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                                                               EXHIBIT 23



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our report dated January 31, 1994 (except with respect to the matter discussed
in the subsequent event footnote, as to which the date is March 17, 1994), 
incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously 
filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 covering the Carolina Freight 
Corporation Stock Option Plan (filed February 28, 1983) and the Carolina 
Freight Corporation 1984 Incentive Stock Option Plan (filed April 12, 1984).

                                        /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.

Charlotte, North Carolina,
  March 28, 1994.