<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1


                           ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


                                   BETWEEN
                                      
                                      
                               GARY I. GOLDBERG
                                      
                                      
                                     AND
                                      
                                      
                          JACK GRAY TRANSPORT, INC.
                            AN INDIANA CORPORATION
                                      
                                      
                                      
                        DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 24, 1997




<PAGE>   2


                              TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     Page Number
                                                                     -----------
<S>                                                                         <C>
1. PURCHASE OF ASSETS......................................................  1

      1.1. AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE ASSETS...........................  1
      1.2. NO PURCHASE OF BUSINESS.........................................  2
      1.3. EXCLUDED ASSETS.................................................  2
      1.4. EXCLUDED LIABILITIES............................................  3

2. PURCHASE PRICE..........................................................  3

      2.1. CONSIDERATION FOR THE PURCHASED ASSETS..........................  3
      2.2. PAYMENT OF CONSIDERATION........................................  3
      2.3. PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTMENTS......................................  3

3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER................................  4

      3.1. ORGANIZATION AND CORPORATE POWER................................  4
      3.2. AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSACTION....................................  5
      3.3. NONCONTRAVENTION................................................  5
      3.4. OWNED TERMINALS.................................................  5
      3.5. LEASED TERMINALS................................................  6
      3.6. EQUIPMENT.......................................................  6
      3.7. BROKERS' FEES...................................................  7

4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER.................................  7

      4.1. AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSACTION....................................  7
      4.2. NONCONTRAVENTION................................................  7
      4.3. BROKERS' FEES...................................................  8
      4.4. DISCLOSURES.....................................................  8

5. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BUYER'S OBLIGATIONS.............................  8

      5.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..................................  8

6. CONDITION PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER........................  8

      6.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..................................  8

7. OTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.........................................  9

      7.1. BUSINESS REVIEW.................................................  9
      7.2. EXCLUSIVITY.....................................................  9
      7.3. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.............................................  9
      7.4. OTHER AGREEMENTS................................................ 10

8. CLOSING................................................................. 12

      8.1. TIME AND PLACE.................................................. 12
      8.2. CLOSING TRANSACTIONS............................................ 12
      8.3. DELIVERIES BY SELLER TO BUYER................................... 12
      8.4. DELIVERIES BY BUYER TO SELLER................................... 13

9. POST-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES................................. 13

      9.1. GENERAL......................................................... 13
</TABLE>

                                      i
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
      9.2. COOPERATION..................................................... 14

10. GENERAL................................................................ 14

      10.1. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS......................................... 14
      10.2. ENTIRE AGREEMENT............................................... 14
      10.3. COUNTERPARTS................................................... 14
      10.4. NOTICES........................................................ 14
      10.5. GOVERNING LAW.................................................. 15
      10.6. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS......................................... 15
      10.7. SEVERABILITY................................................... 15
      10.8. EXPENSES....................................................... 16
      10.9. CONSTRUCTION................................................... 16
      10.10. INCORPORATION OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES....................... 16
      10.11. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.......................................... 16
      10.12. REMEDIES CUMULATIVE........................................... 17

11. TERMINATION............................................................ 17

      11.1. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT....................................... 17
</TABLE>












                                      ii
<PAGE>   4



                                  SCHEDULES



<TABLE>
      <S>               <C>                                    
      Schedule 1.1(a)   Owned Terminals                        
      Schedule 1.1(b)   Leased Terminals                       
      Schedule 1.1(c)   Waste Contracts                        
      Schedule 1.1(d)   Equipment                              
      Schedule 1.1(f)   Inventory, etc.                        
      Schedule 1.4(a)   Assumed Liabilities                    
      Schedule 3.3      Seller's Noncontravention              
      Schedule 4.2      Buyer's Noncontravention               
</TABLE>



                                   EXHIBITS



<TABLE>
      <S>        <C>    <C>
      Exhibit A  -      Form of Bills of Sale and Other Transfer Documentation
      Exhibit B  -      Opinion of Seller's Counsel
      Exhibit C  -      Opinion of Buyer's Counsel
</TABLE>













                                     iii
<PAGE>   5

                           ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


     THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "AGREEMENT") is made as of the 24th
day of September 1997, by and among GARY I. GOLDBERG or his assigns ("BUYER")
and JACK GRAY TRANSPORT, INC. an Indiana corporation ("SELLER").

