EXHIBIT 24

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY



     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and
appoints Frank L. Conner, his true and lawful attorney in fact and agent with
full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K, and
any or all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), to be filed
by American Freightways Corporation in accordance with the rules and regulations
governed by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereby sets his hand this 18th day of
January, 1996.



/s/Ben A. Garrison
- ------------------------------------
Ben A. Garrison, Director



State of  Arkansas  )
                    )
County of  Boone    )

     This 18th day of January, 1996, personally came before me Ben A. Garrison,
who, being by me duly sworn says that he is a Director for American Freightways
Corporation, an Arkansas corporation, and that said writing was signed and
sealed by him, on behalf of said corporation, by its authority given.



                                       /s/Robbie Schriner
                                       ------------------------------------
                                       Notary Public


My commission expires:  February 1, 2002
                      --------------------



                                                     (SEAL)