EXHIBIT 23.1



                        Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Selected Financial 
Data" and "Experts" in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related 
Prospectus of Forward Air Corporation for the registration of 3,450,000 shares 
of its common stock.

We also consent to the inclusion therein of our report dated February 2, 1999 
(except for Note 13, as to which the date is February 24, 1999) with respect to 
the consolidated financial statements of Forward Air Corporation included 
therein.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated 
February 2, 1999 (except for Note 13, as to which the date is February 24, 
1999), with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of 
Forward Air Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year 
ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                     /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Nashville, Tennesee
April 5, 1999