TRISM INC /DE/
10-Q, 1996-11-14
TRUCKING (NO LOCAL)
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                           UNITED STATES
                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
   
                      Washington, D.C. 20549

                             FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[ X  ]     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF 
           THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE      ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996

or

[     ]    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF 
           THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE      ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ---------- to ---------------     

                  Commission file number   0-23210

                               TRISM, INC.
        (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          DELAWARE                            13-3491658
(State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)           Identification No.)

4174 Jiles Road, Kennesaw, Georgia              30144
Address of principal executive offices)       (Zip Code)

                              770-795-4600
         (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all 
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months 
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to 
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing 
requirements for the past 90 days.      X   Yes       No

As of October  31, 1996, 5,733,137 shares of TRISM, INC.'s common 
stock, par value $.01 per common share were outstanding.



<PAGE>
                                TRISM, INC.

                            TABLE OF CONTENTS



Part I      FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                  Page

     Item 1.     Financial Statements                               1
     Item 2.     Management's Discussion and Analysis
                 of Financial Condition and Results of 
                 Operations                                         5


Part II      OTHER INFORMATION     

     Item 1.     Legal Proceedings                                 10
     Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                  10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>

                        PART I   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements
                                   TRISM, INC.
                         Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                 (In Thousands)
                                 (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
                                         September 30,         December 31,
                                             1996                  1995
<S>                                      <C>                   <C>
ASSETS          
          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents                $    1,586              $       643
Restricted and insurance deposits             1,293                    1,120
Accounts receivable, net                     56,783                   44,830
Materials and supplies                        2,319                    2,307
Prepaid expenses                             19,162                   16,282
Current portion of deferred income taxes      3,390                    3,421
                                            -------                  -------
Total current assets                         84,533                   68,603
          
Property and equipment, net                 117,591                  119,043
Property held for sale                       10,391                   10,486
Other assets                                 27,708                   20,639
                                            -------                  -------
Total assets                               $240,223                 $218,771
                                            =======                  =======
          
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
          
Current liabilities:          
Note payable                             $    2,500                 $    --
Accounts payable                             19,334                   18,901
Equipment payable                                --                      635
Claims and insurance accruals                 5,715                    5,808
Accrued liabilities                          10,822                    6,008
Current maturities of long-term debt         12,160                    9,230
Total current liabilities                    50,531                   40,582
          
Long-term debt                              143,048                  128,417
Claims, insurance accruals and other          6,193                    6,317
Deferred income taxes                         6,421                    8,348
Total liabilities                           206,193                  183,664
                                            -------                  -------
Stockholders' equity (deficit):          
Common stock; $.01 par; 10,000,000 
  shares authorized; 5,899,137          
  shares issued at September 30, 1996, 
  and December 31, 1995                          59                      59
Additional paid-in capital                   37,086                  37,086
Loans to stockholders                          (368)                   (368)    
Accumulated deficit                          (1,198)                   (121)
Treasury stock, at cost, 166,000 shares at           
  September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995   (1,549)                 (1,549)
Total stockholders' equity                   34,030                  35,107
                                             ------                  ------
Total liabilities and stockholders' 
  equity                                   $240,223                $218,771
                                            =======                 =======

      See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                TRISM, INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                          (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                (UNAUDITED)
<CAPTION>

                           Three Months               Nine Months
                           Ended September 30,       Ended September 30,
                          1996           1995        1996            1995
<S>                       <C>            <C>         <C>             <C>
Revenues                 $80,166         $67,658     $232,434        $197,863
                          ------          ------      -------         -------
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and 
 fringe benefits          28,426          24,989       84,508          74,210
Operating supplies and 
  expenses                11,220           9,252       34,318          26,975
Purchased 
  transportation          14,986          10,102       42,818          26,032
Operating taxes 
  and licenses             7,221           6,253       21,504          18,396
Depreciation               4,612           4,662       14,227          13,535
Amortization of 
  prepaid leases              --             377          652           1,354
General supplies 
  and expenses             4,661           3,597       13,278          10,782
Claims and insurance       2,516           2,093        7,416           6,585
Communications and 
  utilities                1,472           1,283        4,519           3,740
Amortization of 
  intangibles                152             198          496             585
Loss (Gain) on sale 
  of equipment                43             (11)          18            (201)
                           -----           -----         ----           -----
    Total operating 
          expenses        75,309          62,795      223,754         181,993
                          ------          ------      -------         -------

