Smithway
Motor Xpress Corp.

                                                   By:  /S/KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                    KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Des Moines, Iowa
June 14, 1999