<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           1,973
<SECURITIES>                                     8,520
<RECEIVABLES>                                   22,673
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      4,096
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                49,202
<PP&E>                                         132,552
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 211,083
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           48,494
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                      56,709
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   211,083
<SALES>                                        392,547
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               392,547
<CGS>                                          373,952
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  373,952
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              10,720
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  8,478
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,557
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              4,921
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                   (935)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,986
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .52
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .52