<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           5,941
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   17,681
<ALLOWANCES>                                       579
<INVENTORY>                                        382
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                27,505
<PP&E>                                          92,594
<DEPRECIATION>                                  29,714
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  94,895
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           26,314
<BONDS>                                         34,938
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                               81
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                      26,231
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    94,895
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               113,021
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  103,456
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                    31
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   140
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,137
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  5,459
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,147
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,312
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,312
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .66
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .44