EXHIBIT 23.1




                                    CONSENT

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Forward Air
Corporation for the registration of 2,200,000 shares of its common stock and
to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 31, 2003,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Forward
Air Corporation included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
October 23, 2003