UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934: FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 000-20793

                           SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                                         
            NEVADA                                       42-1433844
(State or Other Jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 Incorporation or Organization)



                                                                   
            2031 QUAIL AVENUE
            FORT DODGE, IOWA                                             50501
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                              (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (515) 576-7418

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

YES [X]   NO [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.

Large accelerated filer [ ]   Accelerated filer [ ]   Non-accelerated filer [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES [ ]   NO [X]

As of July 31, 2007, the registrant had 3,993,124 shares of Class A Common Stock
and 1,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.





                                                                           PAGE
                                                                          NUMBER
                                                                          ------
                                                                       
                                     PART I
                              FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1    Financial Statements.........................................      3

          Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006
             and June 30, 2007 (unaudited).............................      3

          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
             and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2007 (unaudited)...      5

          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six
             months ended June 30, 2006 and 2007 (unaudited)...........      6

          Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
             (unaudited)...............................................      7

Item 2    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
             and Results of Operations.................................      9

Item 3    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk...     19

Item 4    Controls and Procedures......................................     19

                                     PART II
                                OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1    Legal Proceedings............................................     20

Item 1A   Risk Factors.................................................     20

Item 2    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds..     20

Item 3    Defaults Upon Senior Securities..............................     20

Item 4    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..........     20

Item 5    Other Information............................................     20

Item 6    Exhibits.....................................................     20

Signatures.............................................................     21



                                        2


                                     PART I
                              FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                  SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)



                                                      DECEMBER 31,     JUNE 30,
                                                          2006           2007
                                                      ------------   -----------
                                                                     (unaudited)
                                                               
                        ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents ......................     $  2,020      $     72
   Receivables, net:
      Trade .......................................       15,916        19,135
      Other .......................................          866         2,277
      Recoverable income taxes ....................        1,025           168
   Inventories ....................................        1,158         1,169
   Deposits, primarily with insurers ..............          975           924
   Prepaid expenses ...............................        2,474         1,601
   Deferred income taxes ..........................        2,242         1,177
                                                        --------      --------
      Total current assets ........................       26,676        26,523
                                                        --------      --------
Property and equipment:
   Land ...........................................        1,137         1,137
   Buildings and improvements .....................        7,144         7,144
   Tractors .......................................       74,036        72,885
   Trailers .......................................       38,724        42,303
   Other equipment ................................        4,673         4,646
                                                        --------      --------
                                                         125,714       128,115
   Less accumulated depreciation ..................       52,880        45,879
                                                        --------      --------
      Net property and equipment ..................       72,834        82,236
                                                        --------      --------
Goodwill ..........................................        1,745         1,745
Other assets ......................................          310           434
                                                        --------      --------
                                                        $101,565      $110,938
                                                        ========      ========


     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                        3



                  SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)



                                                      DECEMBER 31,     JUNE 30,
                                                          2006           2007
                                                      ------------   -----------
                                                                     (unaudited)
                                                               
        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
   Current maturities of long-term debt ...........     $ 10,479       $ 11,240
   Accounts payable ...............................        6,436          7,524
   Accrued loss reserves ..........................        4,960          3,570
   Accrued compensation ...........................        2,274          2,494
   Other accrued expenses .........................          538            589
                                                        --------       --------
      Total current liabilities ...................       24,687         25,417
Long-term debt, less current maturities ...........       28,006         37,823
Accrued loss reserves, less current portion .......        3,952          2,621
Deferred income taxes .............................       13,001         12,557
                                                        --------       --------
      Total liabilities ...........................       69,646         78,418
                                                        --------       --------
Stockholders' equity:
   Preferred stock ................................           --             --
   Common stock:
      Class A .....................................           40             40
      Class B .....................................           10             10
   Additional paid-in capital .....................       11,627         11,647
   Retained earnings ..............................       20,340         20,917
   Reacquired shares, at cost .....................          (98)           (94)
                                                        --------       --------
      Total stockholders' equity ..................       31,919         32,520
Commitments
                                                        --------       --------
                                                        $101,565       $110,938
                                                        ========       ========


     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                       4


                  SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
                  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                                   (Unaudited)



                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED         SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                        JUNE 30,                  JUNE 30,
                                                -----------------------   -----------------------
                                                   2006         2007         2006         2007
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                                           
Operating revenue:
   Freight...................................   $   60,371   $   55,720   $  117,648   $  107,820
   Other.....................................          510          488          922          987
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
      Operating revenue......................       60,881       56,208      118,570      108,807
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Operating expenses:
   Purchased transportation..................       21,681       18,568       42,234       36,247
   Compensation and employee benefits........       14,683       14,327       29,812       28,531
   Fuel, supplies, and maintenance...........       14,183       13,755       26,941       26,212
   Insurance and claims......................        1,485        1,472        2,918        2,592
   Taxes and licenses........................        1,012        1,026        1,966        1,985
   General and administrative ...............        2,026        2,017        3,892        4,234
   Communications and utilities..............          273          267          617          597
   Gain on disposal of assets................         (750)        (784)      (1,312)      (1,162)
   Depreciation and amortization.............        3,011        3,496        5,875        6,871
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
      Total operating expenses...............       57,604       54,144      112,943      106,107
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
      Earnings from operations...............        3,277        2,064        5,627        2,700
Financial (expense) income
      Interest expense.......................         (539)        (814)      (1,040)      (1,614)
      Interest income........................           41           24           59           63
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
         Earnings before income taxes........        2,779        1,274        4,646        1,149
Income tax expense...........................        1,220          634        2,044          572
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
         Net earnings........................   $    1,559   $      640   $    2,602   $      577
                                                ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Basic earnings per share.....................   $     0.31   $     0.13   $     0.52   $     0.12
                                                ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Diluted earnings per share...................   $     0.31   $     0.13   $     0.51   $     0.11
                                                ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Basic weighted average shares outstanding....    4,978,575    4,992,619    4,975,118    4,991,875
         Effect of dilutive stock options....      104,397       43,968      104,419       68,363
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding..    5,082,972    5,036,587    5,079,537    5,060,238
                                                ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========


     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                        5


                  SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                             (Dollars in thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)



                                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                             JUNE 30,
                                                                        -----------------
                                                                          2006      2007
                                                                        -------   -------
                                                                            
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net earnings .....................................................   $ 2,602   $   577
                                                                        -------   -------
   Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by
      operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization .................................     5,875     6,871
      Gain on disposal of assets ....................................    (1,312)   (1,162)
      Deferred income tax expense ...................................       447       621
      Change in:
         Receivables ................................................    (1,356)   (3,773)
         Inventories ................................................       (73)      (11)
         Deposits, primarily with insurers ..........................       (10)       51
         Prepaid expenses ...........................................       615       873
         Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities .............     1,659    (1,362)
                                                                        -------   -------
            Net cash provided by operating activities ...............     8,447     2,685
                                                                        -------   -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchase of property and equipment ................................      (982)   (1,413)
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment ......................     2,423     1,959
  Other .............................................................        (3)     (124)
                                                                        -------   -------
         Net cash provided by investing activities ..................     1,438       422
                                                                        -------   -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
   Net repayment on line of credit ..................................      (760)       --
   Principal payments on long-term debt .............................    (4,917)   (5,079)
   Treasury stock reissued ..........................................        70        10
   Other ............................................................        24        14
                                                                        -------   -------
         Net cash used in financing activities ......................    (5,583)   (5,055)
                                                                        -------   -------
         Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .......     4,302    (1,948)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ....................       168     2,020
                                                                        -------   -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ..........................   $ 4,470   $    72
                                                                        =======   =======
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
   Cash paid (received) during period for:
      Interest ......................................................   $ 1,026   $ 1,562
      Income taxes ..................................................     1,655      (909)
                                                                        =======   =======
Supplemental schedules of noncash investing and financing activities:
   Fair market value of revenue equipment traded ....................   $ 1,603   $ 4,051
   Notes payable issued for tractors and trailers ...................    10,936    19,708


     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                        6



                  SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                                   (Unaudited)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
     Smithway Motor Xpress Corp., a Nevada holding company, and its four wholly
     owned subsidiaries ("we," "us," or "our"). All significant intercompany
     balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

     The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared, without
     audit, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles,
     pursuant to the published rules and regulations of the Securities and
     Exchange Commission. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial
     statements include all adjustments that are necessary for a fair
     presentation of the results for the interim periods presented, such
     adjustments being of a normal recurring nature. Certain information and
     footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules
     and regulations. The December 31, 2006, Condensed Consolidated Balance
     Sheet was derived from our audited balance sheet for the year then ended.
     These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should
     be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes
     thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 2006. Results of operations in interim periods are not
     necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year.

NOTE 2. NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

     Basic earnings per share have been computed by dividing net earnings by the
     weighted-average outstanding Class A and Class B common shares during each
     of the quarters. Diluted earnings per share have been calculated by also
     including in the computation the effect of employee stock options,
     nonvested stock, and similar equity instruments granted to employees and
     directors as potential common shares. The dilutive effect of stock options
     excludes 42,000 and 32,000 shares for the three and six months ending on
     June 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively, as the exercise prices of the
     underlying options were out of the money and the effect was anti-dilutive.
     Stock options outstanding at June 30, 2006 and 2007, totaled 203,850 and
     84,850, respectively.

NOTE 3. STOCK OPTION PLANS

     We have two active stock-based compensation plans:

          (1) We have reserved 400,000 shares of Class A common stock for
          issuance pursuant to an employee incentive stock plan adopted during
          2001. Any shares subject to awards which expire unexercised or are
          forfeited become available again for issuance under this plan. Under
          this plan, no award of incentive stock options may be made after
          August 6, 2011.

          (2) We have reserved 500,000 shares of Class A common stock for
          issuance pursuant to an omnibus stock plan adopted on May 13, 2005.
          Any shares subject to awards which expire unexercised or are forfeited
          become available again for issuance under this plan. This plan expires
          on May 13, 2015.

     Options granted under these plans vest in installments from 12 to 60 months
     after the date of grant. The options are exercisable over a period not to
     exceed ten years from the date of grant. At June 30, 2007, 851,000 shares
     were available for granting additional awards under these plans.

     Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
     Standards ("SFAS") No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" ("No.
     123R"), using a modified version of the prospective transition method.
     Under this transition method, compensation cost is recognized on or after
     the required effective date for the portion of outstanding awards for which
     the requisite service has not yet been rendered, based on the grant-date
     fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123 for either
     recognition or pro forma disclosures. Stock-based employee compensation
     expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2007 was $24 and $14,
     respectively, and is included as an expense within the consolidated
     statements of operations. The total income tax benefit recognized in the
     income statement for stock-based compensation arrangements was $6 and $12
     for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. As of June
     30, 2007, the total compensation cost related to non-vested awards not yet


                                        7



     recognized was $2 and the weighted-average period over which it is expected
     to be recognized was six months. There was no cumulative effect of
     initially adopting No. 123R.

     The following table summarizes stock option activity for the six months
     ended June 30, 2007:



                                                                 WEIGHTED
                                                                 AVERAGE
                                                    WEIGHTED    REMAINING
                                                     AVERAGE   CONTRACTUAL   AGGREGATE
                                         NUMBER     EXERCISE       TERM      INTRINSIC
                                       OF OPTIONS     PRICE      (YEARS)       VALUE
                                       ----------   --------   -----------   ---------
                                                                 
Outstanding at beginning of period      197,850       $5.02
   Options granted                           --          --
   Options exercised                     (2,000)       2.05
   Options forfeited                    (86,000)       3.10
   Options expired                      (25,000)       8.88
                                        -------       -----
Outstanding at end of period             84,850       $5.90        3.77         $397
                                        =======       =====        ====         ====
Options exercisable at end of period     79,850       $6.19        3.61         $350


     No stock options were granted during the six months ended June 30, 2007. We
     granted 12,000 stock options during the six months ended June 30, 2006. The
     weighted-average grant-date fair value of these options was $5.45 per
     share. The fair value of stock options granted was estimated using a
     Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions:


                        
Risk-free interest rate    5.05%
Expected dividend yield       0%
Expected volatility          66%
Expected term (in years)       3


     The risk-free interest rate assumptions were based upon the yield of a US
     Treasury interest only strip with a maturity date corresponding to the
     estimated term of the option. The expected volatility was based on
     historical bi-monthly price changes of our stock since July 1996. The
     estimated term was the average number of years that we estimate the options
     will be outstanding.

     The following table summarizes options that were exercised during the six
     months ended June 30, 2006 and 2007.



                                                  2006     2007
                                                -------   ------
                                                    
Number of shares exercised                       13,500    2,000
Cash received from exercise of stock options    $    30   $    4
Total intrinsic value of options exercised          103       17
Tax benefits realized from exercised options         40        6


     Although we do not have a formal policy for issuing shares upon exercise of
     stock options, these shares are generally issued from treasury stock. Based
     on current treasury stock levels, we do not expect to repurchase additional
     shares specifically for stock option exercises during 2007.

NOTE 4. INCOME TAXES

     We adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48"),
     Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on January 1, 2007. There were
     no adjustments recorded as a result of the adoption of FIN 48. We had a
     total gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $147 as of the
     adoption date, which is included as a reduction to recoverable income
     taxes. If recognized, the unrecognized tax benefits that would impact our
     effective tax rate would be $97. Interest of $11 and penalties of $8 have
     been reflected as a component of the total liability as of January 1, 2007.
     It is our policy to recognize as additional income tax expense interest and
     penalties directly related to income taxes.

