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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-19475, 333-06569 and 33-87826) of Aasche
Transportation Services, Inc. of our report dated February 21, 1997, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Aasche Transportation
Services, Inc., included in the Annual Report to Shareholders (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Ernst & Young LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
March 27, 1997
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