SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP
8-K, 1998-11-12
TRUCKING (NO LOCAL)
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                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, DC  20549


                                   FORM 8-K


                                CURRENT REPORT


                        PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                    OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


      Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 30, 1998



                          SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)




          NEVADA                      000-20793                  42-1433844
(State or other jurisdiction   (Commission File Number)    (IRS Employer ID No.)
      of incorporation)



      2031 Quail Avenue, Fort Dodge, Iowa                50501
      (Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip Code)


  Registrant's telephone number, including area        (515) 576-7418








                                      1

<PAGE>



ITEM 2.  Acquisition or Disposition of Assets

      Smithway  Motor  Xpress  Corp.,  a  Nevada  corporation  ("SMXC"),  is the
reporting  company under this Form 8-K. On October 30, 1998,  SMXC formed a new,
wholly-owned  subsidiary  ("New JHT") in connection with the purchase of certain
assets from the following related businesses: JHT, Inc., a Minnesota corporation
("Old JHT");  JHT  LOGISTICS,  INC., a Minnesota  corporation;  Bass Brook Truck
Service,  Inc., a Minnesota  corporation;  and JERDON TERMINAL HOLDINGS,  LLC, a
Minnesota limited  liability  company  (individually a "Seller" and together the
"Sellers" or the "Related Businesses").

      The Related  Businesses  operated a terminal in Cohasset,  Minnesota  from
which they  provided  regional,  dry van,  truckload  transportation  of general
commodities.  The  Related  Businesses  generated  approximately  $24 million in
combined revenue in 1997. New JHT intends to continue operating the equipment in
this manner,  using the assets  acquired to augment the existing  operations  of
SMXC's  other  wholly-owned  subsidiaries.  SMXC  is a  truckload  carrier  that
provides  nationwide   transportation  of  diversified  freight,   concentrating
primarily on the flatbed segment of the truckload market.

      Effective October 30, 1998, New JHT consummated the acquisition of certain
assets owned by the Related Businesses  pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement
dated September 23, 1998 (the "Agreement").  The Agreement called for a purchase
price of  approximately  $12.5 million in cash, the first $10.2 million of which
was paid directly to the Sellers' creditors to retire all obligations and remove
all liens relating to the certain assets acquired. The purchased assets included
tractors,  trailers,  prepaid licenses,  miscellaneous assets and inventory, and
mobile  communication  terminals.  The purchase of the terminal  location and 12
surrounding  acres from JERDON  TERMINAL  HOLDINGS,  LLC is contingent  upon the
results and any required  remediation in connection with an environmental survey
of the  property.  In the interim New JHT is renting the  terminal  for $100 per
day.

      Under the Agreement,  the Sellers,  their shareholders or members, and the
spouses of the  shareholders  or members are  prohibited  from  competing in the
truckload freight transportation  business for a period of three years after the
later of the individual  shareholder or spouse's final day of employment by SMXC
or any  affiliate or the date of Closing.  Following the Closing for a period of
six months,  Jerry H. Hammann will  provide  consulting  services to New JHT and
SMXC's  other  wholly-owned  subsidiaries,  as  an  independent  contractor.  No
consideration  separate  from the  Agreement  itself is  allocated to either the
noncompetition or consultation undertakings.

      SMXC  increased  its line of credit with LaSalle  National Bank to finance
the transaction. The consideration exchanged was determined through arms'-length
negotiations.  There is no material  relationship between the Related Businesses
or their shareholders or members and SMXC, New JHT, or SMXC's other wholly-owned
subsidiaries,  any of their affiliates,  any of their directors or officers,  or
any associate of any such director or officer.


                                      2

<PAGE>



      The reporting company is not required to file financial  statements of the
acquired  entity or pro  forma  financial  statements  in  connection  with this
Current Report on Form 8-K.

ITEM 7.  Exhibits.

      The terms of the acquisition are more fully described in the Agreement and
the First  Amendment to the Asset  Purchase  Agreement and Real Estate  Purchase
Agreement,  copies  of  which  are  attached  hereto  as  Exhibits  2.1 and 2.2,
respectively.  In addition, the SMXC press release announcing the acquisition is
filed herewith as Exhibit 99.

      2.1   Asset  Purchase  Agreement  dated  September  23, 1998, by and among
            Smithway Motor Xpress, Inc., JHT, Inc.; LOGISTICS,  INC.; Bass Brook
            Truck Service,  Inc.; JERDON TERMINAL  HOLDINGS,  LLC;, and Jerry H.
            Hammann,  Donna  Hammann,  Vicki Dunell,  Tammi Smith,  and Jerry S.
            Hammann*

      2.2   First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement and Real Estate Purchase
            Agreement  dated  October  29,  1998,  by and among  SMITHWAY  MOTOR
            XPRESS,  INC.;  JHT,  Inc.; JHT  LOGISTICS,  INC.;  Bass Brook Truck
            Service, Inc.; JERDON TERMINAL HOLDINGS,  LLC; and Jerry H. Hammann,
            Donna Hammann, Vicki Dunnell, Tammi Smith, and Jerry S. Hammann*

      99    Press release issued by SMXC announcing the transaction
- ------------------------

      *  All of the schedules and exhibits have been omitted. SMXC hereby agrees
         to furnish  supplementally  to the Commission a copy of any schedule or
         exhibit omitted upon the Commission's request.

                                  SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

                                    SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP.

Date: November 10, 1998             By: /s/ G. LARRY OWENS
                                        G. Larry Owens, Executive Vice President
                                        and Chief Operating Officer



                                      3
<PAGE>




                                                                   Exhibit 2.1
                    --------------------------------------

                           ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                    --------------------------------------

      THIS  AGREEMENT is made as of September  23, 1998,  by and among  SMITHWAY
MOTOR  XPRESS,  INC.,  an Iowa  corporation  ("Buyer");  JHT,  Inc., a Minnesota
corporation ("JHT"), JHT LOGISTICS, INC., a Minnesota corporation ("LOGISTICS"),
Bass Brook Truck Service,  Inc., a Minnesota  corporation  ("Bass  Brook"),  and
JERDON TERMINAL HOLDINGS, LLC ("JERDON"),  a Minnesota limited liability company
(individually a "Company" and together the  "Companies"),  and Jerry H. Hammann,
Donna Hammann, Vicki Dunnell, Tammi Smith, and Jerry S. Hammann, shareholders of
the Companies, (individually a "Shareholder" and together the "Shareholders").

                                   RECITALS

      The Companies conduct  activities related to the trucking business and are
the owners of certain assets.  The Companies  propose to sell and Buyer proposes
to acquire such assets.  The parties desire to reduce their agreement to writing
and make certain other agreements as set forth herein.

      NOW, THEREFORE,  in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual
covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

                                     TERMS

      1.    Purchase and Condition of Assets.

            1.1 Purchase of Specific Assets. At the Closing, the Companies shall
      sell to Buyer and Buyer shall  purchase for the price set forth on Exhibit
      A attached hereto,  as adjusted under Section 1.5 (the "Purchase  Price"),
      the assets listed on Exhibit A (collectively,  the  "Transferred  Assets")
      free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances, security interests, and
      impairments of title of any kind or nature ("Liens").  Buyer shall deliver
      the  Purchase  Price as  follows:  (i) the amount  required  to retire all
      obligations and remove all Liens relating to the  Transferred  Assets (the
      "Payoff Amount") shall be paid to the respective  holders, as set forth in
      the Payoff  Letters,  as defined in Section  6.4,  (ii) the balance of the
      Purchase  Price, if any, shall be delivered to the Companies at Closing in
      accordance  with  the  Transferred  Assets  sold by each as set  forth  on
      Exhibit A, and (iii) the  amount of the  useable  portion  of any  prepaid
      licenses  and  permits on the  Transferred  Assets as of Closing  shall be
      delivered  to the  appropriate  Company at Closing  ((ii) and (iii)  being
      referred to as the "Cash Purchase  Price" (with the portion of any prepaid
      license or permit  later  determined  to be  invalidly  transferred  being
      refunded  by  the  Companies  to  Buyer  and  subject  to  set-off  if not
      refunded). The parties agree that the Purchase Price, Real Estate purchase
      price,  Goodwill  Payment,  and all other  costs that are capable of being
      capitalized  shall be allocated among the Transferred  Assets sold by each
      Company on IRS Form 8594 attached hereto as Exhibit B.