Operating income           4,857           4,863        8,680          15,870
Interest expense          (3,635)         (3,364)     (10,604)        (10,563)
Other income 
  (expense), net               2             (40)        (231)             72
                           -----           -----       ------          ------

Income (loss) before 
   income taxes            1,224           1,459       (2,155)          5,379
Income tax expense 
   (benefit)                 610             254       (1,078)          1,598
                           -----           -----        -----           -----
Net income (loss)        $   614         $ 1,205      $(1,077)         $3,781
                          ======          ======       ======           =====

Earnings (loss) 
  per common share       $   .11         $   .21      $  (.19)         $  .65
Number of shares used 
  in computation of
  earnings (loss) per 
  common share             5,734           5,802        5,734           5,814
                           =====           =====        =====           =====


     See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>

                                 TRISM, INC.
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
<CAPTION>
                                      Nine Months Ended September 30, 
                                             1996             1995
<S>                                          <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:  
Net income (loss)                            $(1,077)         $3,781
  Adjustments to reconcile net 
    income (loss) to net cash 
    provided by operating 
    activities:  
  Depreciation                                14,227          13,535
  Amortization of 
    prepaid operating leases                     652           1,355
  Amortization and write-off 
    of intangibles and goodwill                  965           1,036
  Loss (Gain) on sale of assets                   18            (201)
  Deferred income taxes                       (1,078)          1,598
  Provision for uncollectible receivables        662             398
  Changes in:  
    Accounts receivable                      (13,115)         (6,166)
Prepaid expenses                              (3,845)           (330)
Accounts payable                                 433           6,258
Claims and insurance accruals                   (217)           (168)
Accrued liabilities                            4,064           3,875
Other                                            249             145
Net cash provided by (used in)  
   operating activities                        1,938          25,116
                                               -----          ------

Cash flows from investing activities:  
Refund (purchase) of restricted deposits        (173)          2,610
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment   5,555           1,021
Proceeds from sale of property held for sale     --              290
Purchases of property and equipment          (17,983)        (21,402)
Collection (issuance) of notes receivable     (1,372)            416
Payment for purchase of companies, 
  net of cash acquired                        (2,886)         (3,362)
                                               -----           -----
Net cash used in investing activities        (16,859)        (20,427)
                                              ------          ------
  
Cash flows from financing activities:  
Net proceeds under revolving credit 
  agreement                                    8,104           1,872
Repayment of long-term debt                   (7,843)        (15,819)
Purchase of treasury stock                       --             (996)
Issuance of treasury stock                       --               22
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt      15,603           5,474
Net cash provided by (used in) financing 
  activities                                  15,864          (9,447)
                                              ------           -----
  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                    943          (4,758)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning 
  of period                                      643           6,177
                                              ------          ------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $   1,586        $  1,419
                                              ======         =======
  
Supplemental cash flow information:  
  Cash paid during the period for:  
    Interest (net of $444,392 and 
       $25,408 capitalized in 1996 
       and 1995, respectively)             $   7,991        $  7,967
                                              ======         =======
Income taxes                               $      73        $    201
Property sold in exchange for 
  notes receivable                         $     --         $    560
                                              ======          ======

 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                             TRISM, INC.

                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            (UNAUDITED)

1.     Accounting Policies

       The 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K for TRISM, Inc. includes a 
summary of significant accounting policies and should be read in 
conjunction with this Form 10-Q.  The statements for the periods presented 
are condensed and do not contain all information required by generally 
accepted accounting principles to be included in a full set of financial 
statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of 
only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the 
financial position as of September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and the 
results of operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended 
September 30, 1996 and 1995 have been included.  The results of operations 
for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of 
operations to be expected for the entire year.  Certain prior year data has 
been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

2.     Long-Term Debt

       On November 8, 1996, the Company executed a waiver and amendment to 
the revolving credit and security agreement ("Agreement") to expand its 
borrowing base, amend certain financial covenants, and waive certain 
financial covenants for which the Company was not in compliance at 
September 30, 1996.  The Company previously modified the Agreement on March 
20, 1996 and August 13, 1996 to provide borrowings up to $25 million and 
extend its maturity to April 1998.