                                   RECITALS

A. Seller, among other things, is engaged in the business of providing
transportation services related to municipal solid waste from certain owned or
leased terminals more fully described below (the "BUSINESS").

B. Seller desires to sell and assign to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase
from Seller, substantially all of the assets utilized primarily or exclusively
in connection with the Business from certain owned and leased terminals as more
fully described herein on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, which are
hereby incorporated herein, and the mutual premises herein contained, and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

                                      
                                   ARTICLE
                                      1
                              PURCHASE OF ASSETS

     1.1 AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE ASSETS. Buyer will purchase and acquire
from Seller, and Seller will sell, transfer, assign and convey to Buyer, on the
Closing Date (as defined herein) substantially all of the assets utilized
primarily or exclusively in connection with the Business operated from the
owned and leased terminals described in Section 1.1(a) and 1.1(b) below (the
"PURCHASED TERMINALS"), which assets shall include, without limitation, all
tangible and intangible property currently owned by Seller and necessary to
conduct the Business as currently conducted and the following assets
(collectively the "PURCHASED ASSETS"):

           (a) The following terminals owned by Seller, the legal descriptions
      of which are contained on Schedule 1.1(a) hereof (the "OWNED TERMINALS"):
      (i) Nashville, Tennessee; (ii) Phoenix, Arizona (buildings); (iii)
      Spartanburg, South Carolina; and (iv) Long Island, New York.

           (b) The following terminals leased by Seller pursuant to lease
      agreements described on Schedule 1.1(b) hereof (the "LEASED TERMINALS"):
      (i) Arlington, Oregon 



<PAGE>   6


      (including a vacant parcel in Arlington, Oregon as specified on Schedule 
      1.1(b) hereof); (ii) Greensboro, North Carolina; and (iii) Lancaster, 
      California.

           (c) Certain waste transport services contracts as described on
      Schedule 1.1(c) hereof (the "WASTE CONTRACTS").

           (d) Certain equipment and rolling stock as described on Schedule
      1.1(d) (the "EQUIPMENT")

           (e) Retainage deposit of $2.5 million as described in the Waste
      Transport Services Contract dated March 23, 1989 between Metropolitan
      Service District and Seller.

           (f) Inventory, parts, supplies, company-owned automobiles (including
      the automobile presently used by Buyer, computer equipment and software
      at the Owned Terminals and Leased Terminals, a list of which property is
      attached hereto as Schedule 1.1(f).

           (g) All other executory contracts entered into by Seller in
      connection with the Business, except that (A) Buyer shall not assume any
      of Seller's obligations under the Contract dated November 1, 1993 between
      Seller and H.H.H., Inc. and (B) Buyer shall assume the obligations of
      Seller under the Contract dated April 7, 1993 ("APRIL 1993 CONTRACT"),
      provided that on or before the Closing Date, Seller and/or Buyer and
      H.H.H., Inc. enter into an amendment of the April 1993 Contract that
      provides for the following:

                  (i) Paragraph 3 of the April 1993 Contract shall be deleted;
                  and

                  (ii) The second sentence of Paragraph 4 of the April 1993
           Contract shall be deleted.

      1.2 NO PURCHASE OF BUSINESS. It is hereby acknowledged and agreed to by
Seller that Buyer is not buying the business known as Jack Gray Transport, Inc.
and that the Buyer is not the successor, administrator, executor or assign of
Seller.

      1.3 EXCLUDED ASSETS. Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 1.1
above, the following assets are expressly excluded and shall not be included in
the term Purchased Assets:

           (a) Accounts receivable.

           (b) Cash/bank accounts/money market accounts.

           (c) Seller's corporate documentation, books and records.


                                      2
<PAGE>   7

           (d) Any asset utilized in Seller's other operations other than
      Seller's solid waste operations operated from the Purchased Terminals.

      1.4 EXCLUDED LIABILITIES.  Buyer shall assume none of the Seller's
liabilities, indebtedness and obligations of any nature whatsoever, whether
reflected on a balance sheet or otherwise, except as follows (the "ASSUMED
LIABILITIES"):

           (a) Liabilities incurred after the Closing Date under leases or
      executory contracts specifically assumed by Buyer as described on
      Schedule 1.4(a).

           (b) Liabilities and obligations under Seller's 401(k) plan
      ("SELLER'S 401(K) PLAN") in respect to employees of the Business.  Within
      thirty days after the Closing Date, Seller shall cause the assets
      contained in Seller's 401(k) Plan attributable to employees of the
      Business to be rolled over into a 401(k) plan instituted by Buyer or
      Buyer's assignee or an affiliate of such assignees ("BUYER'S 401(K)
      PLAN").  Contributions accrued prior to the Closing Date in respect to
      Seller's 401(k) Plan for employees of the Business will be made by
      Seller.  Contributions accrued after the Closing Date in respect to
      Buyer's 401(k) Plan shall be made by Buyer.

           (c) Expenses or liabilities of the Business arising as of or after
      the Closing Date.  Expenses or liabilities of the Business arising prior
      to the Closing Date shall be borne by Seller.

                                    ARTICLE
                                       2
                                 PURCHASE PRICE

      2.1 CONSIDERATION FOR THE PURCHASED ASSETS.  In consideration for its
purchase of the Purchased Assets, on the Closing Date, Buyer shall pay to
Seller Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000) subject to the adjustments set
forth in Section 2.3 ("PURCHASE PRICE").

      2.2 PAYMENT OF CONSIDERATION.  On the Closing Date, Buyer shall deliver to
Seller the Purchase Price by federal wire transfer of immediately available
funds to a bank designated by Seller.

      2.3 PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTMENTS.  The Purchase Price shall be subject to
adjustment in the following events:

           (a) In the event that between the date hereof and the Closing Date
      Seller, with the consent of Buyer, purchases any trailers, tractors or
      other equipment to be included within the Purchased Assets, the Purchase
      Price shall be increased by Seller's cost of such trailers, tractors or
      other equipment.



                                      3
<PAGE>   8

           (b) Buyer and Seller agree that as of the date hereof, Seller needs
      to replace five tractors for the Arlington, Oregon terminal and five
      tractors for the Phoenix, Arizona terminal.  Any such replacement tractor
      shall be a "class 8 tractor", unless otherwise mutually agreed to by
      Seller and Buyer.  If such tractors are delivered prior to the Closing
      Date, the Purchase Price shall be increased by Seller's cost (net of any
      trade-ins if the equipment so traded-in is listed on Schedule 1.1(d)) of
      such delivered tractors.  If such tractors are delivered after the
      Closing Date, it shall be Buyer's responsibility to pay for such tractors
      and the Purchase Price shall not be increased by Seller's cost of such
      undelivered tractors.

           (c) In the event, Seller sells, upon the mutual agreement of Buyer
      and Seller, any of the Equipment or any of the Equipment is damaged or
      taken by condemnation, the Purchase Price shall be reduced by the sale
      proceeds in the case of a sale, the insurance proceeds plus any
      applicable deductible, in case of any casualty or the condemnation
      proceeds, in the case of any taking.

           (d) The Purchase Price shall be increased by the amount of any
      supplies purchased by Seller exclusively for the Business prior to the
      Closing Date in excess of normal requirements.

           (e) The Purchase Price shall be increased by any expense that Seller
      pays which expense pursuant to Section 1.4(c) is Buyer's responsibility.
      The Purchase Price shall be decreased by any expense that Buyer pays
      which expense pursuant to Section 1.4(c) is Seller's responsibility.

                                    ARTICLE
                                       3
                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

      As a material inducement to Buyer to enter into this Agreement and
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Seller hereby represents and
warrants the following to Buyer on and as of the date of this Agreement:

      3.1 ORGANIZATION AND CORPORATE POWER.  Seller is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Indiana.  Seller has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on
the business in which it is engaged and to own and use the properties owned and
used by it.  True and correct copies of Seller's Articles of Incorporation and
By-Laws, as amended to date, have been delivered to Buyer.

      3.2 AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSACTION.  Seller has all requisite corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Board of Directors and the sole stockholder of Seller 


                                      4
<PAGE>   9

have taken all necessary actions to authorize the execution, delivery and       
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.  This Agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding
obligation of Seller enforceable against it in accordance with its terms,
except as the same may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally, now or hereafter in effect and
subject to the application of equitable principles and the availability of
equitable remedies.

      3.3 NONCONTRAVENTION.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.3, neither the
execution and the delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will (i) violate or conflict in any way with
any statute, regulation, law, rule or common law doctrine, (ii) violate or
conflict in any way with any judgment, order, decree, stipulation, injunction,
charge or other restriction of any government, governmental agency or court to
which Seller is subject or any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or
By-Laws of Seller, or (iii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a
default under (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both), result in the
acceleration of, create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify
or cancel, or require any notice under, any contract, agreement, lease,
sublease, license, sublicense, franchise, permit, indenture, agreement for
borrowed money, instrument of indebtedness, security interest or other
arrangement to which Seller is a party or by which it is bound or to which any
of its assets are subject.  Seller is not required to give any notice to, make
any filing with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval of any
government, governmental agency, court or any other person in order for the
parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement except
for those notices, filings, authorizations, consents and approvals listed on
Schedule 3.3.

      3.4 OWNED TERMINALS.  With respect to each Owned Terminal except as set
forth on Schedule 1.1(a),

           (a) Seller has good and marketable title to the Owned Terminal, free
      and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, charge, lien or
      other encumbrance or right of any third party (collectively, "SECURITY
      INTERESTS"), servitudes, prior claim, encroachment, easement, covenant,
      or other restriction, except for installments of special assessments not
      yet delinquent, recorded easements, covenants, and other restrictions,
      and utility easements, building restrictions, servitudes for public
      utilities, zoning restrictions, and other servitudes, easements and
      restrictions existing generally with respect to properties of a similar
      character which do not affect materially and adversely the current use or
      the marketability of title, of the property subject thereto.

           (b) There are no pending, threatened, condemnation proceedings,
      lawsuits, or administrative actions relating to the property or other
      matters affecting materially and adversely the current use, occupancy, or
      value thereof.



                                      5
<PAGE>   10

           (c) There are no leases, subleases, licenses, concessions, or other
      agreements, written or oral, granting to any party or parties the right
      of use or occupancy of any portion of the parcel of real or immovable
      property.

           (d) There are no outstanding options or rights of first refusal to
      purchase the parcel of real or immovable property, or any portion thereof
      or interest therein.

           (e) There are no parties (other than Seller) in possession of the
      Owned Terminals.

      3.5 LEASED TERMINALS.  With respect to each Leased Terminal, except as set
forth on Schedule 1.1(b):

           (a) To the best of Seller's knowledge, each of the lease agreements
      between Seller and the lessors listed on Schedule 1.1(b) ("TERMINAL LEASE
      AGREEMENTS") is in full force and effect and Seller holds a valid and
      existing leasehold or other possessory interest under the lease.

           (b) Seller has delivered to Buyer a complete and accurate copy of
      the Terminal Lease Agreements which has not been modified in any respect.
      To the best of Seller's knowledge, Seller is not in material default,
      and no circumstances exist which would result in such default (including
      upon the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both), under the
      Terminal Lease Agreements, and no party thereto has the right to
      terminate, accelerate performance under or otherwise modify such lease.
      To the best of Seller's knowledge, no lessor under such lease is in
      default under such lease in its duties to Seller.  To the best of
      Seller's knowledge, there are no pending or threatened condemnation
      proceedings, lawsuits, or administrative actions relating to the Leased
      Terminals.  To the best of Seller's knowledge, other than the Terminal
      Lease Agreements, there are no other leases, subleases, licenses,
      concessions or other agreements, written or oral, granting to any party
      or parties the right of use or occupancy of any portion of the Leased
      Terminals.  To the best of Seller's knowledge, there are no parties other
      than Seller in possession of the Leased Terminals.

      3.6 EQUIPMENT.  Except as set forth on Schedule 1.1(d), Seller owns good
and marketable title to all of the Equipment, free and clear of all Security
Interests, pledges, charges, liens, leases, rights of first refusal or other
encumbrances or right of any third party.  All other warranties, including,
without limitation, warranties of fitness for a particular purpose, will be
excluded.

      3.7 BROKERS' FEES.  Seller has no liability or obligation to pay any fees
or commissions to any broker, finder, or agent with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement for which Buyer could become liable or otherwise
obligated.


                                      6
<PAGE>   11

                                    ARTICLE
                                       4
                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

     As a material inducement to Seller to enter into this Agreement and
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Buyer hereby represents and
warrants the following to Seller and as of the date of this Agreement and on
and as of the Closing Date, except as set forth in the Schedules and in the
Exhibits:

     4.1 AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSACTION.  Buyer has all power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform his obligations hereunder.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement constitutes
the valid and legally binding obligation of Buyer enforceable against him in
accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally, now or hereafter in
effect and subject to the application of equitable principles and the
availability of equitable remedies.

     4.2 NONCONTRAVENTION.  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.2, neither the
execution and the delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will (i) violate or conflict in any way with
any statute, regulation, law, rule or common law doctrine, (ii) violate or
conflict in any way with any judgment, order, decree, stipulation, injunction,
charge or other restriction of any government, governmental agency or court to
which Buyer is subject, or (iii) conflict with, result in a breach of,
constitute a default under (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both),
result in the acceleration of, create in any party the right to accelerate,
terminate, modify or cancel, or require any notice under, any contract,
agreement, lease, sublease, license, sublicense, franchise, permit, indenture,
agreement for borrowed money, instrument of indebtedness, security interest or
other arrangement to which Buyer is a party or by which he is bound or to which
any of his assets are subject, except where such violations, conflicts,
breaches, defaults or other events would not, individually or in the aggregate,
result in a material adverse effect.  Buyer is not required to give any notice
to, make any filing with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval of
any government, governmental agency, court or any other person in order for the
parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except
for those notices, filings, authorizations, consents and approvals listed on
Schedule 4.2.

     4.3 BROKERS' FEES.  Buyer has no liability or obligation to pay any fees
or commissions to any broker, finder, or agent with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement for which Seller is or could become liable or
obligated.

     4.4 DISCLOSURES.  Buyer has provided to Seller all written disclosure with
respect to all executory contracts, long term purchase commitments or other
agreements to purchase services or capital assets, of which Buyer has
knowledge, not cancelable on less than 31 days' notice affecting the Business.



                                      7
<PAGE>   12

                                    ARTICLE
                                       5
                  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BUYER'S OBLIGATIONS

     The obligations of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement are subject, at Buyer's option, to the fulfillment of the
following condition precedent on or prior to the Closing Date:

     5.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  All representations and warranties of
Seller contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material
respects as of the date when made and on the Closing Date as if made on and
with respect to the Closing Date.

     The foregoing condition specified in this Article 5 may be waived only in
writing by Buyer.

                                    ARTICLE
                                       6
                CONDITION PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER

     The obligations of Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement are subject, at Seller's option, to the satisfaction on or prior
to the Closing Date, of the following condition precedent:

     6.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  All representations and warranties of
Buyer contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material
respects as of the date when made and on the Closing Date as if made again on
and with respect to the Closing Date.

     The foregoing condition specified in this Article 6 may be waived on
behalf of Seller in writing by Seller.


                                    ARTICLE
                                       7
                        OTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES

     7.1 BUSINESS REVIEW.  During the period commencing from the date of this
Agreement and ending with the earlier to occur of the Closing or termination of
this Agreement in accordance with its terms, Buyer, the assignees of Buyer
hereunder and their respective counsels, accountants, consultants, investors,
lenders and representatives (collectively "BUYER'S REPRESENTATIVES") will be
permitted to conduct a full and complete review and investigation, including
legal and financial audits, of the Business and Purchased Assets and to obtain
such information as may be necessary or desirable to permit Buyer or his
assignees to fully investigate 


                                      8
<PAGE>   13

the Purchased Assets, the Business and its relationships with its suppliers,    
independent contractors, customers and employees.  Seller agrees to give Buyer
and Buyer's Representatives full access during normal business hours to all of
the Business premises and all of the files, records, contracts and other
documents and properties as Buyer or Buyer's Representatives may reasonably
request.  Buyer and his assignees shall conduct such business review in such a
manner as to minimize any disruption of the day to day operations of the
Business.  Prior to such review by any of Buyer's Representatives, Buyer shall
disclose to Seller the identity of any such Buyer's Representatives.

      7.2 EXCLUSIVITY.  Neither Seller nor any agent, officer, director,
stockholder or any representative of either of them will, during the period
commencing from the date of this Agreement and ending with the earlier to occur
of (A) November 30, 1997 if Buyer has not demonstrated to Seller, to Seller's
reasonable satisfaction by such date that Buyer has the financial resources to
effect the transactions contemplated hereby, (B) the Closing or (C) termination
of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, directly or indirectly:  (i)
solicit, initiate or encourage the submission of any proposals or offers from
any person relating to, (ii) participate in any discussions or negotiations
pertaining to, or (iii) furnish any information to any person other than Buyer
or Buyer's Representatives relating to, any acquisition or purchase of any of
the Purchased Assets and Business of, or equity interest in, Seller or a
merger, consolidation or business combination involving Seller and Seller shall
immediately notify Buyer if any person makes any proposal, offer, inquiry or
contact with respect to any of the foregoing.

      7.3 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.  Buyer and Seller acknowledge that Buyer, as an
employee of Seller, has managed the Business for the past thirteen years and
will continue to manage the Business through the Closing Date.  During the
period from the date of this Agreement through the Closing Date:

           (a) Buyer will use his best efforts to cause the Business to be
      conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and in
      the ordinary course in a manner consistent with past custom and practice.

           (b) Buyer will use his best efforts to maintain the Business and
      Seller's employees, customers, licenses, permits, assets and operations
      as an ongoing business in accordance with past custom and practice.

           (c) Buyer will not, without Seller's prior written consent, cause or
      permit the Business to (i) enter into any transaction, contract or
      commitment other than contracts in the ordinary course of business; (ii)
      alter, amend or terminate any material contract or agreement; (iii) sell
      or dispose of any of the assets in the ordinary course of business; (iv)
      purchase any supplies in excess of amounts or quantities required in the
      ordinary course of business; or (v) purchase or enter into a contract to
      purchase any capital asset, including, without limitation, tractors or
      trailers.



                                      9
<PAGE>   14

           (d) Buyer shall be responsible for making the Equipment described on
      Schedule 1.1(d) available to Buyer on the Closing Date.

           (e) Buyer shall be responsible for obtaining the consent to the
      purchase and sale contemplated hereby from the other party(ies) to the
      Waste Contracts listed on Schedule 1.1(c) or any other executory contract
      of the Business.

      Seller agrees not to take any act that would prevent Buyer from fulfilling
its obligations under this Section 7.3.  Seller further agrees that during the
period from the date of acceptance hereof until the earlier of the date of
Closing or the date on which this Agreement is terminated, Buyer shall continue
to be paid a salary at his current level and shall continue to be reimbursed
for all expenses incurred by Buyer in his capacity as employee of Seller and in
performing the services described in Sections 7.3(a) - 7.3(e) above in
accordance with current practice.  Finally, Seller also covenants to Buyer that
it shall permit the Business to purchase all inventory and supplies necessary
or appropriate for its current day-to-day operations in accordance with past
practice.

      7.4 OTHER AGREEMENTS.

           (a) In the event the Closing occurs, (i) Buyer shall be entitled to
      receive at the Closing the amount owing to him under a certain
      Non-Qualified Contingent Deferred Compensation Agreement dated as of
      December 30, 1988 ("COMPENSATION AGREEMENT") between Buyer and Seller
      provided that the outstanding balances of principal and interest, due
      under that certain note dated October 1, 1996 ("NOTE") shall be set off
      against amounts due Buyer under the Compensation Agreement and the Note
      shall be canceled at the Closing and (ii) Buyer and Seller shall be
      released from any obligations applicable to him under the Compensation
      Agreement.

           (b) In the event that the Transaction fails to close on or prior to
      the Closing Date and such failure is the fault of Buyer, then Seller may
      terminate the Compensation Agreement without any payment to Buyer.  In
      the event of such termination by Seller, (i) the Note shall be canceled
      without any further payment by Buyer and (ii) Buyer shall be released
      from any obligations applicable to him under the Compensation Agreement.

           (c) In the event that the Transaction fails to close on or prior to
      the Closing Date and such failure is the fault of Seller, (i) Buyer shall
      be entitled to receive the amount owing to him by Seller under the
      Compensation Agreement which exceeds the outstanding obligation by Buyer
      to Seller under the Note and (ii) Buyer shall be released from any
      obligations applicable to him under the Compensation Agreement.

           (d) The parties acknowledge a certain Right of First Refusal and
      First Offer Agreement ("OFFER AGREEMENT") dated as of May 31, 1996
      between Seller, John S. Gray and Buyer.  The parties hereby agree that,
      except as provided below, this Agreement and the 


                                      10
<PAGE>   15

      transactions contemplated hereby supersede and are in lieu of the Offer   
      Agreement.  In the event the Closing occurs or fails to occur as a result
      of the fault of Buyer, the Offer Agreement shall be canceled.  Upon
      cancellation of the Offer Agreement, Buyer acknowledges that he shall
      have no further rights of first refusal or similar rights to acquire the
      Business.  In the event the Closing fails to occur as a result of the
      fault of Seller, the Offer Agreement shall remain in full force and
      effect.

      7.5 Buyer will not, nor will it permit any of Buyer's Representatives to
use for any purpose (other than evaluation of the transactions contemplated
hereby) or disclose to any third parties, any "PROPRIETARY INFORMATION."
Proprietary Information shall consist of information obtained directly or
indirectly from Seller in the course of Buyer's or his assignee's review and
investigation hereunder, but shall not include: (a) any information that
already had become or later becomes publicly available through no fault of
Buyer or Buyer's Representatives; (b) the use of such information as necessary
or appropriate in making any filing or obtaining any consent or approval
required for the consummation of the proposed acquisition; or (c) the
furnishing or use of such information as required by or necessary or
appropriate in connection with legal proceedings (subject to notice to Seller
and an opportunity to object).  If this Agreement is terminated or the purchase
is not consummated for any other reason, Buyer and his assignees agree to
return or destroy all documents (including documents stored in electronic
media) containing or reflecting Proprietary Information.  Each of the parties
agrees to maintain the strict confidentiality of the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, except for disclosure as required by law or to Buyer's
Representatives, in the case of Buyer or his assignees and to Seller's
attorneys, accountants and financial advisors, in the case of Seller.


                                    ARTICLE
                                       8
                                    CLOSING

      8.1 TIME AND PLACE.  The consummation of the purchase and sale of the
Purchased Assets ("CLOSING") shall take place at 10:00 a.m., local time on
January 2, 1998, unless otherwise mutually agreed, provided all of the
conditions set forth in Articles 5 and 6 shall have been satisfied or duly
waived, at the offices of Buyer's counsel, or at such other time or place as
Seller and Buyer shall mutually agree ("CLOSING DATE").  The Closing shall be
deemed effective as of the opening of business on January 1, 1998 or such other
time as Seller and Buyer shall mutually agree.

      8.2 CLOSING TRANSACTIONS.  All documents and other instruments required to
be delivered at the Closing shall be regarded as having been delivered
simultaneously, and no document or other instrument shall be regarded as having
been delivered until all have been delivered.

      8.3 DELIVERIES BY SELLER TO BUYER.  At the Closing, Seller shall deliver
or cause to be delivered to Buyer the following documents:


                                      11
<PAGE>   16

           (a) warranty bills of sale in the form of EXHIBIT A attached,
      original titles to all motor vehicles and trailers and other instruments
      of conveyance, assignment and transfer as shall be effective to vest in
      Buyer all of Seller's title and interest in the Purchased Assets;

           (b) a certified copy of Seller's Articles of Incorporation, a copy
      of Seller's By-Laws certified by Seller's Secretary and a good standing
      certificate issued by the jurisdiction of its incorporation as of no more
      than ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date;

           (c) resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Seller
      authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
      consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, duly certified as
      true, correct and in full force and effect as of the Closing Date by the
      Secretary of Seller;

           (d) a certificate executed by the President of Seller dated as of
      the Closing Date, certifying that all representations and warranties of
      Seller herein contained, including the Schedules are true and correct on
      and as of the Closing Date;

           (e) the opinion of Vedder, Price, Kaufman and Kammholz, as counsel
      to Seller, in the form of EXHIBIT B attached hereto, addressed to Buyer
      and dated as of the Closing Date;

           (f) a bank draft or certified check or confirmation of the wire
      transfer of funds in the amount owing Buyer under Section 7.4(a);

           (g) the original Note marked "canceled;"

           (h) a release of the obligations under the Compensation Agreement;

           (i) an agreement executed by Seller canceling the Offer Agreement;
      and

           (j) all files and other materials exclusively or substantially
      relating to the Business whether in written form or in the form of
      computer media.

      8.4 DELIVERIES BY BUYER TO SELLER.  At the Closing, Buyer shall deliver or
cause to be delivered to Seller:

           (a) confirmation of the wire transfer of funds in the amount of the
      Purchase Price;

           (b) the opinion of counsel of Buyer's assignee, if this Agreement is
      assigned, or Craig D. Stepnicka, Esq., if this Agreement is not assigned,
      in the form of EXHIBIT C, attached hereto, addressed to Seller and dated
      as of the Closing Date;


                                      12
<PAGE>   17

           (c) a certificate executed by Buyer, dated as of the Closing Date,
      certifying that all representations and warranties of Buyer herein
      contained are true and correct on and as of the Closing Date;

           (d) an agreement executed by Buyer canceling the Offer Agreement;
      and

           (e) if this Agreement is assigned, resolutions duly adopted by the
      Board of Directors of Buyer's assignee authorizing the execution and
      delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
      contemplated hereby, duty certified as true and correct and in full force
      and effect as of the Closing Date by the Secretary of Buyer's assignee.