            1.2 Real Estate  Purchase.  At Closing,  Buyer  shall  purchase  for
      $645,000,  less the amount  required to retire all  obligations and remove
      all Liens relating to the Real Estate,  the approximately 12 acres of real
      estate and any and all improvements  thereon (the "Real Estate") presently
      owned by JERDON and comprised of an office building, maintenance shop, and
      yard,

                                      

<PAGE>



      as more fully  described in the real estate  purchase  agreement  attached
      hereto as Exhibit C ("Purchase Agreement").

            1.3 Goodwill Payment.  Buyer shall purchase the goodwill relating to
      the Companies'  business by delivering  the following  amounts to JHT (the
      "Goodwill Payment"):

                  1.3.1 At Closing, $482,280 shall be delivered;

                  1.3.2 On February 1, May 1, August 1, and  November 1 of 1999,
            $60,285 shall be delivered; and

                  1.3.3 On February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1, of 2000,
            $60,285,  minus the  "Adjustment  Amount," if  applicable,  shall be
            delivered.  The Adjustment Amount is $31,408 and shall apply only if
            revenue  generated  from  Buyer's  service  to  Blandin is less than
            $3,120,000  for the period from Closing to the first  anniversary of
            Closing.

            1.4  Condition  of   Transferred   Assets.   Buyer  shall  have  the
      opportunity to inspect the Transferred  Assets.  Each of the Companies and
      each of the Shareholders, jointly and severally, represent and warrant the
      following as to the condition  and title of the  Transferred  Assets:  (i)
      each of the  Transferred  Assets is in good repair and condition and, if a
      tractor or  trailer,  acceptable  for use as  intended  in the  interstate
      transportation of truckloads of freight; (ii) each tractor and trailer has
      been maintained in accordance with the  manufacturer's  specifications and
      warranties; (iii) each tractor and trailer meets all DOT requirements, has
      less than $250 of damage,  does not require  engine or drive train repair,
      has no seat  tears or  broken or  cracked  glass,  has all  major  systems
      functioning  properly,  and has all required safety  equipment;  (iv) each
      Transferred  Asset other than  tractors and trailers is in good repair and
      condition,  not obsolete,  and adequate for use in the ordinary  course of
      business;  (v) each of the  tractors  and  trailers has at least 50% tread
      depth on all tires and at least 50% wear remaining on all brakes; and (vi)
      each of the Transferred Assets is owned by the Companies free and clear of
      all Liens other than Liens  represented by Payoff Letters (as  hereinafter
      defined).

            1.5  Adjustment  to  Purchase  Price.  The  Purchase  Price shall be
      reduced by the amount,  if any, equal to (a) the value of any  Transferred
      Assets that are missing, destroyed, or damaged beyond ordinary repair (any
      such  assets  being  excluded  from the  transaction  and  retained by the
      Companies) plus (b) the amount  required to bring the  Transferred  Assets
      into the condition required under Section 1.4 hereof. As an alternative to
      adjusting the Purchase  Price under clause (b) of the preceding  sentence,
      the  parties may agree to exclude an asset from the  transaction.  In such
      event,  the Companies  shall retain the asset and the Purchase Price shall
      be reduced accordingly. To the extent any deficiency in the condition of a
      Transferred  Asset  are  discovered  after  Closing,   the  Companies  and
      Shareholders  shall  indemnify the Buyer for such amount under Section 9.2
      hereof and such amount  shall be eligible  for set-off  under  Section 9.4
      hereof.

            1.6 Risk of Loss.  Subject to Section 8.1, the Companies  shall bear
      the risk of loss and repair to the Transferred  Assets arising from events
      or circumstances occurring prior to Closing,  including the cost of repair
      for  material  damage or  restoration  to operating  condition  where such
      damage to or  cessation  of  operation  of any of the  Transferred  Assets
      occurs prior to Closing. Subject to Section 8.1, Buyer shall bear the risk
      of loss to the  Transferred  Assets  arising from events or  circumstances
      occurring after Closing.

                                      

<PAGE>



      2.    Representations of the Companies and Shareholders.  Each of the 
Companies and each of the Shareholders, jointly and severally, represent and 
warrant the following:

            2.1  Approvals.  The  Companies  are duly formed,  validly  existing
      entities,  with full power and  authority to enter into this  Agreement by
      and through the person  executing  their name  hereto,  and any  approvals
      required will have been obtained at or prior to Closing, including but not
      limited to requisite  approvals of the Board of  Directors,  shareholders,
      managers, and members, as appropriate, of the Companies.

            2.2  Authorizations.  At  and  as of  the  Closing,  all  corporate,
      governmental,  and other  actions  (other than those to be taken by Buyer)
      will have been duly taken to  approve  and  authorize  the  execution  and
      delivery of this Agreement,  the transfer of the Transferred Assets at the
      Closing,  the  performance  and  consummation  by  the  Companies  of  the
      transactions  contemplated  herein,  and the execution and delivery of all
      documents  required  hereunder and incidental  hereto.  The Companies have
      obtained  all  consents  of  third   parties   required  to  transfer  the
      Transferred  Assets and take the other  actions  required of the Companies
      under this  Agreement.  The execution,  delivery,  and performance of this
      Agreement  by the  Companies  and the  Shareholders  will  not  result  in
      violation of, or a default under,  any  agreement,  charter  document,  or
      other  obligation to which any of the Companies or the  Shareholders  is a
      party or by which they may be bound. This Agreement  constitutes the valid
      and  binding  obligation  of the  Companies  and the  Shareholders  and is
      enforceable in accordance with its terms.

            2.3  Financial  Statements.  The Companies  have  delivered to Buyer
      copies of their balance sheets and the related  statements of earnings and
      retained  earnings  and of changes in  financial  position  at and for the
      periods ended December 31, 1995,  1996, and 1997, and June 30, 1998.  Such
      financial statements present fairly the financial condition and results of
      the  operations  of the  respective  Companies  at and for the  respective
      periods to which they relate.

            2.4 Financial and Operating Information. The Companies have provided
      to Buyer operating  information,  including operating information depicted
      on the income statement, rates charged customers, miles per tractor, empty
      miles, and other information  underlying the financial statements provided
      to Buyer.  All of such  information  is  accurate  and fairly  depicts the
      operations represented by such information.

            2.5 No Changes.  Since  December 31, 1997,  the  Companies  have not
      experienced  any material,  adverse event,  including but not limited to a
      notification  of  termination  of or  reduction  in  customer  traffic  or
      revenues or efforts to organize employees in a collective bargaining unit.

            2.6 Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding, demand, claim,
      assessment,   judgment,   litigation,   Lien,   claim,   or   governmental
      investigation  against  any  of  the  Companies  or  the  Shareholders  or
      otherwise outstanding, pending, or threatened which (i) questions or might
      question the validity or legality of the transaction  contemplated hereby,
      (ii) seeks or might seek to enjoin any  transaction  contemplated  hereby,
      (iii) seeks or might seek  damages on account of the  consummation  of any
      transaction  contemplated  hereby,  (iv)  seeks or might seek to impair or
      place a Lien on the  Transferred  Assets or the Real Estate,  or (v) seeks
      damages  from any of the  Companies  (other  than  claims  for  which  the
      Companies are fully insured). None of the Companies or the Shareholders is
      the subject of any claim involving any employment,  tax, or  environmental
      matter,  nor are any of the Companies aware of any factual basis of such a
      claim.


                                      

<PAGE>



            2.7 No Default.  None of the Companies is in material  default under
      any contract,  agreement,  license,  franchise,  lease,  permit,  or other
      document  which might  affect  Buyer's  rights  thereunder  if assigned to
      Buyer,  the  condition of the  Transferred  Assets or Real Estate,  or any
      performance hereunder.

            2.8 No Restriction.  None of the Companies or the  Shareholders is a
      party to, or subject to or bound by, any judgment,  injunction,  or decree
      of any court or  governmental  authority  that  restricts or prohibits the
      performance  by  the  Companies  or the  Shareholders  of  the  terms  and
      conditions of this Agreement.