     For the six month period ended June 30, 2007, there were no material
     changes to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits. We do not expect
     any significant increases or decreases for uncertain tax positions during
     the next 12 months.

     We file income tax returns in the U.S. and various states. Tax returns
     filed during 2003 through 2007 are subject to examination


                                        8



ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
     OF OPERATIONS

INTRODUCTION

     Except for the historical information contained herein, the discussion in
this quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that
involve risk, assumptions, and uncertainties that are difficult to predict.
Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "plans,"
"expects," "may," "could," "likely," variations of these words, and similar
expressions, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These
statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the
current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to
significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set
forth in forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could
cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking
statements: economic recessions or downturns in customers' business cycles;
excessive increases in capacity within truckload markets; surplus inventories;
decreased demand for transportation services offered by us; increases or rapid
fluctuations in inflation, interest rates, fuel prices, and fuel hedging; the
availability and costs of attracting and retaining qualified drivers and
owner-operators; failure to sustain profitability, which could result in
violation of bank covenants and acceleration of indebtedness at several
financial institutions; the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms;
increases in insurance premiums and deductible amounts, or changes in excess
coverage, relating to accident, cargo, workers' compensation, health, and other
claims; the resale value of used equipment and prices of new equipment; seasonal
factors such as harsh weather conditions that increase operating costs;
regulatory requirements that increase costs and decrease efficiency, including
new emissions standards and hours-of-service regulations; changes in management;
and the ability to negotiate, consummate, and integrate acquisitions. Readers
should review and consider the various disclosures made by us in our press
releases, stockholder reports, and public filings, as well as the factors
explained in greater detail under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our annual
report on Form 10-K.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

     We are a truckload carrier that provides nationwide transportation of
diversified freight, concentrating primarily on the flatbed segment of the
truckload market. We offer comprehensive truckload transportation services to
shippers located predominantly between the Rocky Mountains in the West and the
Appalachian Mountains in the East, and in the southern provinces of Canada. Our
fiscal year ends on December 31 of each year. Thus, this report discusses the
second quarter and first six months of our 2006 and 2007 fiscal years.

RECENT DEVELOPMENT

     On March 22, 2007, we entered into a merger agreement with Western Express,
Inc. and Western Express Acquisition Corporation, providing for the merger of
Western Express Acquisition with and into our company with our company surviving
as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western Express. Pursuant to the merger
agreement, at the effective time of the merger, each outstanding share of our
common stock will be converted into and represent the right to receive $10.63 in
cash. The merger agreement has been approved by our stockholders and board of
directors, as well as Western Express' board of directors. The transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement are subject to customary closing conditions
and are expected to close in August 2007.


                                        9



REVENUES AND EXPENSES

     We generate substantially all of our revenue by transporting freight for
our customers. Generally, we are paid by the mile for our services. We also
derive revenue from fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment
detention, and other accessorial services. The main factors that affect our
revenue are the revenue per mile we receive from our customers, the percentage
of miles for which we are compensated, and the number of miles we generate with
our equipment. These factors relate, among other things, to the United States
economy, inventory levels, the level of capacity in the trucking industry,
specific customer demand, and driver availability.

     We monitor our revenue production primarily through average revenue per
tractor per week (excluding fuel surcharge, brokerage, and other revenues). We
exclude fuel surcharge, brokerage and other more volatile revenues in this
measurement because we believe the analysis of tractor productivity is more
meaningful if these revenues are excluded from the computation, providing useful
information to investors regarding business trends relating to our financial
condition and results of ongoing operations. The components of revenue are as
follows:



                              THREE MONTHS       SIX MONTHS ENDED
(Dollars in thousands)       ENDED JUNE 30,          JUNE 30,
                           -----------------   -------------------
                             2006      2007      2006       2007
                           -------   -------   --------   --------
                                              
Trucking revenue           $48,115   $44,892   $ 94,534   $ 87,878
Brokerage revenue            2,095     2,013      4,756      4,062
Fuel surcharge revenue      10,161     8,815     18,358     15,880
                           -------   -------   --------   --------
   Total freight revenue    60,371    55,720    117,648    107,820
   Other revenue               510       488        922        987
                           -------   -------   --------   --------
      Operating revenue    $60,881   $56,208   $118,570   $108,807
                           =======   =======   ========   ========


     Several industry-wide issues caused downward trends in our revenues during
the second quarter and first six months of 2007, including softer demand for
freight transportation, particularly of building materials; a challenging driver
retention and recruiting market; and volatile fuel prices, which have driven
some independent contractors out of business, reducing the size of our fleet.
Our revenues were also negatively impacted by driver retention and recruitment
issues, as well as management and supervisor retention issues, related to our
pending merger with Western Express.

     During the second quarter of 2007, our average revenue per tractor per week
(excluding fuel surcharge, brokerage, and other revenues) decreased to $2,758
from $2,947 in the second quarter of 2006. Our operating revenue decreased $4.7
million (7.7%), to $56.2 million in the second quarter of 2007 from $60.9
million in the second quarter of 2006, reflecting the decrease in average
revenue per tractor per week (excluding fuel surcharge, brokerage, and other
revenues) and lower weighted average tractors, which decreased 0.3% to 1,252 in
the second quarter of 2007 from 1,256 in the second quarter of 2006. Our ending
fleet size decreased to 1,251 units at June 30, 2007 compared to 1,261 units at
June 30, 2006. The reduction in our fleet came predominantly from a decrease in
independent-contractors.

     During the first six months of 2007, our average revenue per tractor per
week (excluding fuel surcharge, brokerage, and other revenues) decreased to
$2,702 from $2,881 in the first six month of 2006. Our operating revenue
decreased $9.8 million (8.2%), to $108.8 million in the 2007 period from $118.6
million in the 2006 period, reflecting the decrease in average revenue per
tractor per week (excluding fuel surcharge, brokerage, and other revenues) and
lower weighted average tractors, which decreased 0.9% to 1,251 in the 2007
period from 1,262 in the 2006 period.

     The main factors that impact our profitability on the expense side are the
variable costs of transporting freight for our customers. These costs include
fuel expense, driver-related expenses, such as wages, benefits, training, and
recruitment, and independent contractor costs, which are recorded under
purchased transportation. Expenses that have both fixed and variable components
include maintenance and tire expense and our total cost of insurance and claims.
These expenses generally vary with the miles we travel, but also have a
controllable component based on safety, fleet age, efficiency, and other
factors. Our main fixed costs are the acquisition and financing of long-term
assets, such as revenue equipment, and the compensation of non-driver personnel.
Effectively controlling our expenses has been a key component of our profit
improvement plan.


