<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF LANDAIR SERVICES, INC. FOR THE 12 MONTH PERIOD ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                             686
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   29,699
<ALLOWANCES>                                       928
<INVENTORY>                                        721
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                35,829
<PP&E>                                         115,130
<DEPRECIATION>                                  35,933
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 118,331
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           33,900
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            60
<OTHER-SE>                                      50,400
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   118,331
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               190,402
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  173,599
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               (2,718)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,622
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 14,085
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,491
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              8,594
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,594
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.44
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.39