            2.9  Taxes.  All  federal,  state,  provincial,   local,  and  other
      governmental income, payroll, excise, sales, personal property, franchise,
      and other taxes or assessments assessed by jurisdictions  governing any of
      the  Companies  or the  Shareholders  have  been paid when due and all tax
      returns  lawfully due prior to Closing have been  prepared and filed,  and
      none of the Companies or the Shareholders has granted any waiver currently
      in effect of the statute of limitations  with respect to any such taxes or
      assessments.  The  Companies  and the  Shareholders  have  complied in all
      respects with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations  relating to the
      payment  and  withholding  of taxes and have,  within  the time and in the
      manner  prescribed by law,  withheld from employee  wages and paid over to
      the proper governmental authorities all amounts required to be so withheld
      and paid over under all applicable laws.

            2.10  Compliance  With Laws. The Companies have owned,  leased,  and
      used  all of  their  properties,  including  the  Real  Estate,  and  have
      conducted  their  business,   in  compliance  in  all  respects  with  all
      applicable  laws. None of the Companies has been charged with, or is under
      investigation  by,  any  governmental   authority  with  respect  to,  any
      violation of law. No material  judgment is unsatisfied  against any of the
      Companies, and none of the Companies or the Shareholders is subject to any
      material  stipulation,  order,  consent,  or decree arising from an action
      before any  governmental  authority.  The  Companies  possess all material
      permits, licenses, franchises, and other approvals ("Permits") required to
      operate their businesses. Such Permits are in full force and effect and no
      proceeding is pending or threatened to revoke or limit any Permit, and the
      Companies are  operating in  compliance in all material  respects with all
      Permits.  All of the  Companies'  rolling  stock is properly  licensed and
      registered  with all  applicable  authorities  in  accordance  with normal
      industry  practices,  such  licenses and  registrations  are current,  all
      current  license  plates  and  stickers  are  properly   affixed  to  such
      equipment, and all fees have been paid.

            2.11 Compliance Reviews.  JHT currently has a "satisfactory"  safety
      and fitness rating from the Federal Highway  Administration  ("FHWA") as a
      result  of its most  recent  compliance  review.  JHT did not  receive  an
      unsatisfactory  or  conditional  rating  for any of the  factors  that are
      considered by FHWA in determining a carrier's  safety fitness rating.  The
      Companies  are in  compliance  in all material  respects  with all Federal
      Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Hazardous Materials Regulations.  The
      Companies have provided Buyer with access to all of their driver files and
      all information  relating to their compliance review and related action by
      the FHWA.

            2.12 Claims.  Except as set forth in Schedule 2.12, the Companies do
      not have any claims against them made by their customers for cargo damage,
      overcharges, or other matters.



                                      

<PAGE>



            2.13  Drivers; Employees.

                  2.13.1The   Companies  are  not  a  party  to  any  collective
            bargaining agreement relating to their employees,  nor does any such
            agreement  determine  the terms and  conditions of employment of any
            such  employee.  In the past five years there has not been any labor
            unrest or union organizing activity involving the Companies.

                  2.13.2The  Companies are not a party to an employment contract
            with any employee,  and there are no agreements,  plans, or policies
            that    would   give   rise   to   any    severance,    termination,
            change-in-control,  accrued  vacation,  or other similar  payment to
            employees or independent contractors of the Companies as a result of
            the consummation of this Agreement.

                  2.13.3Schedule 2.13 identifies each of the Companies' employee
            benefit plans,  including all retirement,  profit  sharing,  defined
            contribution,  and defined  benefit plans as well as any  severance,
            vacation pay, health and welfare,  employment,  or other  agreements
            (oral  or  written)   relating  to   employees   of  the   Companies
            (collectively,  "Plans").  No Plan is a multi-employer  or a defined
            benefit plan, and none of the Companies,  the  Shareholders,  or any
            predecessors  or  affiliates  has  been a party  to or  sponsored  a
            multi-employer  or defined  benefit plan. None of the Companies is a
            member of a group of businesses  under common  control or businesses
            constituting  a single  employer  (a  "Group"),  except any Group in
            which no member has been a party to a defined benefit plan.

                  2.13.4The Companies maintain files on all employee drivers and
            individual  contractors,   and  each  employee  driver,  independent
            contractor, and file meets all DOT requirements.

            2.14  Environment, Health, and Safety.

                  2.14.1Each  of  the  Companies   and  any   predecessors   and
            affiliates  has  complied  with all  laws  concerning  pollution  or
            protection of the environment, all laws concerning public health and
            safety,  and  all  laws  concerning   employee  health  and  safety,
            including  laws  relating to  emissions,  discharges,  releases,  or
            threatened  release  of  pollutants,   contaminants,   or  chemical,
            industrial,  hazardous,  or toxic  materials  or  wastes  (including
            petroleum and any fraction or derivative  thereof) into ambient air,
            surface water,  ground water, or lands, or otherwise relating to the
            manufacture,  processing,  distribution,  use,  treatment,  storage,
            disposal,  transport,  or hauling of such substances  (collectively,
            "Environmental  Laws"), and no action,  suit,  proceeding,  hearing,
            investigation,  charge, complaint, claim, demand, or notice has been
            filed or  commenced  against any of them  alleging any failure so to
            comply.  Each of the Companies and any  predecessors  and affiliates
            has  obtained  and  been in  compliance  with all of the  terms  and
            conditions of all Permits which are required under all Environmental
            Laws.

                  2.14.2None of the Companies has any liability (and none of the
            Companies and any predecessors or affiliates has handled or disposed
            of any  substance,  arranged  for  the  disposal  of any  substance,
            exposed  any  employee  or  other  individual  to any  substance  or
            condition, or owned or operated any property or facility,  including
            the Real  Estate,  in any  manner  that could form the basis for any
            present or future action, suit, proceeding,  hearing, investigation,
            charge, complaint, claim, or demand against any of the Companies

                                      

<PAGE>



            giving rise to any liability) for damage to any site,  location,  or
            body  of  water  (surface  or  subsurface),  for any  illness  of or
            personal  injury to any  employee  or other  individual,  or for any
            reason under any Environmental Law.

      3.  Representations of Buyer. Buyer represents,  warrants,  and guarantees
the following:

            3.1 Corporate  Approvals.  Buyer is a duly formed,  validly existing
      Iowa  corporation,  with  full  power  and  authority  to enter  into this
      Agreement by and through the officer  executing  his name hereto,  and any
      corporate  approvals  required  will  have  been  obtained  at or prior to
      Closing.

            3.2 Authorization.  All corporate action to the extent necessary has
      been duly taken to approve and authorize Buyer's execution and delivery of
      this Agreement,  the purchase of the Transferred  Assets, Real Estate, and
      rights of the  Companies as provided for herein,  the  performance  of the
      transaction  contemplated  herein,  and  the  execution  of the  documents
      required hereunder and incidental hereto.

            3.3 Ability to Perform Agreement. At the Closing, Buyer will possess
      the  unrestricted  ability  to  consummate  the  transaction  contemplated
      hereby.

      4. Assumed Liabilities.  Buyer is not assuming, and shall not be deemed to
have assumed,  any  liabilities  or  obligations  of any of the Companies or the
Shareholders of any kind or nature  whatsoever.  Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing,  it is hereby agreed that Buyer is not assuming, and shall not
be deemed to have assumed,  any liability and shall not have any  obligation for
or with  respect to any  liability  or  obligation  of or relating to any of the
Companies  or the  Shareholders  (i)  for  any  prepayment  penalty,  late  fee,
interest,  or other  amount  owing on the  Transferred  Assets;  (ii) for wages,
bonuses, accrued vacation or sick leave, or other payments due for any reason to
employees of any of the Companies for periods  during which they were  employees
of any of the Companies; (iii) for any sales, use, excise, income, franchise, or
other  taxes,  or any  legal,  accounting,  brokerage,  finders  fees,  or other
expenses of whatsoever kind or nature  incurred by any of the Companies,  any of
the  Shareholders,  or any affiliates of the Companies or the  Shareholders;  or
(iv) arising out of any action, suit, claim, or proceeding based upon, any event
occurring  prior  to  the  Closing.  Each  of  the  Companies  and  each  of the
Shareholders,  jointly and severally, shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless
Buyer  against  all   liabilities  of  any  of  the  Companies  or  any  of  the
Shareholders.

      5.    Noncompetition Agreement.

            5.1  Noncompetition.  The parties have negotiated the noncompetition
      provisions of this Agreement as an integral part of the transaction.  Each
      of the Companies,  the Shareholders,  and spouses of the Shareholders (the
      "Spouses")  acknowledges  that Buyer is willing to pay the Purchase  Price
      and Goodwill  Payment,  commit to the  Employment  Obligations  of Section
      8.10, and proceed with the transaction because of customer  relationships,
      growth  potential,  and other  prospects of the  Companies,  and that such
      prospects would be severely and irreparably harmed by competition from the
      Companies or the  Shareholders.  Each of the Companies,  the Shareholders,
      and the Spouses  further  acknowledges  that Buyer would not have  entered
      into  this  Agreement  without  the  noncompetition  provisions  contained
      herein. Each of the Companies, the Shareholders, and the Spouses willingly
      agrees to the  noncompetition  provisions  hereof as consideration for the
      Purchase Price,  Goodwill Payment,  and Employment  Obligations of Section
      8.10, and agrees that the noncompetition provisions are reasonable and are
      necessary to induce Buyer to enter into this Agreement.

                                      

<PAGE>




            5.2 Scope. In  consideration  of the Closing of this Agreement,  the
      Purchase Price, and Goodwill  Payment,  and the Employment  Obligations of
      Section 8.10,  each of the Companies,  the  Shareholders,  and the Spouses
      hereby agrees that they shall not,  directly or indirectly:  (i) engage or
      invest in, own, manage, operate,  finance,  control, or participate in the
      ownership,  management,  operation,  financing, or control of, be employed
      by,  associated  with, or in any manner connected with, lend their name or
      any similar name to, lend their credit to or render services or advice to,
      any  Competitive  Business  that engages in business in the United  States
      (except in the course of their  employment  by Buyer);  (ii)  whether  for
      their own account or for the account of any Competitive  Business,  at any
      time after the Closing solicit  business of the same or similar type being
      carried on by the  Buyer,  from any  person  that is or was a customer  of
      Buyer or any of the Companies;  (iii) whether for their own account or the
      account of any  Competitive  Business at any time after  Closing  solicit,
      employ,  or otherwise engage as an employee,  independent  contractor,  or
      otherwise,  any person who is or was an employee or independent contractor
      of Buyer or any of the  Companies  or in any  manner  induce or attempt to
      induce  any  employee  or  independent  contractor  of Buyer or any of the
      Companies to terminate  his or her  employment  with the Buyer,  or at any
      time interfere with the Buyer's  relationship  with any person,  including
      any  person  who at any time was an  employee,  contractor,  supplier,  or
      customer  of Buyer  or any of the  Companies;  or (iv) at any  time  after
      Closing, disparage Buyer or any of its shareholders,  directors, officers,
      employees,  or agents.  For the  purposes of this  Section 5,  Competitive
      Business  shall  include both dry van and flatbed  operations,  as well as
      brokerage,  intermodal,  logistics,  and freight consolidation  activities
      involving  flatbed and dry van  truckload  transportation.  The  foregoing
      notwithstanding,  as this  Section 5 applies to Vicki  Dunnell,  Robert D.
      Dunnell, Jerry S. Hammann,  Pamela J. Hammann, Tammi Smith, and Patrick D.
      Smith,  the  term  Competitive  Business  shall  mean  any  person,  firm,
      corporation,   or  entity   that:   (i)   solicits  or  provides   freight
      transportation,  logistics,  brokerage, or similar services to any shipper
      that has been a customer  of Buyer or the  Companies  at any time prior to
      such person's  last day of employment  with Buyer or any affiliate (or his
      or her spouse's last day of employment if such person is not an employee);
      or (ii)  solicits,  employs,  or hires as an  independent  contractor  any
      person who was an employee or independent contractor driver for Buyer, any
      affiliate,  or the Companies prior to such person's  employment or service
      as an independent contractor to such person, firm, corporation, or entity.

            5.3  Nature;   Term.  The   obligations   of  the   Companies,   the
      Shareholders, and the Spouses under this Section are referred to herein as
      the   "Noncompetition   Obligations."  The  obligations  of  each  of  the
      Companies, the Shareholders, and the Spouses shall be joint and several as
      to any violation of the  Noncompetition  Obligations by another Company or
      person. The Noncompetition Obligations of the Companies, Jerry H. Hammann,
      and  Donna  Hammann  shall be for a period  of three  (3)  years  from the
      Closing.  The  Noncompetition  Obligations  of Vicki  Dunnell,  Robert  D.
      Dunnell, Jerry S. Hammann,  Pamela J. Hammann, Tammi Smith, and Patrick D.
      Smith  shall  be for a period  from  Closing  to the  later of (i) six (6)
      months  after  such  person's  final  day of  employment  by  Buyer or any
      affiliate or (ii) July 1, 2000.

            5.4  Severability.  If any  covenant  in  Section  5 is  held  to be
      unreasonable,  arbitrary,  or against public policy, such covenant will be
      considered to be divisible  with respect to scope,  time,  and  geographic
      area, and such lesser scope,  time, or geographic area, or all of them, as
      a court of competent  jurisdiction  may  determine to be  reasonable,  not
      arbitrary, and not against

                                      

<PAGE>



      public policy,  will be effective,  binding,  and enforceable  against the
      Companies, the Shareholders, and the Spouses.

            5.5  Damages.  Each  of the  Companies,  the  Shareholders,  and the
      Spouses  acknowledges that the injury that would be suffered by Buyer as a
      result  of a  breach  of  the  provisions  of  this  Section  5  would  be
      irreparable  and that even the award of  monetary  damages for such breach
      would be an inadequate remedy.  Consequently,  Buyer shall have the right,
      in addition to any other rights it may have, to obtain  injunctive  relief
      to restrain any breach or threatened  breach or otherwise to  specifically
      enforce any provision of this Agreement,  and Buyer shall not be obligated
      to post bond or other  security in seeking such relief.  Without  limiting
      Buyer's rights under this Section 5, or any other  remedies of Buyer,  any
      of the  Companies,  the  Shareholders,  or the  Spouses  breach any of the
      provisions of Section 5, Buyer will have the right to cease making further
      payments on the Goodwill Payment otherwise due.

      6.  Conditions.  The  obligations  of Buyer  hereunder  are subject to the
following  conditions  (all or any of which may be waived in whole or in part by
Buyer) having been  fulfilled in all material  respects on or before the date of
the Closing:

            6.1 Representations and Warranties True;  Compliance with Covenants.
      The  representations  and warranties of the Companies and the Shareholders
      shall be true and correct in all  material  respects at and as of the date
      of  the   Closing   with  the  same  force  and  effect  as  though   such
      representations  and warranties had been made at and as of the date of the
      Closing  and the  Companies  and the  Shareholders  shall in all  material
      respects have complied with and performed all covenants,  obligations, and
      conditions  required by this  Agreement  to be complied  with or performed
      prior to the Closing,  and Buyer shall have received from the President or
      Manager of each of the Companies a certificate  to that effect,  dated the
      date of the Closing,  in form and  substance  reasonably  satisfactory  to
      counsel for Buyer.

            6.2 No Damage or Destruction.  The Transferred  Assets,  as adjusted
      under Section 1.5,  shall not have suffered any  destruction  or damage by
      fire, accident, or other casualty or act of God, whether or not covered by
      insurance, which affects such Transferred Assets in a material and adverse
      way.

            6.3 Due  Diligence.  Buyer shall have  completed  its due  diligence
      investigation   of  the  Companies'   assets,   liabilities,   operations,
      employees, customers, and business and shall be satisfied with the results
      of such investigation in its sole discretion.

