CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



Board of Directors
Smithway Motor Xpress Corp:

We consent to  incorporation  by reference in the  registration  statement  (No.
333-21253)  on Form S-8 of Smithway  Motor Xpress Corp. of our report dated June
8, 1998, relating to the statements of net assets available for plan benefits of
Smithway Motor Xpress,  Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings and Investment Plan as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related  statements of changes in net assets
available  for plan  benefits for the years then ended,  and related  schedules,
which report appears in the December 31, 1997 Form 11-K of Smithway Motor Xpress
Corp.

                                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
July 14, 1998