<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BUILDERS TRANSPORT, 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>                                              50
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   34,108
<ALLOWANCES>                                       456
<INVENTORY>                                      3,538
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                52,617
<PP&E>                                         309,478
<DEPRECIATION>                                 117,235
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 268,346
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           65,762
<BONDS>                                        168,988
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            63
<OTHER-SE>                                      23,260
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   268,346
<SALES>                                        289,419
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               289,419
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  291,919
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              16,033
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (18,533)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (3,300)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (15,233)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (15,233)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (2.91)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0