3.     Acquisition 

       On August 30, 1996, the Company acquired the business and certain 
assets of the Special Commodities division of J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. 
("Hunt") for  $7.4 million.  The acquisition price included payment for 
certain customer lists, goodwill, a covenant not to compete and 
approximately 250 trailers.  The Company financed the acquisition price 
with $4.9 million of equipment debt and a $2.5 million note payable to 
Hunt.  The Company also granted options to Hunt for the purchase of 300,000 
shares of TRISM, Inc. stock at $6.50 per share, with a term of five years.  
The options are not transferable by Hunt and are immediately exercisable.  

4.     Contingencies

       Under CERCLA and similar state laws, a transporter of hazardous 
substances may be liable for the costs of responding to the release or 
threatened release of hazardous substances from disposal sites if such 
transporter selected the site for disposal.  Because it is the Company's 
practice not to select the sites where hazardous substances and wastes will 
be disposed, the Company does not believe it will be subject to material 
liability under CERCLA and similar laws.  Although the Company has been 
identified as a "potentially responsible party" (PRP), solely because of 
its activities as a transporter of hazardous substances, at two sites, the
Company does not believe it will be subject to material liabilities at such 
sites.

       The EPA has designated an area of several hundred square miles of 
Missouri as a potential Superfund site.  The Company's Joplin, Missouri 
terminal is within the boundaries of this area, however, the Company has 
not been designated as a PRP.  The Company believes that it has no 
liability with respect to this site and that it would have strong defenses 
to any action for cost recovery, as neither it nor its predecessors created 
the conditions which are the cause of the environmental problems at the 
site. 

       The Company is a party to routine litigation incidental to its 
business, primarily involving claims for personal injury or property 
damages incurred in the transportation of freight. The Company is not aware 
of any claims or threatened claims that might have a material adverse 
affect on the Company's consolidated operating results, financial position,
cash flow or liquidity.


<PAGE>

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND  
          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

      The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction 
with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and notes.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED WITH QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 
1995

REVENUES

     Operating revenues increased by $12.5 million, or 18.5 percent, 
compared with 1995.  Approximately $9.1 million, or 72.8%, of the increase 
was attributable to acquisitions made during 1995.  The following table 
presents a comparison of revenues by market group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1996                     1995
                                  Operating                  Operating
(In thousands)      Revenues        Ratio       Revenues       Ratio
<S>                  <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
Heavy Haul          $46,190         92.3%       $44,477       92.7%
Secured Materials    25,840         91.1%        23,703       92.3%
Trism Transport       9,116        102.3%           --          --
Logistics             1,175        107.7%         1,385      102.4%
Eliminations and 
  other              (2,155)          --         (1,907)        --
                      -----        -----          -----      -----
                    $80,166         93.9%       $67,658       92.8%
                     ======        =====         ======      =====
</TABLE>
OPERATING INCOME

     Operating income was $4.9 million on $80.2 million of revenues in 
1996, compared to $4.9 million on $67.7 million of revenues in 1995 
resulting in an operating ratio of 93.9% and 92.8%, respectively.  
Excluding the effect of Trism Transport (acquired October, 1995), revenue 
per total mile increased to $1.471 in 1996 from $1.406 in 1995.   The 
operating ratio was negatively impacted in 1996 by financing new and 
replacement tractors and trailers with operating leases and higher fuel 
prices which were partially offset by fuel surcharges to customers.

     HEAVY HAUL revenues grew by 3.9% in 1996 over 1995.  Revenue per total 
mile increased to $1.475 in 1996 from $1.439 in 1995 as a result of an 
increase in the Company's loaded mile ratio which improved to 85.6% from 
83.5%.  The operating ratio improved from 92.7% in 1995 to 92.3% in 1996 
but was negatively impacted by higher fuel prices and financing new and 
replacement equipment with operating leases.

     SECURED MATERIALS revenues increased by 9.0% in 1996 over 1995.  
Revenue per total mile increased to $1.464 in 1996 from $1.356 in 1995, 
primarily due to an improvement in freight mix in 1996.  The volume of 
hazardous materials freight increased by 11.1%.  This increase in hazardous 
materials freight allowed Secured Materials to lower its dependence on low 
yielding freight all kinds (back-haul freight) to 23% in 1996 from 32% in 
1995.  Freight rates for hazardous materials are approximately 20% to 30% 
higher than freight all kinds rates.  These factors coupled with a 
reduction in indirect costs as a percentage of revenues offset increased 
driver pay, higher fuel costs and increased purchased transportation costs 
and resulted in an operating ratio of  91.1% in 1996 compared to 92.3% in 
1995.

<PAGE>
     TRISM TRANSPORT revenues relate to the acquisition of certain assets 
of Eastern Flatbed as of October 1, 1995. Trism Transport's revenue per 
mile, average length of haul and cost structure is markedly different from 
Heavy Haul and Trism Secured.  Revenue per mile for the third quarter of 
1996 was $1.123 with an average length of haul of 470 miles. Trism 
Transport's operating results were negatively impacted by higher fuel costs 
and lower than expected asset utilization due to an increase in competition 
for drivers.

     LOGISTICS revenues relate to the acquisition of Kavanagh and 
Associates in March 1995.

EXPENSES

     The following table sets forth operating expenses as a percent of 
operating revenues and the related variance from 1996 to 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                               QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,   INCREASE
                                  1996         1995         (DECREASE) 
<S>                               <C>          <C>           <C>
Salaries, wages and 
  fringe benefits                 35.5%        36.9%         (1.4)% 
Purchased transportation          18.7%        14.9%          3.8 % 
Operating supplies and expenses   14.0%        13.7%          0.3 % 
Operating taxes and licenses       9.0%         9.2%         (0.2)% 
General supplies and expenses      5.8%         5.3%          0.5 % 
Claims and insurance               3.1%         3.1%          -- 
Depreciation                       5.7%         6.9%         (1.2)% 
Amortization of prepaid leases      --          0.6%         (0.6)% 
Communications and utilities       1.8%         1.9%         (0.1)% 
Gain on sale of equipment          0.1%          --%          0.1 % 
Amortization of intangibles        0.2%         0.3%         (0.1)% 
                                  ----         ----          ----
                                  93.9%        92.8%          1.1 % 
                                 =====         ====          ====
</TABLE>
     Salaries, wages and fringe benefits increased by $3.4 million in 1996 
compared to 1995.  Approximately $2.4 million of  the increase was in 
driver wages and fringe benefits, which related to a 14.1% increase in 1996 
total company driver miles over 1995.  The increase in non-driver 
compensation relates to a 9% increase in non-driver employees primarily due 
to the October, 1995 acquisition of Eastern Flatbed.

     Purchased transportation costs increased by $4.9 million in 1996 over 
1995.  This category includes the following expenditure types:

         (In thousands)                1996             1995
         Independent contractors    $  4,292         $  4,523
         Sub-contractor carriers       7,015            4,557
         Tractor and trailer lease     3,679            1,022
                                     -------           ------
                                     $14,986          $10,102
                                      ======           ======

     Independent contractor capacity decreased to an average of 190 units 
in 1996 from 217 units in 1995.  Sub-contractor carrier expense increased 
with revenues, which are primarily attributed to Trism Transport and 
special project revenues related to hazardous materials shipments.  The 
increase in lease expense results from financing new replacement tractors 
and trailers with operating leases in 1996.

     The change in mix of owned versus leased tractors and trailers caused 
the reduction in depreciation expense as a percentage of revenue.

<PAGE>

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED WITH NINE MONTHS ENDED
 SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

REVENUES

     Operating revenues increased by $34.6 million, or 17.5 percent, 
compared with 1995.  Approximately $27.5 million, or 79.5%, of the increase 
was attributable to acquisitions made during 1995.  The following table 
presents a comparison of revenues by market group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 1996                    1995
                                    Operating                Operating
(In thousands)          Revenues      Ratio       Revenues     Ratio
<S>                     <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>
Heavy Haul              $136,985      93.7%       $133,250     91.9%
Secured Materials         72,371      95.7%         68,623     90.6%
Trism Transport           25,753     102.7%            --       --
Logistics                  4,078     103.6%          2,765    101.8%
Eliminations and other    (6,753)       --          (6,775)     --
                          ------     -----          ------    -----
                        $232,434      96.3%       $197,863     92.0%
                         =======     =====         =======    ======
</TABLE>
OPERATING INCOME

     Operating income declined to $8.7 million in 1996 from $15.9 million 
in 1995.  Excluding the effect of Trism Transport (acquired October 1995),
 revenue per total mile dropped to $1.426 in 1996 from $1.436 in 1995.  
This decrease in revenue quality resulted in a $1.3 million reduction in 
operating income.  Higher fuel costs accounted for $1.6 million of the 
change in operating income.  Increased purchased transportation costs 
resulting from financing new replacement tractors and trailers with 
operating leases in 1996, principally explains the remaining decrease from 
1995 to 1996.  These factors negatively impacted the operating ratio of 
each market group.


EXPENSES

     The following table sets forth operating expenses as a percent of
operating revenues and the related variance from 1996 to 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              NINE MONTHS ENDED 
                                SEPTEMBER 30,          INCREASE
                              1996         1995        (DECREASE) 
<S>                           <C>          <C>           <C>       
Salaries, wages and 
  fringe benefits             36.4%        37.5%         (1.1)% 
Purchased transportation      18.4%        13.2%          5.2 % 
Operating supplies and 
  expenses                    14.8%        13.6%          1.2 % 
Operating taxes and licenses   9.3%         9.3%           -- % 
General supplies and expenses  5.7%         5.5%          0.2 % 
Claims and insurance           3.2%         3.3%         (0.1)% 
Depreciation                   6.1%         6.8%         (0.7)% 
Amortization of prepaid leases 0.3%         0.7%         (0.4)% 
Communications and utilities   1.9%         1.9%           -- % 
Gain on sale of equipment       --         (0.1)%         0.1 % 
Amortization of intangibles    0.2%         0.3%         (0.1)% 
                              ----          ---           ---
                              96.3%        92.0%          4.3 % 
                              ====         ====           ====
</TABLE>
<PAGE>



     Salaries, wages and fringe benefits increased by $10.3 million in 1996 
compared with 1995.  Approximately $7.4  million of the increase was in 
driver wages and fringe benefits, which related to a 14.8% increase in 1996 
total company driver miles over 1995.  The increase in non-driver 
compensation related to the acquisition of Kavanagh, C.I. Whitten Transfer 
Co. and Eastern Flatbed, offset by a one time charge of $.4 million in 1995 
relating to the Separation and Consulting Agreement between the Company and 
its former President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company.

     Purchased transportation costs increased by $16.8  million in 1996 
over 1995.  This category includes the following expenditure types:

            (In thousands)              1996               1995
            Independent contractors     $14,630          $ 12,408
            Sub-contractor carriers      19,003            11,322
            Tractor and trailer lease     9,185             2,302
                                        -------            ------
                                        $42,818           $26,032
                                         ======            ======

     Independent contractor capacity increased to an average of 226 units 
in 1996 from 197 units in 1995, mostly related to acquired companies.  
Sub-contractor carrier expense increased with revenues, which are primarily 
attributed to Kavanagh Logistics and Trism Transport.  The increase in 
lease expense results from financing new replacement tractors and trailers 
with operating leases in 1996.

     For 1996, operating supplies and expenses increased on a percentage of 
revenue basis by 1.2%.  This increase related principally to higher fuel 
costs per gallon and lower miles per gallon due to the severe winter 
weather in the first quarter 1996.  This variance caused operating cost to 
increase by $2.9 million in 1996 over 1995.  The Company implemented fuel 
surcharges during April 1996, and has recovered $1.3 million to help defray 
the increase in fuel prices.

     The change in mix of owned versus leased tractors and trailers caused
the reduction in depreciation expense as a percentage of revenue.

CONTINGENCIES

     Under CERCLA and similar state laws, a transporter of hazardous 
substances may be liable for the costs of responding to the release or
threatened release of hazardous substances from disposal sites if such 
transporter selected the site for disposal.  Because it is the Company's 
practice not to select the sites where hazardous substances and wastes will 
be disposed, the Company does not believe it will be subject to material 
liability under CERCLA and similar laws.  Although the Company has been 
identified as a "potentially responsible party" (PRP), solely because of 
its activities as a transporter of hazardous substances, at two sites, the 
Company does not believe it will be subject to material liabilities at such 
sites.

     The EPA has designated an area of several hundred square miles of 
Missouri as a potential Superfund site.  The Company's Joplin, Missouri 
terminal is within the boundaries of this area, however, the Company has 
not been designated as a PRP.  The Company believes that it has no 
liability with respect to this site and that it would have strong defenses 
to any action for cost recovery, as neither it nor its predecessors created 
the conditions which are the cause of the environmental problems at the 
site. 

     The Company is a party to routine litigation incidental to its 
business, primarily involving claims for personal injury or property 
damages incurred in the transportation of freight. The Company is not aware 
of any claims or threatened claims that might have a material adverse 
affect on the Company's consolidated operating results, financial position, 
cash flow or liquidity.


<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     For the first nine months of 1996 net cash provided by operating 
activities decreased $23.2 million when compared with the first nine months 
of 1995.  Approximately $7.0 million of the decrease is attributable to 
increased revenue volume and the resulting increase in accounts receivable.  
Another $5.5  million of the decrease is due to additional accounts 
receivable related to the acquisition of Eastern Flatbed in October 1995.  
The remainder is primarily attributable to the loss sustained by the 
Company during 1996.

     In the first nine months  of 1996, the Company purchased $12.5 million 
of new equipment, paid $5.5 million related to the construction of the new 
terminal in Georgia and repaid scheduled debt obligations of $7.8 million.  
Approximately $8.4 million of the revenue equipment was financed by the 
issuance of long-term debt.  The Company acquired an additional $26.1 
million of revenue equipment under operating leases and $1.6 million under 
a capital lease.  

     The Company obtained $7.2 million under a sale-leaseback of revenue 
equipment in August 1996.  Approximately $4.9 million of these proceeds 
were used to fund the acquisition of Hunt with the remaining financing 
provided by the seller in the form of a non-interest bearing note payable 
of $2.5 million. 

     On November 8, 1996, the Company executed a waiver and amendment to 
the revolving credit and security agreement ("Agreement") to expand its 
borrowing base, amend certain financial covenants, and waive certain 
financial covenants for which the Company was not in compliance at 
September 30, 1996.  The Company previously modified the Agreement on March 
20, 1996 and August 13, 1996 to provide borrowings up to $25 million and 
extend its maturity to April 1998.

     Management believes that funds to be generated from future operations, 
cash available under its revolving credit agreement, proceeds from 
equipment financing, and proceeds from the sale of revenue equipment will 
be sufficient to meet the Company's planned capital expenditures, scheduled 
debt payments and working capital needs for 1996.  There can be no 
assurance, however, that such sources will be adequate for the Company's 
needs, or that any necessary additional financing will be available, if at 
all, in amounts required or on terms satisfactory to the Company.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

     A breakdown of capital expenditures is set forth in the following 
table (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Projected       Actual
                                        For the Year   For the Nine
                                           Ending      Months Ended
                                        December 31,     September 30,
                                           1996         1996    1995
<S>                                        <C>          <C>     <C>
Structures and improvements                $5,500       $5,472   $1,649
Revenue equipment                          10,000        9,975   18,050
Satellite tracking devices 
   and other equipment                      3,155        2,536    1,703
                                           ------        -----    -----
                                           18,655       17,983   21,402

Revenue equipment acquired 
   under  capital or
   operating leases                        27,739       27,739   11,239
                                          -------       ------   ------
Total capital expenditures                $46,394      $45,722  $32,641
                                           ======       ======   ======
Depreciation expense                      $18,459      $14,227  $13,535
</TABLE>
INFLATION AND FUEL COSTS

     Inflation can be expected to have an impact on the Company's earnings; 
however, the effect of inflation has been minimal over the past three 
years.  An extended period of inflation or increase in fuel costs would 
adversely affect the Company's results of operations unless freight rates 
could be increased.

<PAGE>


                       PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     The Company is a party to certain legal proceedings incidental to its 
business, primarily involving claims for personal injury or property damage 
arising from the transportation of freight.   The Company does not believe 
that any claims or threatened claims of which it is aware are likely to 
materially and adversely affect the Company's financial condition.   

     The Company obtained resolution on the following lawsuits during the 
third quarter of 1996:

     ROY A. REESE V. TRISM SPECIALIZED CARRIERS, INC. AND TRI-STATE MOTOR 
TRANSIT CO. was a lawsuit pending in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, 
Alabama.  It arose from a lease, transfer and consulting agreement between 
the Company and Mr. Reese (and his wholly owned corporation) dated August 
24, 1992.  Plaintiff alleged breach of contract, promissory fraud, 
conversion and conspiracy claims arising from the Company's termination of 
the contract.  The Company maintained that it properly terminated the 
contract because of misrepresentations and non-performance by plaintiff and 
his company.   The Company successfully defended this lawsuit at a jury 
trial in August, 1996.  

     NATIONAL COUNCIL ON COMPENSATION INSURANCE V. MCGIL SPECIALIZED
CARRIERS, INC. (MCGIL) AND AAA TRUCK LEASE AND SALES, INC. (AAA), AN 
AFFILIATE OF MCGIL, arose from agreements between AAA and two employee-
leasing companies for years prior to the Company's acquisition of McGil 
(now known as Trism Specialized Carriers, Inc.) in August 1991.  The 
plaintiff filed suit against the employee leasing companies, McGil, AAA and 
several other transportation companies alleging violations of the Racketeer 
Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.  The Company maintains that AAA 
properly performed under the terms of the agreements with the employee-
leasing companies.  However, in order to avoid extensive additional legal 
expense, the Company has agreed to a settlement of $450,000 payable over 
the next two years.  This liability has been provided for in the September 
30, 1996 financial statements.

     


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     A.      Exhibits
     
     The following exhibit is filed as part of this report:

          Designation     Nature of Exhibit

              11         Computation of earnings per
                         common share
     B.     Reports on Form 8-K

     During the quarter covered by this report there were no reports on 
Form 8-K filed.

     Items 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Part II were not applicable and have been 
omitted.

<PAGE>


                           SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be 
signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                   TRISM, INC.


November 14, 1996                  By:  James M. Revie
DATE                                    James M. Revie
                                        Director, Chairman of the Board and
                                        Chief Executive Officer



November 14, 1996                  By:  James G. Overley
DATE                                    James G. Overley
                                        Senior Vice President of 
                                        Finance, Chief Financial Officer
                                        and Treasurer

<PAGE>
                                     TRISM, INC.

                           EXHIBIT INDEX


         Exhibit Number          Description
           11                    Computation of earnings per common share  
           27                    Financial Data Schedule

<PAGE>

[MULTIPLIER]                 1,000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Three Months               Nine Months
                         Ended September 30,       Ended September 30,
                         1996          1995        1996          1995
<S>                      <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
Net income (loss)        $614          $1,205      $(1,077)      $3,781

Weighted average number of shares    
  Primary:    
    Average common 
      shares outstanding  5,733          5,733        5,733       5,765
    Common share equiva-
      lents resulting from 
      assumed exercise of 
      stock options           1             69            1          49
                          -----          -----        -----       -----
                          5,734          5,802        5,734       5,814
                         ======          =====        =====       =====
Fully diluted:    
  Average common 
    shares outstanding    5,733          5,733        5,733       5,765
  Common share equiva-
    lents resulting 
    from assumed 
    exercise of stock 
    options                   1             56            1          49
                          -----          -----        -----       -----
                          5,734          5,789        5,734       5,814
                          =====          =====        =====       =====
Earnings (loss) per common share:              
  Primary                  $.11           $.21        $(.19)       $.65
  Fully diluted             .11            .21         (.19)        .65
    


     Primary earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income, 
by the weighted average number of common shares and common share 
equivalents outstanding.  Common share equivalents are computed using the 
treasury stock method.  Under the treasury stock method, an average market 
price is used to determine the number of common share equivalents for 
primary earnings per common share.  The higher of the average or the end of 
period market price is used to determine the number of common share 
equivalents for fully diluted earnings per common share.






</TABLE>


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>             5
<MULTIPLIER>          1,000
       
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                        3-MOS                    9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                    DEC-31-1996              DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                         SEP-30-1996              SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                1,586                     1,586
<SECURITIES>                              0                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                        56,783                    56,783
<ALLOWANCES>                              0                         0
<INVENTORY>                               0                         0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                     84,533                    84,533
<PP&E>                              169,278                   169,278
<DEPRECIATION>                       51,687                    51,687
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                      240,223                   240,223
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                50,531                    50,531
<BONDS>                             143,048                   143,048
                     0                         0
                               0                         0

<COMMON>                                 59                        59
<OTHER-SE>                           33,971                    33,971

<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>        240,223                   240,223
<SALES>                              80,166                   232,434
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                     80,166                   232,434
<CGS>                                     0                         0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                        75,309                   223,754
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                         (2)                      231
<LOSS-PROVISION>                          0                         0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                    3,635                    10,604
<INCOME-PRETAX>                       1,224                    (2,155)

<INCOME-TAX>                            610                    (1,078)

<INCOME-CONTINUING>                     614                    (1,077)

<DISCONTINUED>                            0                         0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                           0                         0
<CHANGES>                                 0                         0
<NET-INCOME>                            614                    (1,077)

<EPS-PRIMARY>                           .11                      (.19)

<EPS-DILUTED>                           .11                      (.19)

        

</TABLE>


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