            6.4 Payoff Letters. Prior to Closing, the Companies shall present to
      Buyer  payoff  letters,   with  all  prepayment   penalties,   late  fees,
      administrative fees, and other amounts due included,  in substantially the
      form  attached as Exhibit D attached  hereto (the "Payoff  Letters").  The
      Payoff  Letters  shall be executed  by the  lenders and lessors  providing
      financing on each of the Transferred Assets.

      6.5 Bulk Sales. The Companies shall have complied with the laws applicable
to bulk sales if such laws are in effect in Minnesota.


                                      

<PAGE>



      7.    The Closing.

            7.1 Time. The  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement shall be
      consummated at a Closing to be held at the offices of Buyer in Fort Dodge,
      Iowa at 8:00 a.m. on October 30, 1998,  or such other time or place as the
      parties may agree (the "Closing").

            7.2  Deliveries.  At the Closing,  the  Companies  shall  deliver or
      caused to be delivered to Buyer the following:

                  7.2.1 Possession of all of the Transferred Assets.

                  7.2.2  Original  titles to all tractors,  trailers,  and other
            vehicles  included in the  Transferred  Assets,  duly  endorsed  for
            transfer  and  without  any Lien noted  thereon  (or Payoff  Letters
            covering  any  Transferred  Assets  for which  Buyer  shall  remit a
            portion of the Purchase Price to a lienholder under Section 1.1).

                  7.2.3 A duly  executed  Bill of Sale  executed by each Company
            for the Transferred Assets sold by such company in substantially the
            form attached as Exhibit E, F, and G.

                  7.2.4  A  general   warranty   deed  to  the  Real  Estate  in
            substantially the form attached as Exhibit H.

            7.3 At the Closing,  Buyer shall deliver to the appropriate  Company
      the Cash Purchase  Price,  the payment for the Real Estate as set forth in
      Section 1.2, and the  Goodwill  Payment as set forth in Section 1.3.  Such
      amounts   shall  be  delivered  by  company  check  or  wire  transfer  of
      immediately available funds.

      8.    Conduct of Business Pre- and Post-Closing.

            8.1 Inspection;  Completion of Loads. For the period commencing with
      the  execution  of this  Agreement  and  continuing  until two weeks after
      Closing,  the  Companies  shall  direct all  tractors  and trailers to the
      Cohasset  terminal  or the  Fort  Dodge  terminal  of Buyer  for  physical
      inspection  by Buyer.  The  Companies  shall be  responsible  for billing,
      collection, and for other costs, expenses, risk of loss, liabilities,  and
      claims in connection  with all shipments  dispatched  prior to midnight on
      Closing  (and  until  such  shipment  has  been  delivered  in the case of
      shipments  being  completed  after  Closing),  and all  revenue  from such
      shipments  shall be for the Companies'  account.  Any amounts  relating to
      such pre-Closing  shipments collected by Buyer shall be turned over to the
      Companies  immediately  as  received.   Buyer  shall  be  responsible  for
      dispatching,  and shall  receive all revenue  from,  all loads  dispatched
      after midnight on Closing.

            8.2 No Change in  Practices.  The  Companies  shall  operate  in the
      ordinary  course  of  business  until  Closing.  Without  limitation,  the
      Companies shall ensure that all fuel tanks on the tractors included in the
      Transferred  Assets are at least half full at Closing.  In  addition,  the
      Companies  shall not change their  procedures and practices with regard to
      billing of freight unless specifically approved in advance by Buyer.


                                      

<PAGE>



            8.3 Use of Name. Each of the Companies  consents to the use of their
      names until the later of (i) 60 days following  Closing or (ii) expiration
      of any prepaid license period on the tractors and trailers included in the
      Transferred Assets. Following termination of such use, Buyer shall use its
      best efforts to remove the Companies'  names,  or any derivative  thereof,
      from the tractors and trailers included in the Transferred  Assets as soon
      as  practicable.  Subject to the  foregoing,  Buyer  agrees to  indemnify,
      defend,  and hold harmless the Companies  against all liabilities  arising
      out of Buyer's use of the Companies' names pursuant to this Section 8.3.

            8.4 Disclosure.  Each of the Companies and the Shareholders consents
      to the  disclosure of the material  terms of this  transaction by Buyer in
      its SEC filings and press releases.

            8.5 Standstill.  Each of the Companies and the  Shareholders  agrees
      not to solicit or respond  to  competing  bids or to conduct  negotiations
      with any other party following the execution of this Agreement.

            8.6 Licenses and Permits.  Each of the Companies agrees to cooperate
      with Buyer to achieve an acceptable licensing arrangement for the duration
      of the  licenses  and permits  that were  purchased  for the  tractors and
      trailers included in the Transferred Assets. If Buyer cannot relicense the
      tractors  and trailers at a cost  acceptable  to Buyer,  then,  at Buyer's
      request,  Buyer and the  appropriate  Company  holding  such  licenses and
      permits  shall  enter into a leasing or trust  arrangement  structured  by
      Buyer that is intended to preserve  the use of such  licenses and permits.
      In the event the parties use such an  arrangement,  Buyer shall  indemnify
      the Companies and the Shareholders against any liability arising from such
      arrangement.

            8.7 Hammann Consulting Services.  Jerry H. Hammann agrees to provide
      consulting services to Buyer, as an independent  contractor,  for a period
      of six months following Closing.  Such consulting services may be provided
      either in person or by  telephone  at the  discretion  of Mr.  Hammann and
      shall  include  Mr.  Hammann  using his best  efforts  to assist  Buyer in
      renewing  and  providing   service  under  the  Blandin  contract  and  in
      transitioning drivers, owner-operators, and employees.

            8.8 Inventory Count and Office Equipment Verification.  Prior to the
      Closing,  Buyer and the Companies  shall  conduct a physical  count of the
      inventory included in the Transferred Assets and agree on a price for such
      inventory. Prior to the Closing, Buyer shall review and inspect all assets
      listed under item 2. on Exhibit A to verify in its  reasonable  discretion
      that such  assets are  useable in  Buyer's  business  and agree on a price
      adjustment, if necessary.

            8.9  Approvals.  The  Shareholders,   as  directors,   shareholders,
      managers, or members,  agree to vote in favor of the approval and adoption
      of this  Agreement  and all related  matters and agree to take all actions
      required to gain the required  approvals of the adoption of this Agreement
      and all related matters.

            8.10 Employment of Certain Shareholders and Spouses.  From and after
      the  Closing  through  December  31,  1999,  Buyer  agrees to  employ  the
      following  Shareholders and Spouses at the annual salary identified,  plus
      benefits provided other Buyer employees:  Vicki Dunnell ($25,850);  Robert
      D. Dunnell  ($43,562);  Jerry S. Hammann  ($37,310);  and Patrick D. Smith
      ($44,430) (the "Employment Obligations").  Such salary shall be payable on
      the same frequency

                                      

<PAGE>



      as wage payments made to other employees.  Such  Shareholder's or Spouse's
      employment  shall  be  "at-will;"  provided,   that  if  Buyer  terminates
      Shareholder  or  Spouse  other  than for  "cause,"  Buyer  shall  pay such
      Shareholder or Spouse the remaining  salary  payments as they come due or,
      at Buyer's  option,  in a lump sum,  discounted  to  present  value at the
      "prime"  interest  rate then in  effect.  For  purposes  hereof,  the term
      "cause" shall include  conviction  (or a plea of guilty or no contest) for
      any crime other than routine traffic matters;  conduct  detrimental to the
      Buyer's  business  or  reputation;  failure  to carry out the  lawful  and
      reasonable directions of Buyer's officers or Board of Directors; breach of
      any fiduciary  obligation to the Buyer; or continued  violation of Buyer's
      employment policies after written warning.

      9.   Survival   of    Representations,    Warranties,    and    Covenants;
Indemnification.

            9.1 Survival of  Representations,  Warranties,  and  Covenants.  All
      representations, warranties, and agreements made by each of the Companies,
      the Shareholders,  and Buyer, respectively,  in this Agreement or pursuant
      hereto, shall survive the Closing.

            9.2  Indemnification by the Companies and the Shareholders.  Each of
      the Companies and each of the Shareholders,  jointly and severally,  shall
      indemnify,  defend,  and hold harmless  Buyer,  its  officers,  directors,
      employees,  agents,  and  affiliates  from and against any and all claims,
      causes of action, suits, judgments, taxes, losses, damages,  deficiencies,
      obligations, costs, and expenses (including, without limitation, interest,
      penalties,  and reasonable  fees and costs of attorneys and other experts)
      arising  out of or  otherwise  in  respect  of (i) any  misrepresentation,
      inaccuracy in, or breach of any  representation,  warranty,  covenant,  or
      agreement  of any the  Companies  or the  Shareholders  contained  in this
      Agreement or any contract  executed in connection  herewith;  and (ii) any
      liability  of  any  of  the  Companies  or  the  Shareholders  whatsoever,
      including any  third-party  claims arising from the act or omission of any
      of the  Companies  or the  Shareholders,  either  prior  to or  after  the
      Closing.

            9.3  Indemnification  by Buyer.  Buyer shall indemnify,  defend, and
      hold harmless each of the  Companies  and the  Shareholders,  their heirs,
      successors,  and assigns,  from and against any and all claims,  causes of
      action,   suits,   judgments,   taxes,  losses,   damages,   deficiencies,
      obligations, costs, and expenses (including, without limitation, interest,
      penalties,  and reasonable fees, and costs of attorneys and other experts)
      arising  out of or  otherwise  in respect  of: (i) any  misrepresentation,
      inaccuracy in, or breach of any  representation,  warranty,  covenant,  or
      agreement of Buyer contained in this Agreement or any contract executed in
      connection  herewith;  and (ii) any  third-party  claims  relating  to the
      operation of the Transferred  Assets by Buyer,  the factual basis of which
      transaction or claim arose subsequent to the Closing.

            9.4 Set-Off.  In addition to all other  remedies  available to Buyer
      under this  Agreement  or by law,  Buyer shall be entitled to withhold and
      set-off  payments of the Goodwill  Payment against amounts for which it is
      entitled to  indemnification.  If such amounts are later  determined to be
      less than the amount  withheld and set-off,  Buyer shall  promptly pay the
      difference  between  the amount  originally  withheld  and set-off and the
      actual amount.

      10. Notices.  All notices,  requests,  demands,  and other  communications
under this  Agreement  shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given on the date of  service  if served  personally  (including  by  nationally
recognized  overnight  courier  service)  on the  party to whom  notice is to be
given,

                                      

<PAGE>



or on the second day after  mailing if mailed to the party to whom  notice is to
be given by first class mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid and properly addressed as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                <C>                         <C> 

To Buyer at:       Mr. William G. Smith        With copy to:  Mark A. Scudder
                   President & CEO                            Scudder Law Firm, P.C.
                   Smithway Motor Xpress, Inc.                411 S. 13th Street
                   2031 Quail Avenue                          Suite 200
                   Fort Dodge, IA  50501                      Lincoln, NE  68508
                   Telephone:  515-576-7418                   Telephone: 402-435-3223
                   Fax:  515-576-3304                         Fax:  402-435-4239
To the             Mr. Jerry H. Hammann        With copy to:  James H. Wills
Companies or       8350 Splithand Road                        Kalina, Wills, Gisvold
the                Grand Rapids, MN  55744                    & Clark
Shareholders at:   Telephone:  218-326-3582                   1120 Industrial Park Road
                                                              Brainerd, MN  58401
                                                              Telephone: 218-829-7040
                                                              Fax:  218-829-7210

</TABLE>

      11.   Miscellaneous Provisions.

            11.1 Entire  Agreement.  This Agreement,  the attached  Exhibits and
      Schedules, and the Closing deliveries identified herein contain the entire
      agreement  between the parties  hereto  with  respect to the  transactions
      contemplated herein.

            11.2 Expenses.  Except as otherwise herein expressly provided,  each
      party shall bear its own expenses  (including  without  limitation fees of
      their respective  attorneys and consultants and experts)  incurred by such
      party  in  connection  with  this  Agreement  or the  consummation  of the
      transactions contemplated herein.

            11.3 Further  Assurances.  Following  the Closing,  upon  reasonable
      request by Buyer,  the Companies and the  Shareholders  shall execute,  or
      cause to be  executed,  and shall  deliver to Buyer such other and further
      documents of assignment,  transfer,  and conveyance as may be necessary or
      advisable,  in the reasonable  opinion of Buyer's counsel,  to effectively
      assign,  transfer, and convey to Buyer all of the Transferred Assets being
      sold hereunder.

            11.4  Amendments.  This Agreement shall not be changed or terminated
      orally and no waiver of compliance with any provision or condition  hereof
      and no consent  provided for herein shall be effective unless evidenced by
      a written instrument duly executed by the party to be charged therewith.

            11.5  Assignment.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
      the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs,  successors,  legal
      representatives, and permitted assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned
      by any party without the prior written consent of the other party.


                                      

<PAGE>



            11.6 Governing  Law. This Agreement  shall be construed and enforced
      in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa.

            11.7 Headings.  Paragraph  headings herein are for convenience  only
      and shall not affect the interpretation of any provision.

            11.8  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be executed in one or more
      counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

      IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties have executed this Agreement of the day,
month, and year first written above.

THE COMPANIES:                       BUYER:

JHT, INC., a Minnesota corporation   SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS, INC.,
                                     an Iowa corporation



By:   /S/ DONNA HAMMANN              By:   /S/ G. LARRY OWENS
      Donna Hammann,                       G. Larry Owens, Executive Vice
      Chief Executive Officer              President and Chief Operating Officer


JHT LOGISTICS, INC., a Minnesota      SHAREHOLDERS AND SPOUSES:
corporation


By:   /S/ DONNA HAMMANN               /S/ JERRY H. HAMMANN
      Donna Hammann, President        Jerry H. Hammann, Individually


BASS BROOK TRUCK SERVICE, INC.,       /S/ DONNA HAMMANN
a Minnesota corporation               Donna Hammann, Individually


                                      /S/ VICKI DUNNELL
By:   /S/ JERRY H. HAMMANN            Vicki Dunnell, Individually
      Jerry H. Hammann, President

                                      /S/ ROBERT D. DUNNELL
JERDON TERMINAL HOLDINGS, LLC,        Robert D. Dunnell, (Spouse), Individually,
a Minnesota limited liability         to the extent set forth in Section 5
company

                                      /S/ TAMMI SMITH
                                      Tammi Smith, Individually
By:   /S/ JERRY H. HAMMANN
      Jerry H. Hammann, Manager
                                      /S/ PATRICK D. SMITH
                                      Patrick D. Smith, (Spouse), Individually,
                                      to the extent set forth in Section 5


                                      /S/ JERRY S. HAMMANN
                                      Jerry S. Hammann, Individually


                                      /S/ PAMELA J. HAMMANN
                                      Pamela J. Hammann, (Spouse), Individually,
                                      to the extent set forth in Section 5

                                      

<PAGE>



                               LIST OF EXHIBITS


Exhibit A               Transferred Assets

Exhibit C               Real Estate Purchase Agreement

Exhibit D               Form of Payoff Letter

Exhibit E               JHT, Inc. Bill of Sale

Exhibit F               JHT LOGISTICS, INC. Bill of Sale

Exhibit G               Bass Brook Truck Services, Inc. Bill of Sale

Exhibit H               Warranty Deed


                                      

<PAGE>



                               LIST OF SCHEDULES

Schedule 2.12           Customer Claims

Schedule 2.13           Employee Benefit Plans


                                      
<PAGE>




                                                                   Exhibit 2.2

                    --------------------------------------

                              FIRST AMENDMENT TO
                           ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                      AND REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                    --------------------------------------


      This First Amendment to Asset Purchase  Agreement and Real Estate Purchase
Agreement  (the  "Amendment")  is made as of  October  29,  1998,  by and  among
SMITHWAY  MOTOR  XPRESS,  INC.,  an Iowa  corporation  ("Buyer");  JHT,  Inc., a
Minnesota  corporation  ("JHT"),  JHT LOGISTICS,  INC., a Minnesota  corporation
("Logistics"),  Bass Brook Truck Service,  Inc., a Minnesota  corporation ("Bass
Brook"),  and JERDON  TERMINAL  HOLDINGS,  LLC ("Jerdon"),  a Minnesota  limited
liability company  (individually a "Company" and together the "Companies");  and
Jerry H.  Hammann,  Donna  Hammann,  Vicki  Dunnell,  Tammi Smith,  and Jerry S.
Hammann,  shareholders or members of the Companies (individually a "Shareholder"
and together the "Shareholders").

                                   RECITALS

      The parties  previously entered into that certain Asset Purchase Agreement
and that certain Real Estate  Purchase  Agreement each dated  September 23, 1998
(together the "Agreements").  Certain events have transpired since the execution
of the Agreements that the parties wish to reflect in writing.

                                     TERMS

      NOW, THEREFORE,  in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual
covenants,  representations, and warranties herein contained, and upon the terms
and conditions hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:

      A.  Amendment  of  Agreements.  The  provisions  of this  Amendment  shall
supplement and amend the Agreements as specifically stated herein. If there is a
conflict  between  this  Amendment  and the  Agreements,  this  Amendment  shall
control.  Except as stated herein,  the Agreements  shall continue in full force
and effect. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall
have the meanings ascribed in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

      B.  Purchase  and Rental of Real  Estate.  Buyer shall  purchase  the Real
Estate from Jerdon for $645,000. Such amount shall be paid first to creditors to
retire all  obligations  and remove all Liens relating to the Real Estate,  with
the remainder to be paid to Jerdon.  The closing of such  transaction (the "Real
Estate Closing") shall occur on the first business day immediately following the
occurrence  of  both  of the  following;  (i)  receipt  of  the  final  Phase  I
environmental  assessment on the Real Estate from American  Engineering and (ii)
Buyer's  reasonable  satisfaction  that  either  (a)  there  are no  significant
environmental  problems  with Real  Estate or (b) that such  problems  have been
fully remediated by the Companies and the Shareholders or adequate provision has
been made by the Companies and the Shareholders  for all remediation  costs. The
real estate  purchase  price shall be  delivered  via wire  transfer to Abstract
Service Company of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, as closing agent for the Real Estate
Closing. Buyer shall lease the Real Estate pursuant to the lease attached hereto
as Exhibit 4 which provides the  following:  (i) Buyer shall pay Jerdon $100 per
day in rent for use of the Real Estate payable at the Real Estate Closing;  (ii)
rental  payments shall  commence on the Closing,  as  hereinafter  defined,  and
terminate on the day immediately  preceding the Real Estate  Closing;  and (iii)
Buyer shall promptly pay all utilities and insurance on the Real Estate from the
Closing  through the day  immediately  preceding the Real Estate  Closing.  Real
estate taxes shall be prorated as of the Real Estate  Closing.  All risk of loss
to the Real Estate shall remain with Jerdon through the Real Estate Closing.  At
the Real Estate Closing, the Companies shall deliver or cause to be delivered to
Buyer a  general  warranty  deed to the Real  Estate in  substantially  the form
attached as Exhibit H to the Asset  Purchase  Agreement.  The parties  have been
informed by American Engineering that the Phase I is expected to be finalized on
or before November 6, 1998.

                                      

<PAGE>



      C. Removal of Underground  Storage Tanks.  Buyer shall assume the existing
contract between JHT, Inc. and Independent  Petroleum Service,  Inc. with a date
of  acceptance  of  September  15, 1998 by delivery of written  notification  to
Independent  Petroleum Service, Inc. and shall receive the benefit of the $5,543
prepayment  under such  contract  already  made by JHT.  Buyer shall  direct and
control the removal  and, if desired,  replacement  of the  underground  storage
tanks located on the Real Estate.  Buyer shall pay any costs of such removal and
replacement  up to a maximum of  $24,000,  subject  to  downward  adjustment  as
described  herein;  provided that the Shareholders and Companies shall bear 100%
of the cost  necessary to fill the tank sitting  under the shop floor located on
the Real Estate and bring the tank into compliance with  Environmental  Laws and
such amount shall be paid by Buyer and  subtracted  from the $24,000 (the "Buyer
Amount").  In  addition,  after  Buyer has paid the Buyer  Amount,  all costs to
remediate  environmental  conditions  or otherwise to bring the Real Estate into
compliance  with  Environmental  Laws  shall be borne  by the  Shareholders  and
Companies. If not promptly paid by the Shareholders and the Companies, Buyer may
pay any amounts owing on behalf of the Companies and the Shareholders and offset
such amounts  against the Goodwill  Payment owing the  Companies.  In connection
with such removal and replacement,  Buyer shall  reasonably  consider the advice
and wishes of the  Companies  and the  Shareholders  and the  Companies  and the
Shareholders shall provide reasonable cooperation.

      D.   Remediation  of   Environmental   Matters.   The  Companies  and  the
Shareholders  shall be responsible for all remediation  costs to the Real Estate
that are based upon  conditions  existing on the Real Estate or on violations of
Environmental  Laws occurring  prior to the Real Estate  Closing;  provided that
Buyer shall be responsible  for the costs of any violation  caused by it between
Closing  and Real Estate  Closing.  The  Companies  and the  Shareholders  shall
promptly  take all  actions  that are  necessary  to bring the Real  Estate into
compliance  with all  Environmental  Laws,  with the  exception  of those  items
addressed in C above as being  Buyer's  responsibility.  The  Companies  and the
Shareholders  shall be responsible for all  out-of-pocket  expenses  incurred by
Buyer of every kind and character  including  fees and expenses of attorneys and
experts  and costs of  enforcing  this  obligation.  Such  amounts may be offset
against the Goodwill Payment owing the Companies.

      E.   Reimbursement   for   Removal,   Remediation,   or   Related   Costs.
Notwithstanding   what  costs  are  reimbursable   under   Environmental   Laws,
reimbursement   to  Buyer,  the  Companies,   or  the  Shareholders   under  any
Environmental  Laws  shall be  shared by the  parties  pro-rata  based  upon the
percentage of the total costs incurred by each party under C and D above and the
prorated  portion of any amounts received shall be paid promptly upon receipt to
the appropriate party.

      F. Health Insurance. From and after Closing, Buyer, or its assignee, shall
offer  health  insurance  coverage  on the same basis as the  existing  coverage
provided by the  Companies.  Buyer is not  assuming,  and shall not be deemed to
assume,  any of the  Companies'  obligations  for  health  insurance  and  COBRA
coverage.

      G. Rand McNally  Contract.  The amount set forth in the Payoff Letter from
Rand McNally shall be deducted from the Purchase  Price under the Asset Purchase
Agreement and retained by Buyer following Closing (the "Retained Amount"). Buyer
shall not pay the  Retained  Amount to Rand  McNally as  directed  in the Payoff
Letter.  Logistics  shall continue its  contractual  agreement with Rand McNally
through  December 31, 1998.  Buyer shall make the monthly  contract  payments of
approximately  $1,941 due  November 1, and  December 1, 1998 to Rand  McNally on
Logistics' behalf from the Retained Amount and pay any remaining Retained Amount
to Rand  McNally  on or before  January  15,  1999.  Buyer may,  at its  option,
thereafter  assume such contract with the consent of Rand McNally.  Buyer is not
assuming and shall not be deemed to assume any  obligations  under such contract
arising prior to or  contemporaneously  with the Closing,  including the initial
contract fee of approximately $90,000 financed by Logistics over the term of the
contract.  At Closing,  Buyer shall pay  Logistics  the prorated  portion of the
$15,500  annual  fee for 1998  that was  previously  paid by  Logistics  to Rand
McNally.

      H. Purchase Price for Transferred Assets.  Exhibit A to the Asset Purchase
Agreement among the parties is amended as revised on Exhibit 1 attached  hereto;
provided all  schedules to such Exhibit A are not amended  except as provided in
Paragraph L hereof.

