Exhibit 23.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in: (1) the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 33-77944) pertaining to the Forward Air Corporation Stock Option
and Incentive Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (2) the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-03891) pertaining to the Forward Air Corporation
Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan, (3) the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-03893) pertaining to the Forward Air Corporation
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Award and Non-Employee Director Stock Option
Plan, and (4) the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-94249) pertaining to
the Forward Air Corporation 1999 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, of our report
dated January 30, 2004, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
and schedule of Forward Air Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee
March 5, 2004