EXHIBIT 23.4
 
                        INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT
 
    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the inclusion of our
audit report dated January 29, 1998 on the Highway Services, Inc. financial
statements as of December 31, 1997 and for the year then ended (and all
references to our firm) included in the Prospectus, which is a part of this
Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in such Prospectus.
 
                                          /s/ John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP
 
                                          Certified Public Accountant
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
September 29, 1998