                                      

<PAGE>




      I. Goodwill Payment. Section 1.3 of the Asset Purchase Agreement among the
parties is deleted in its  entirety and  replaced  with new Section  1.3,  which
shall read as follows:

            "1.3 Goodwill Payment. Buyer shall purchase the goodwill relating to
      the Companies' business by delivering the following amounts to the Company
      designated by the Shareholders (the "Goodwill Payment"):

                  1.3.1 At Closing, $1,082,280 shall be delivered;

                  1.3.2  On  February  1 and  May 1,  1999,  $35,285,  shall  be
            delivered;

                  1.3.3 On  August 1 and  November  1,  1999,  $60,285  shall be
            delivered; and

                  1.3.4 On February 1, May 1, August 1, and  November 1 of 2000,
            $60,285,  minus the  "Adjustment  Amount," if  applicable,  shall be
            delivered.  The Adjustment Amount is $31,408 and shall apply only if
            revenue  generated  from  Buyer's  service  to  Blandin is less than
            $3,120,000  for the period from Closing to the first  anniversary of
            Closing."

      J. The  Closing.  All  transactions  contemplated  by the  Asset  Purchase
Agreement,  with the exception of the Real Estate Closing,  shall be consummated
at a closing to be held at 11:00 a.m. Central Time via telephone conference call
on October 30,  1998,  or such other time or means as the parties may agree (the
"Closing").  Scudder  Law Firm,  P.C.  shall act as  closing  agent and hold all
signed  documents  necessary to consummate  the  Agreements  and this  Amendment
pending facsimile  confirmation from James Wills or Carole Clark Isakson that it
may release all closing documents to the appropriate parties.

      K. Right to  Indemnification  or Offset Not  Affected  by  Knowledge.  The
Buyer's  right  to  indemnification,  offset,  or  other  remedy  based  on  any
representations,   warranties,  covenants,  and  obligations  contained  in  the
Agreements as amended  hereby will not be affected by disclosure on any schedule
or by any investigation conducted with respect to, or any knowledge acquired (or
capable of being  acquired) at any time,  whether  before or after the execution
and delivery of this Amendment, with respect to the accuracy or inaccuracy of or
compliance with, any such representation, warranty, covenant, or obligation. The
waiver of any condition based on the accuracy of any representation or warranty,
or on the performance of or compliance with any covenant or obligation, will not
affect  the right to  indemnification,  offset,  or other  remedy  based on such
representations, warranties, covenants, and obligations.

      L. Omission of Schedules.  Schedule A-3 to the Asset Purchase Agreement is
amended  to add  thereto  the  listing of  Qualcomm  units on Exhibit 2 attached
hereto.  Schedule  A-2 to the Asset  Purchase  Agreement is deleted and replaced
with Exhibit 3 attached hereto.

      M. Inventory Count and Office Equipment  Verification.  Section 8.8 of the
Asset  Purchase  Agreement  is amended to provide that the  inventory  count and
office equipment verification shall be conducted by Buyer no later than November
6, 1998, rather than prior to Closing.

      N.  Counterparts.  This  Amendment  may  be  executed  in  any  number  of
counterparts  and any party  hereto may  execute any such  counterpart,  each of
which when executed and  delivered  shall be deemed to be an original and all of
which  counterparts  taken  together  shall  constitute  but one  and  the  same
instrument.  This Amendment  shall become binding when one or more  counterparts
taken together  shall have been executed and delivered by the parties.  It shall
not be necessary in making proof of this Amendment or any counterpart  hereof to
produce or account for any of the other counterparts.

                         *****************************
                  Signature Page Entitled "First Amendment To
                        Asset Purchase Agreement Among
              Buyer, the Companies, and the Shareholders" Follows
                         *****************************

                                      

<PAGE>





                         *****************************

                       Signature Page to First Amendment
                                      To
                           Asset Purchase Agreement
                                     Among
                  Buyer, the Companies, and the Shareholders


      IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have duly executed this Amendment
on the date first written.


THE SHAREHOLDERS                          THE COMPANIES

                                          JHT, INC., a Minnesota corporation

/S/ JERRY H. HAMMANN                By:   /S/ DONNA HAMMANN
Jerry H. Hammann, Individually            Donna Hammann, Chief Executive Officer


/S/ DONNA HAMMANN
Donna Hammann, Individually               JHT LOGISTICS, INC.,
                                          a Minnesota corporation

/S/ VICKI DUNNELL                   By:   /S/DONNA HAMMANN
Vicki Dunnell, Individually               Donna Hammann, President


/S/TAMMI SMITH
Tammi Smith, Individually                 BASS BROOK TRUCK SERVICE, INC., a
                                          Minnesota corporation

/S/JERRY S. HAMMANN                 By:   /S/JERRY H. HAMMANN
Jerry S. Hammann, Individually            Jerry H. Hammann, President



BUYER                                     JERDON TERMINAL HOLDINGS, LLC, a
                                          Minnesota limited liability company
SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS, INC.

                                    By:   /S/JERRY H. HAMMANN
By:   /S/WILLIAM G. SMITH                 Jerry H. Hammann, Manager
      William G. Smith, President


                                      

<PAGE>



                               LIST OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1               Amendment to Exhibit A of Asset Purchase Agreement

                                      
<PAGE>



                                                                    Exhibit 99
                    --------------------------------------

                                 PRESS RELEASE
                    --------------------------------------

                          SMITHWAY MOTOR XPRESS CORP.
                            ANNOUNCES ACQUISITIONS

FORT DODGE, IOWA (PR Newswire)  September 30, 1998 - Smithway Motor Xpress Corp.
(Nasdaq/NMS:  SMXC)  announced  today the  closing  of one  acquisition  and the
signing  of  a  definitive  agreement  on  another  acquisition.   The  combined
transactions  are expected to add over $30 million to Smithway's  annual revenue
and both are expected to be immediately  accretive to earnings.  After these two
acquisitions  during 1998, Smithway will have acquired companies with nearly $60
million in annual revenue.

In August,  Smithway closed the  acquisition of $4 million  (annual  revenue) TP
Transportation  of Enid,  Oklahoma.  TP operated 34  company-owned  tractors and
served exclusively the flatbed market.

In September,  Smithway signed a definitive asset purchase  agreement to acquire
the freight operations and trucking assets of JHT, Inc. and related companies of
Grand  Rapids,  Minnesota.  JHT  operates  approximately  185  tractors  serving
exclusively  the dry van  market.  Slightly  over  half of  JHT's  tractors  are
company-owned,   with  the  balance  being  provided  by  owner-operators.   The
acquisition is contingent upon several factors,  including due diligence, and is
expected to close October 30, 1998.

Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, William G. Smith said, "We are
excited to add JHT and TP to the Smithway family.  The  transactions  strengthen
our market  presence in both the dry van and flatbed markets and raise our fleet
to over 1,450 power  units.  In both  transactions  the Company has followed its
policy of paying fair market value for the assets plus a  percentage  of revenue
for goodwill.  The transactions are Smithway's  seventh and eighth  acquisitions
since May 1995. These acquisitions, plus internal growth, put Smithway on target
to meet anticipated  gross revenue of $160 million in 1998.  Smithway intends to
continue its strategy of expanding both internally and through acquisitions."

Smithway is a truckload  carrier  that  provides  nationwide  transportation  of
diversified  freight,  concentrating  primarily  on the  flatbed  segment of the
truckload market.  Smithway's Class A Common Stock trades on the Nasdaq National
Market under the symbol "SMXC."

                      For additional information contact:
                 G. Larry Owens, Executive Vice President and
                            Chief Operating Officer
                                (515) 576-7418

This  press  release  and  statements  made by the  Company  in  reports  to its
stockholders  and public filings,  as well as oral public  statements by Company
representatives, may contain certain forward-looking information that is subject
to certain  risks and  uncertainties  that could cause actual  results to differ
materially  from  those   projected.   Without   limitation,   these  risks  and
uncertainties  include economic  recessions or downturns in customers'  business
cycles,  excessive  increases in capacity within  truckload  markets,  decreased
demand for transportation  services offered by the Company,  rapid inflation and
fuel price  increases,  increases in interest rates,  and the  availability  and
compensation of qualified drivers and owner-operators. Readers should review and
consider the various  disclosures  made by the Company in this press release and
in its reports to stockholders and periodic reports on forms 10-K and 10-Q.



                                      

<PAGE>




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