U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 12b-25
NOTIFICATION OF LATE FILING SEC File Number:0-20793
CUSIP Number: 132653109
(check one):
( ) Form 10-K and Form 10-KSB ( ) Form 20-F (x) Form 11-K
( ) Form 10-Q and Form 10-QSB ( ) Form N-SAR
For Period Ended: December 31, 1996
( ) Transition Report on Form 10-K
( ) Transition Report on Form 20-F
( ) Transition Report on Form 11-K
( ) Transition Report on Form 10-Q
( ) Transition Report on Form N-SAR
For the Transition Period Ended:
Nothing in this form shall be construed to imply that the Commission has
verified any information contained herein.
If the notification relates to a portion of the filing checked above,
identify the Item(s) to which the notification relates:
Part I - Registration Information
Full Name of Registrant
Former Name if Applicable: N/A
Smithway Motor Xpress Corp.
Address of Principal Executive Office (Street and Number)
2031 Quail Avenue
City, State and Zip Code
Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
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Part II - Rules 12b-25 (b) and (c)
If the subject report could not be filed without unreasonable effort or
expense and the registrant seeks relief pursuant to Rule 12b-25(b), the
following should be completed. (Check box if appropriate)
(a) The reasons described in reasonable detail in Part III of this form
could not be eliminated without unreasonable effort or expense; [x]
(b) The subject annual report, semi-annual report, transition report on
Form 10-K, Form 20-F, 11-K or Form N-SAR, or portion thereof will be filed on or
before the fifteenth calendar day following the prescribed due date; or the
subject quarterly report or transition report on Form 10-Q, or portion thereof
will be filed on or before the fifth calendar day following the prescribed due
date; and [x]
(c) The accountant's statement or other exhibit required by Rule 12b- 25(c)
has been attached if applicable. N/A
Part III - Narrative
State below in reasonable detail the reasons why Form 10-K and Form 10-KSB,
20- F, 11-K, 10-Q and Form 10-QSB, N-SAR, or the transition report or portion
thereof could not be filed within the prescribed period.
The Registrant is unable to file an annual report on Form 11-K
covering its 401(k) plan because of the unavailability of the person
employed by the Registrant to reconcile accounts.
Part IV - Other Information
(1) Name and telephone number of person to contact in regard to this
notification:
Mark A. Scudder (402) 435-3223
(Name) (Area Code) (Telephone Number)
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(2) Have all other periodic reports required under section 13 or 15(d)of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or section 30 of the Investment Company Act
of 1940 during the preceding 12 months or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such report(s) been filed? If the answer is no,
identify report(s).
(x) Yes ( ) No
(3) Is it anticipated that any significant change in results of operations
from the corresponding period for the last fiscal year will be reflected by the
earnings statements to be included in the subject report or portion thereof?
( ) Yes (x) No
If so, attach an explanation of the anticipated change, both narratively
and quantitatively, and, if appropriate, state the reasons why a reasonable
estimate of the results cannot be made. N/A
Smithway Motor Xpress Corp.
(Name of Registrant as specified in charter)
has caused this notification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized.
Date July 1, 1997 By: /s/ G. Larry Owens
G. Larry Owens,
Executive Vice President
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