                                       10


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following table sets forth the percentage relationship of certain items
to revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2007:



                                                             THREE MONTHS ENDED   SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                  JUNE 30,            JUNE 30,
                                                             ------------------   ----------------
                                                                2006    2007        2006   2007
                                                             -------   -----      ------  -----
                                                                              
Operating revenue ........................................     100.0%  100.0%      100.0%  100.0%
Operating expenses:
   Purchased transportation ..............................      35.6    33.0        35.6    33.3
   Compensation and employee benefits ....................      24.1    25.5        25.1    26.2
   Fuel, supplies, and maintenance .......................      23.3    24.5        22.7    24.1
   Insurance and claims ..................................       2.4     2.6         2.5     2.4
   Taxes and licenses ....................................       1.7     1.8         1.7     1.8
   General and administrative ............................       3.3     3.6         3.3     3.9
   Communication and utilities ...........................       0.4     0.5         0.5     0.5
   Gain from disposal of assets ..........................      (1.2)   (1.4)       (1.1)   (1.1)
   Depreciation and amortization .........................       4.9     6.2         5.0     6.3
                                                               -----   -----       -----   -----
   Total operating expenses ..............................      94.6    96.3        95.3    97.5
                                                               -----   -----       -----   -----
Earnings from operations .................................       5.4     3.7         4.7     2.5
Interest expense, net ....................................      (0.8)   (1.4)       (0.8)   (1.4)
                                                               -----   -----       -----   -----
Earnings before income taxes .............................       4.6     2.3         3.9     1.1
Income tax expense .......................................       2.0     1.1         1.7     0.5
                                                               -----   -----       -----   -----
Net earnings .............................................       2.6%    1.1%        2.2%    0.5%
                                                               =====   =====       =====   =====


COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 WITH THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
2006

     Operating revenue decreased $4.7 million (7.7%) to $56.2 million in the
2007 quarter from $60.9 million in the 2006 quarter. The decrease in operating
revenue resulted from decreased average operating revenue per tractor per week
and a decrease in our weighted average tractors to 1,252 in the 2007 quarter
from 1,256 in the 2006 quarter.

     Average operating revenue per tractor per week decreased to $3,453 in the
2007 quarter from $3,729 in the 2006 quarter. Operating revenue includes revenue
from operating our trucks as well as other, more volatile revenue items,
including fuel surcharge, brokerage, and other revenue. We believe the analysis
of tractor productivity is more meaningful if fuel surcharge, brokerage, and
other revenue are excluded from the computation as this provides useful
information to investors regarding business trends relating to our financial
condition and results of ongoing operations. Average revenue per tractor per
week (excluding fuel surcharge, brokerage, and other revenue) decreased to
$2,758 in the 2007 quarter from $2,947 in the 2006 quarter, primarily due to
decreased freight demand which caused a reduction in weekly miles per tractor
per week to 1,801 in the 2007 quarter from 1,853 in the 2006 quarter. Revenue
per loaded mile (excluding fuel surcharge, brokerage, and other revenue)
remained relatively constant at $1.62 in the 2007 quarter and $1.63 in the 2006
quarter. Fuel surcharge revenue decreased $1.4 million to $8.8 million in the
2007 quarter from $10.2 million in the 2006 quarter. During the second quarter
of 2007 and 2006, approximately $5.2 million and $5.8 million, respectively, of
the fuel surcharge revenue collected helped to offset our fuel costs. The
remainder was passed through to independent contractors.

     Purchased transportation consists primarily of payments to independent
contractor providers of revenue equipment, expenses related to brokerage
activities, and payments under operating leases of revenue equipment. Purchased
transportation decreased $3.1 million (14.4%) to $18.6 million in the 2007
quarter from $21.7 million in the 2006 quarter. As a percentage of revenue,
purchased transportation decreased to 33.0% in the 2007 quarter from 35.6% in
the 2006 quarter. The changes reflect a decrease in the percentage of our fleet
supplied by independent contractors. The percentage of total operating revenue
provided by independent contractors decreased to 34.9% in the 2007 quarter from
38.1% in the 2006 quarter.

     Compensation and employee benefits decreased $356,000 (2.4%) to $14.3
million in the 2007 quarter from $14.7 million in the 2006 quarter reflecting
lower health claims and worker's compensation expense and fewer compensable
miles per tractor per week compared to the 2006 quarter. As a percentage of
revenue, compensation and employee benefits increased to 25.5% in the 2007
quarter from 24.1% in the 2006 quarter, reflecting the factors


                                       11



discussed above and an increase in the percentage of our fleet supplied by
company trucks. The percentage of total operating revenue provided by company
trucks increased to 60.0% in the 2007 quarter from 57.0% in the 2006 quarter.
Our ratio of tractors to non-driver employees, a key measure of administrative
efficiency, decreased to 4.94 during the 2007 quarter compared to 5.00 in the
2006 quarter. The market for recruiting drivers continues to be challenging. We
increased driver pay in April 2006 and expect that further increases will be
necessary. Future increases in driver pay will negatively impact our results of
operations to the extent that corresponding freight rate increases are not
obtained.

     Fuel, supplies, and maintenance decreased $428,000 (3.0%) to $13.8 million
in the 2007 quarter from $14.2 million in the 2006 quarter. As a percentage of
revenue, fuel, supplies, and maintenance increased to 24.5% of revenue in the
2007 quarter compared with 23.3% in the 2006 quarter. This reflects decreased
maintenance costs as we continue to update our fleet with new equipment and
lower company truck miles. These factors were partially offset by an increase in
the percentage of our fleet supplied by company trucks as previously discussed.
Fuel prices decreased approximately 0.6% to an average of $2.73 per gallon in
the 2007 quarter from $2.75 per gallon in the 2006 quarter. Our fuel surcharge
revenue per gallon decreased $0.13 due to weak freight demand causing net fuel
price per gallon to increase by $0.11.

     Insurance and claims decreased $13,000 (0.9%) and were approximately $1.5
million in both the 2007 quarter and 2006 quarter. As a percentage of revenue,
insurance and claims increased to 2.6% of revenue in the 2007 quarter compared
with 2.4% in the 2006 quarter. This reflects a decrease in auto liability
claims, which was partially offset by higher cargo claims. The insurance
policies were renewed on July 1, 2007 with no material change in coverage.

     Taxes and licenses increased $14,000 (1.4%) and were approximately $1.0
million in both the 2007 quarter and the 2006 quarter. As a percentage of
revenue, taxes and licenses increased to 1.8% of revenue in the 2007 quarter
compared with 1.7% of revenue in the 2006 quarter.

     General and administrative expenses decreased $9,000 (0.4%) and were
approximately $2.0 million in both the 2007 quarter and the 2006 quarter. As a
percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses increased to 3.6% of
revenue in the 2007 quarter compared with 3.3% of revenue in the 2006 quarter
reflecting slight decreases in our revenue without a corresponding decrease in
our general and administrative expenses.

     Communications and utilities decreased $6,000 (2.2%) to $267,000 in the
2007 quarter from $273,000 in the 2006 quarter. As a percentage of revenue,
communications and utilities remained relatively constant at 0.5% of revenue in
the 2007 quarter and 0.4% in the 2006 quarter.

     Gains on the disposal of assets increased $34,000 (4.5%) to $784,000 in the
2007 quarter from $750,000 in the 2006 quarter. As a percentage of revenue,
gains on the disposal of assets decreased to 1.4% of revenue in the 2007 quarter
compared to 1.2% of revenue in the 2006 quarter.

     Depreciation and amortization increased $485,000 (16.1%) to $3.5 million in
the 2007 quarter from $3.0 million in the 2006 quarter reflecting the
acquisition of new tractors and trailers to replace older equipment which in
many cases was no longer being depreciated. As a percentage of revenue,
depreciation and amortization increased to 6.2% of revenue in the 2007 quarter
compared with 4.9% in the 2006 quarter reflecting the changes described above
and an increase in the percentage of our fleet supplied by company trucks. As we
continue to upgrade our equipment fleet, we expect depreciation expense to
increase.

     Interest expense, net of interest income, increased $292,000 (58.6%) to
$790,000 in the 2007 quarter from $498,000 in the 2006 quarter. This increase
was attributable to higher average debt outstanding and higher interest rates.
As a percentage of revenue, interest expense, net, increased to 1.4% of revenue
in the 2007 quarter from 0.8% of revenue in the 2006 quarter.

     As a result of the foregoing, our pre-tax margin decreased to 2.3% in the
2007 quarter from 4.6% in the 2006 quarter.

     Our income tax expense in the 2007 quarter was $634,000, or 49.8% of
earning before income taxes. Our income tax expense in the 2006 quarter was $1.2
million, or 43.9% of earnings before income taxes. In both quarters, the
effective tax rate was different from the expected combined tax rate for a
company headquartered in Iowa because a portion of the cost of driver per diem
expense is not deductible. The impact of paying per diem travel expenses varies
depending upon the ratio of drivers to independent contractors and the level of
our pre-tax earnings.


                                       12



     As a result of the factors described above, net earnings were $640,000 in
the 2007 quarter (1.1% of revenue), compared with net earnings of $1.6 million
in the 2006 quarter (2.6% of revenue). In addition, our operating ratio
(operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue) was 96.3% during the
2007 quarter as compared with 94.6% during the 2007 quarter. Our adjusted
operating ratio (operating expenses minus fuel surcharge revenue as a percentage
of operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue) was 95.6% during the 2007
quarter as compared with 93.5% during the 2006 quarter.

COMPARISON OF SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 WITH SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
2006.

     Operating revenue decreased $9.8 million (8.2%) to $108.8 million in the
first six months of 2007 from $118.6 million in first six months of 2006. The
decrease in operating revenue resulted from decreased average operating revenue
per tractor per week and a decrease in our weighted average tractors to 1,251 in
the 2007 period from 1,262 in the 2006 period.

     Average operating revenue per tractor per week decreased to $3,345 in the
2007 period from $3,614 in the 2006 period. Operating revenue includes revenue
from operating our trucks as well as other, more volatile revenue items,
including fuel surcharge, brokerage, and other revenue. We believe the analysis
of tractor productivity is more meaningful if fuel surcharge, brokerage, and
other revenue are excluded from the computation as this provides useful
information to investors regarding business trends relating to our financial
condition and results of ongoing operations. Average revenue per tractor per
week (excluding fuel surcharge, brokerage, and other revenue) decreased to
$2,702 in the 2007 period from $2,881 in the 2006 period, primarily due to
decreased freight demand which caused a reduction in weekly miles per tractor
per week to 1,742 in the 2007 period from 1,822 in the 2006 period. Revenue per
loaded mile (excluding fuel surcharge, brokerage, and other revenue) remained
constant at $1.62 in both the 2007 and 2006 periods. Fuel surcharge revenue
decreased $2.5 million to $15.9 million in the 2007 period from $18.4 million in
the 2006 period. During the first six months of 2007 and 2006, approximately
$9.3 million and $10.5 million, respectively, of the fuel surcharge revenue
collected helped to offset our fuel costs. The remainder was passed through to
independent contractors.

     Purchased transportation consists primarily of payments to independent
contractor providers of revenue equipment, expenses related to brokerage
activities, and payments under operating leases of revenue equipment. Purchased
transportation decreased $6.0 million (14.2%) to $36.2 million in the 2007
period from $42.2 million in the 2006 period. As a percentage of revenue,
purchased transportation decreased to 33.3% in the 2007 period from 35.6% in the
2006 period. The changes reflect a decrease in the percentage of our fleet
supplied by independent contractors. The percentage of total operating revenue
provided by independent contractors decreased to 35.1% in the 2007 period from
37.6% in the 2006 period.

     Compensation and employee benefits decreased $1.3 million (4.3%) to $28.5
million in the 2007 period from $29.8 million in the 2006 period reflecting
lower health claims and worker's compensation expense and fewer compensable
miles per tractor per week. As a percentage of revenue, compensation and
employee benefits increased to 26.2% in the 2007 period from 25.1% in the 2006
period, reflecting the factors discussed above and an increase in the percentage
of our fleet supplied by company trucks. The percentage of total operating
revenue provided by company trucks increased to 59.6% in the 2007 period from
56.9% in the 2006 period. Our ratio of tractors to non-driver employees, a key
measure of administrative efficiency, decreased to 5.00 during the 2007 period
compared to 5.06 in the 2006 period. The market for recruiting drivers continues
to be challenging. We increased driver pay in April 2006.

     Fuel, supplies, and maintenance decreased $729,000 (2.7%) to $26.2 million
in the 2007 period from $26.9 million in the 2006 period. As a percentage of
revenue, fuel, supplies, and maintenance increased to 24.1% of revenue in the
2007 period compared with 22.7% in the 2006 period. This reflects decreased
maintenance costs as we continue to update our fleet with new equipment and
lower company truck miles. These factors were partially offset by an increase in
the percentage of our fleet supplied by company trucks as previously discussed.
Fuel prices increased approximately 0.8% to an average of $2.58 per gallon in
the 2007 period from $2.56 per gallon in the 2006 period. Our fuel surcharge
revenue per gallon decreased $0.11 due to weak freight demand causing net fuel
price per gallon to increase by $0.09.

     Insurance and claims decreased $326,000 (11.2%) to $2.6 million in the 2007
period from $2.9 million in the 2006 period. As a percentage of revenue,
insurance and claims decreased to 2.4% of revenue in the 2007 period compared
with 2.5% in the 2006 period. This reflects significantly lower auto liability
claims. The insurance policies were renewed on July 1, 2007 with no change in
coverage.


                                       13



     Taxes and licenses increased $19,000 (1.0%) and were approximately $2.0
million in both the 2007 period and the 2006 period. As a percentage of revenue,
taxes and licenses increased to 1.8% of revenue in the 2007 period compared with
1.7% of revenue in the 2006 period.

     General and administrative expenses increased $342,000 (8.8%) to $4.2
million in the 2007 period from $3.9 million in the 2006 period, reflecting
increased advertising expense related to driver recruiting and an increase in
outside loading services which were previously performed internally. As a
percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses increased to 3.9% of
revenue in the 2007 period from 3.3% of revenue in the 2006 period, reflecting
slight decreases in revenue without a corresponding decrease in our general and
administrative expenses.

     Communications and utilities decreased $20,000 (3.2%) to $597,000 in the
2007 period from $617,000 in the 2006 period. As a percentage of revenue,
communications and utilities remained constant at 0.5% of revenue in both the
2007 and 2006 periods.

     Gains on the disposal of assets decreased $150,000 (11.4%) to $1.2 million
in the 2007 period from $1.3 million in the 2006 period. As a percentage of
revenue, gains on the disposal of assets remained constant at 1.1% of revenue in
the 2007 and 2006 periods.

     Depreciation and amortization increased $1.0 million (17.0%) to $6.9
million in the 2007 period from $5.9 million in the 2006 period reflecting an
increase in company owned tractors and trailers and an increase in the value of
equipment subject to depreciation. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and
amortization increased to 6.3% of revenue in the 2007 period compared with 5.0%
in the 2006 period, reflecting the items noted above and an increase in the
percentage of our fleet supplied by company trucks. As we continue to upgrade
our equipment fleet, we expect depreciation expense to increase.

     Interest expense, net, increased $570,000 (58.1%) to $1.6 million in the
2007 period from $981,000 in the 2006 period. This increase was attributable to
higher average debt outstanding and higher interest rates. As a percentage of
revenue, interest expense, net, increased to 1.4% of revenue in the 2007 period
from 0.8% of revenue in the 2006 period.

     As a result of the foregoing, our pre-tax margin increased to 1.1% in the
2007 period from 3.9% in the 2006 period.

     Our income tax expense in the 2007 period was $572,000, or 49.8% of
earnings before income taxes. Our income tax expense in the 2006 period was $2.0
million, or 44.0% of earnings before income taxes. In both periods, the
effective tax rate was different from the expected combined tax rate for a
company headquartered in Iowa because a portion of the cost of driver per diem
expense is not deductible. The impact of paying per diem travel expenses varies
depending upon the ratio of drivers to independent contractors and the level of
our pre-tax earnings.

     As a result of the factors described above, net earnings were $577,000 in
the 2007 period (0.5% of revenue), compared with $2.6 million in the 2006 period
(2.2% of revenue). In addition, our operating ratio (operating expenses as a
percentage of operating revenue) was 97.5% during the 2007 period as compared
with 95.3% during the 2006 period. Our adjusted operating ratio (operating
expenses minus fuel surcharge revenue as a percentage of operating revenue
excluding fuel surcharge revenue) was 97.1% during the 2007 period as compared
with 94.4% during the 2006 period.


                                       14



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     USES AND SOURCES OF CASH

     We require cash to fund working capital requirements and to service our
debt. We have historically financed acquisitions of new equipment with
borrowings under installment notes payable to commercial lending institutions
and equipment manufacturers, borrowings under lines of credit, cash flow from
operations, and equipment leases from third-party lessors. We also have obtained
a portion of our revenue equipment fleet from independent contractors who own
and operate the equipment, which reduces overall capital expenditure
requirements compared with providing a fleet of entirely company-owned
equipment.

     Our primary sources of liquidity have been funds provided by operations and
borrowings under credit arrangements with commercial lending institutions and
equipment manufacturers. At June 30, 2007, we had $72,000 in cash and adequate
borrowing availability on our line of credit to finance any near-term needs for
working capital. During the first six months of 2007, we purchased 135 new
tractors and 357 new trailers for $20.5 million, which was financed, in part,
with $19.7 million of new long term debt. No significant equipment purchases are
planned for the remainder of 2007.

     At June 30, 2007, we had positive working capital of $1.1 million compared
to positive working capital of $3.8 million at June 30, 2006. Working capital,
defined as current assets minus current liabilities, is not always fully
representative of our liquidity position because cash and trade receivables
account for a large portion of our current assets. Our trade accounts receivable
are generally collected within 31 days. Alternatively, current maturities of
long term debt, a large portion of our current liabilities, are paid over one
year.

     Our ability to fund cash requirements in future periods will depend on our
ability to comply with covenants contained in financing arrangements and the
availability of other financing options, as well as our financial condition and
results of operations. Our financial condition and results of operations will
depend on insurance and claims experience, general shipping demand by our
customers, fuel prices, the availability of drivers and independent contractors,
and other factors.

     Although there can be no assurance, we believe that cash generated by
operations and available sources of financing for acquisitions of revenue
equipment will be adequate to meet our currently anticipated working capital
requirements and other cash needs through June 2008. We will require additional
sources of financing over the long-term to upgrade our tractor and trailer
fleets. To the extent that actual results or events differ from our financial
projections or business plans, our liquidity may be adversely affected and we
may be unable to meet our financial covenants. Specifically, our short- and
long-term liquidity may be adversely affected by one or more of the following
factors: costs associated with insurance and claims; weak freight demand or a
loss in customer relationships or volume; the impact of new hours-of-service
regulations on asset productivity; the impact of stricter emissions standards;
the ability to attract and retain sufficient numbers of qualified drivers and
independent contractors; elevated fuel prices and the ability to collect fuel
surcharges; inability to maintain compliance with, or negotiate amendments to,
loan covenants; the ability to finance the tractors and trailers delivered and
scheduled for delivery; and the possibility of shortened payment terms by our
suppliers and vendors worried about our ability to meet payment obligations.
Based upon our profitability, anticipated future cash flows, current
availability under the financing arrangement with LaSalle Bank, and sources of
equipment financing that are available, we do not expect to experience
significant liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future. To the extent that
actual results or events differ from our financial projections or business
plans, our liquidity may be adversely affected and we may be unable to meet our
financial covenants. In such event, we believe we could renegotiate the terms of
our debt or that alternative financing would be available, although this cannot
be assured.

     Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.7 million for the six
months ended June 30, 2007, compared to net cash provided of $8.4 million for
the six months ended June 30, 2006. Historically, our principal use of cash
generated from operations is to service debt and to internally finance
acquisitions of revenue equipment. Total receivables increased $3.8 million for
the six months ended June 30, 2007. The average age of our trade accounts
receivable were 31.2 days in the 2007 period and 30.9 in the 2006 period.

     Net cash provided by investing activities was $422,000 for the six months
ended June 30, 2007. This related primarily to proceeds from the sale of revenue
equipment partially offset by cash used to purchase property and equipment.


                                       15



     Net cash used in financing activities was $5.1 million for the six months
ended June 30, 2007, consisting primarily of net payments of principal under our
long-term debt agreements.

     We have a financing arrangement with LaSalle Bank, which expires on October
31, 2010, and provides for automatic month-to-month renewals under certain
conditions after that date. LaSalle Bank may terminate the arrangement prior to
October 31, 2010, in the event of default, and may terminate at the end of any
renewal term. The agreement provides for a revolving line of credit which allows
for borrowings at up to 85% of eligible receivables. At June 30, 2007, there was
no balance owed under our revolving line of credit.

     The LaSalle Bank financing arrangement also includes financing for letters
of credit. At June 30, 2007, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $8.4
million for self-insured amounts under our insurance programs. We are required
to pay an annual fee of 1.25% of the outstanding letters of credit. These
letters of credit directly reduce the amount of potential borrowings available
under the financing arrangement discussed above. Any increase in self-insured
retention, as well as increases in claim reserves, may require additional
letters of credit to be posted, which would negatively affect our liquidity.

     The combination of borrowings under the line of credit and outstanding
letters of credit with LaSalle Bank cannot exceed the lower of $15.0 million or
a specified borrowing base, which at June 30, 2007 was $15.0 million, leaving
$6.6 million in remaining availability at such date. We are required to pay a
facility fee on the LaSalle Bank financing arrangement of .25% of the unused
loan limit. Borrowings under the arrangement are secured by accounts receivable.
The interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the arrangement is equal to a
spread on LaSalle Bank's prime rate or LIBOR, at our option. The spread is
determined by our ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, amortization and rent, or EBITDAR, as defined under the agreement.
At June 30, 2007 the applicable interest rate under the arrangement was equal to
the prime rate minus 25 basis points.

     The LaSalle Bank financing arrangement requires compliance with certain
financial covenants, including compliance with a minimum tangible net worth,
debt to EBITDAR, and a fixed charge coverage ratio. We were in compliance with
these requirements at June 30, 2007. We believe we will maintain compliance with
all covenants throughout 2007, although there can be no assurance that the
required financial performance will be achieved. In addition, equipment
financing provided by a manufacturer contains a minimum tangible net worth
requirement. We were in compliance with the required minimum tangible net worth
requirement at June 30, 2007 and we expect to remain in compliance for the
foreseeable future. If we fail to maintain compliance with these financial
covenants, or to obtain a waiver of any noncompliance, the lenders will have the
right to declare all sums immediately due and pursue other remedies. In this
event, we believe we could renegotiate the terms of our debt or that alternative
financing would be available, although this cannot be assured. As of the filing
date, we were in compliance with all financial covenants.

     CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

     The following tables set forth our contractual obligations and other
commercial commitments as of June 30, 2007:



                                      PAYMENTS (IN THOUSANDS) DUE BY PERIOD
                              -----------------------------------------------------
                                        Less than                            After
                               Total     One year   1-3 years   3-5 years   5 years
                              -------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------
                                                             
Contractual Obligations
Long-term debt                $49,063    $11,240     $24,378     $10,819     $2,626
Operating lease obligations     2,679      1,908         742          29         --
                              -------    -------     -------     -------     ------
Total                         $51,742    $13,148     $25,120     $10,848     $2,626
                              =======    =======     =======     =======     ======


     We cannot reasonably estimate when the unrecognized tax benefits will be
realized. In our normal course of business we place orders with equipment
manufacturers for future delivery of new tractors and trailers. The orders for
trailers can be cancelled at any time without penalty prior to taking delivery.
The orders for tractors can be cancelled without penalty at any time up to 60
days prior to production of the tractor. If the termination occurs less than 60
days, but more than 45 days prior to production, we retain the right to cancel
subject to a per truck penalty of $500. Orders generally cannot be cancelled
within 45 days prior to production. At June 30, 2007, we did not have any
commercial commitments related to tractor and trailer orders that cannot be
cancelled.


                                       16



Approximately 4% of our long-term debt carries a variable interest rate. Using
our weighted average interest rate of 6.51% as of June 30, 2007, the following
approximately represents our expected obligations for future interest payments:



                                 PAYMENTS (IN THOUSANDS) DUE BY PERIOD
                          ----------------------------------------------------
                                   Less than                            After
                           Total    One year   1-3 years   3-5 years   5 years
                          ------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------
                                                        
Total interest payments   $7,120     $2,828      $3,308       $899       $85
                          ======     ======      ======       ====       ===


     We had no other commercial commitments at June 30, 2007.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

     Our liquidity is not materially affected by off-balance sheet transactions.
As of June 30, 2007, our fleet included 124 tractors and 11 trailers obtained
under operating leases. The lease payments for these tractors and trailers
increase equipment rent expense, a component of purchased transportation
expense, rather than depreciation and interest expense. These obligations are
included in our schedule of contractual obligations, and exclude potential
Terminal Remainder Adjustment Clause (TRAC) payments or refunds on 116 tractors
amounting to 40% of the original purchase price due at the end of the original
48 month term of the lease. After 48 months, we expect the residual value of the
tractors to be greater than 40% of the original cost, allowing us to return the
tractors without penalty.


                                       17


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles requires us to make decisions based upon
estimates, assumptions, and factors we consider as relevant to the
circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable accounting
principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which
impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future economic conditions
or other business circumstances may affect the outcomes of our estimates and
assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those anticipated. A
summary of the significant accounting policies followed in preparation of the
financial statements included in this Form 10-Q is contained in Note 1 of the
consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2006. Other footnotes in the Form 10-K describe various elements of
the financial statements included in this Form 10-Q and the assumptions on which
specific amounts were determined.

     Our critical accounting policies include the following:

     REVENUE RECOGNITION

     We generally recognize operating revenue when the freight to be transported
has been loaded. We operate primarily in the short-to-medium length haul
category of the trucking industry; therefore, our typical customer delivery is
completed one day after pickup. Accordingly, this method of revenue recognition
is not materially different from recognizing revenue based on completion of
delivery. We recognize operating revenue when the freight is delivered for
longer haul loads where delivery is completed more than one day after pickup.
Amounts payable to independent contractors for purchased transportation, to
company drivers for wages, and other direct expenses are accrued when the
related revenue is recognized. Had we recognized operating revenue when the
freight was delivered, net income would have been $14,000 higher and $40,000
lower during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.

     PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

     Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided by
use of the straight-line and declining-balance methods over lives of 5 to 39
years for buildings and improvements, 5 years for tractors, 7 years for
trailers, and 3 to 10 years for other equipment. Tires purchased as part of
revenue equipment are capitalized as a cost of the equipment. Replacement tires
are expensed when placed in service. Expenditures for maintenance and minor
repairs are charged to operations, and expenditures for major replacements and
betterments are capitalized. The cost and related accumulated depreciation on
property and equipment retired, traded, or sold are eliminated from the property
accounts at the time of retirement, trade, or sale. The gain or loss on
retirement or sale is recognized in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 153, "Exchange of Nonmonetary Assets."

     ESTIMATED LIABILITY FOR INSURANCE CLAIMS

     Losses resulting from auto liability, physical damage, workers'
compensation, and cargo loss and damage are covered by insurance subject to
certain self-retention levels. Losses resulting from uninsured claims are
recognized when such losses are incurred. We estimate and accrue a liability for
our share of ultimate settlements using all available information. We accrue for
claims reported, as well as for claims incurred but not reported, based upon our
past experience. Expenses depend on actual loss experience and changes in
estimates of settlement amounts for open claims that have not been fully
resolved. However, final settlement of these claims could differ materially from
the amounts we have accrued at year-end. Our judgment concerning the ultimate
cost of claims and modification of initial reserved amounts is an important part
of establishing claims reserves, and is of increasing significance with higher
self-insured retention and lack of excess coverage.

     IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

     Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a
comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash
flows expected to be generated by the asset. Our judgment concerning future cash
flows is an important part of this determination. If such assets are considered
to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by
which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or
fair value less the costs to sell.


                                       18



ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     We are exposed to a variety of market risks, most importantly the effects
of the price and availability of diesel fuel and changes in interest rates.

COMMODITY PRICE RISK

     Our operations are heavily dependent upon the use of diesel fuel. The price
and availability of diesel fuel can vary and are subject to political, economic,
and market factors that are beyond our control. Significant increases in diesel
fuel prices could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and
financial condition.

     We presently use fuel surcharges to address the risk of increasing fuel
prices. We believe these fuel surcharges are an effective means of mitigating
the risk of increasing fuel prices, although the competitive nature of our
industry prevents us from recovering the full amount of fuel price increases
through the use of these surcharges.

INTEREST RATE RISK

     We also are exposed to market risks from changes in certain interest rates
on our debt. Our financing arrangement with LaSalle Bank carries a variable
interest rate equal to a spread on LaSalle's prime rate or LIBOR, at our option.
The spread is determined by our ratio of funded debt to EBITDAR, as defined
under the agreement. In addition, approximately $1.8 million of our other debt
carries variable interest rates. This variable interest exposes us to the risk
that interest rates may rise. Assuming borrowing levels at June 30, 2007, a
one-point increase in the prime rate would increase interest expense by
approximately $18,000. The remainder of our other debt carries fixed interest
rates. At June 30, 2007, approximately 4% of our debt carried a variable
interest rate and the remainder was fixed.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"Exchange Act"), we have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the
design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.
This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation
of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial
Officer. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief
Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were
effective as of June 30, 2007. During our second fiscal quarter, there were no
changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially
affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting. We intend to periodically evaluate our
disclosure controls and procedures as required by the Exchange Act rules.

     Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that
are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports
filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include
controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and
communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding
disclosures.

     We have confidence in our disclosure controls and procedures and internal
controls and procedures. Nevertheless, our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our
disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all
errors or intentional fraud. A disclosure control system and an internal control
system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable,
not absolute, assurance that the objectives of these controls are met. Further,
the design of these control systems must reflect the fact that there are
resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative
to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no
evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues
and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected.


                                       19



                                     PART II
                                OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     Not applicable.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

     Not applicable.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

     None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

     None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     On June 8, 2007, we held a special meeting of stockholders at which our
stockholders considered approving the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March
22, 2007, (the "Plan of Merger") between us, Western Express, Inc., a Tennessee
corporation ("Buyer"), and Western Express Acquisition Corporation, a Nevada
corporation ("Sub"), whereby Sub would merge with and into our Company, with our
Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Western. At the special
meeting, 4,991,002 votes were cast for approval of the Plan of Merger, 14,780
votes were cast against approval of the Plan of Merger and the holders of 354
shares abstained.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

     On August 10, 2007, Chad A. Johnson, our Vice President of Vehicle
Operations, tendered his resignation from all positions held with the company.
Mr. Johnson has accepted a management position with a company outside the
trucking industry.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS



EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
- -------                                 -----------
       
2         Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 22, 2007, among
          Smithway Motor Xpress Corp., Western Express, Inc., and Western
          Express Acquisition Corporation (1)

3.1       Articles of Incorporation (2)

3.2       Bylaws of Smithway Motor Xpress Corp. (as amended and restated
          November 3, 2006) (3)

31.1      Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer *

31.2      Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer *

32.1      Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant
          to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by G. Larry Owens,
          the Registrant's principal executive officer *

32.2      Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant
          to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Douglas C.
          Sandvig, the Registrant's principal financial officer *


- ----------
(1)  Incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K
     dated March 22, 2007 (SEC File No. 000-20793), filed March 23, 2007.

(2)  Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit to our Registration
     Statement on Form S-1,


                                       20



     Registration No. 33-90356, effective June 27, 1996.

(3)  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K
     dated and filed November 3, 2006 (SEC File No. 000-20793).

*    Filed herewith.

                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                        SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP.


Date: August 14, 2007                   By: /s/ Douglas C. Sandvig
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Douglas C. Sandvig
                                            Senior Vice President, Treasurer
                                            and Chief Financial Officer
                                            (On behalf of the registrant and as
                                            the registrant's principal financial
                                            and accounting officer)


                                       21



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX



EXHIBIT                                                                              METHOD OF
 NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION                                    FILING
- -------                                 -----------                               ---------------
                                                                            
   2      Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 22, 2007, among         Incorporated by
          Smithway Motor Xpress Corp., Western Express, Inc., and Western         reference
          Express Acquisition Corporation

  3.1     Articles of Incorporation                                               Incorporated by
                                                                                  reference

  3.2     Bylaws of Smithway Motor Xpress Corp. (as amended and restated          Incorporated by
          November 3, 2006)                                                       reference

  31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer       Filed herewith

  31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer       Filed herewith

  32.1    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant   Filed herewith
          to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by G. Larry Owens,
          the Registrant's principal executive officer

  32.2    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant   Filed herewith
          to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Douglas C.
          Sandvig, the Registrant's principal financial officer