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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1




                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 33-16220, Form S-8 No. 33-16084, Form S-8 No. 33-60926, and Form
S-8 No. 333-10813 pertaining to the Incentive Stock Option Plan, the
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, the 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan and the
1995 Stock Option Plan) of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. of our report
dated February 19, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
and schedule of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. included in the Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998.


                                              ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Fayetteville, Arkansas
March 30,  1999


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