                                    ARTICLE
                                       9
                    POST-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES

      9.1 GENERAL.  In case at any time after the Closing Date any further
action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement,
each of the parties will take such further action (including the execution and
delivery of such further instruments and documents) as any other party
reasonably may request, at the sole cost and expense of the requesting party.

      9.2 COOPERATION.  Seller hereby agrees to cooperate with Buyer in
connection with the obligations of Buyer's assignee to conduct audits with
respect to the Purchased Assets and Business including access to books and
records of Seller relating to the Purchased Assets and making employees of
Seller reasonably available to Buyer's assignee, for reasonable periods of
time, without charge, to facilitate the completion of such audits.


                                    ARTICLE
                                       10
                                    GENERAL

      10.1 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  Buyer shall be permitted to assign this
Agreement and Buyer's rights, interests and obligations hereunder to a funding
source with the prior written approval of Seller, which approval shall not be
reasonably withheld.  The foregoing notwithstanding, prior to Closing, Buyer
shall not be permitted to assign all of his rights hereunder to any third party
Buyer or to enter into any contract for the sale of the Business if the
economic effect of any such assignment or contract for sale is that Buyer is
reselling the Business for more than the Purchase Price.  Seller shall not be
permitted to assign this Agreement or Seller's rights, interests and
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of Buyer, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Subject to the foregoing, this
Agreement shall be binding upon 


                                      13
<PAGE>   18

and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted        
successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives.

     10.2 ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement (including the schedules, exhibits
and annexes attached hereto) and the documents delivered pursuant hereto
constitute the entire agreement and understanding among Seller and Buyer and
supersedes any prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject
matter of this Agreement.

     10.3 COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in one
or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of
which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

     10.4 NOTICES.  All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other
communications hereunder will be in writing.  Any notice, request, demand,
claim, or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given (i) when
delivered, if hand delivered, (ii) one business day after pre-paid deposit for
overnight delivery, if sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, (iii)
when receipt is electronically confirmed, if sent by fax (with hard copy via
first class mail) or (iv) three (3) business days after it is sent by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and in
each case addressed to the intended recipient as set forth below:


     If to Seller:      Jack Gray Transport, Inc.
                        4600 East 15th Avenue
                        Gary, Indiana 46403
                        Attn:  Jack Gray, President
                        Fax:   (219) 938-0127

     With a copy to:    Vedder, Price, Kaufman &
                        Kammholz
                        222 North LaSalle Street
                        Suite 2600
                        Chicago, Illinois 60601
                        Fax:   (312) 609-5005
                        Attn:  John T. McEnroe, Esq.

     If to Buyer:       Gary I. Goldberg
                        7418 Oak Avenue
                        Gary, Indiana 46403
                        Fax:   (219) 938-8235


                                      14
<PAGE>   19

         With a copy to:     Craig D. Stepnicka, Esq.
                             2311 W. 22nd Street, Suite 207
                             Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
                             Fax:  (630) 571-3821


     Any Party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands,
claims, and other communications hereunder are to be delivered by giving the
other Parties notice in the manner herein set forth.

     10.5 GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the domestic laws of the State of Illinois, without giving
effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule.

     10.6 AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS.  No amendment of any provision of this
Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by
Buyer and Seller.  No waiver by any party of any default, misrepresentation or
breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be
deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation or
breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights
arising by virtue of any prior or subsequent occurrence of such kind.

     10.7 SEVERABILITY.  Any term or provision of this Agreement that is
invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect
the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or
the validity or enforceability of the invalid or unenforceable term or
provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.  If a final
judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction declares that any term or
provision hereof is invalid or unenforceable, the parties agree that the court
making the determination of invalidity or unenforceability shall have the power
to reduce the scope, duration, or area of the term or provision, to delete
specific words or phrases, or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or
provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes
closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or
provision, and this Agreement shall be enforceable as so modified after the
expiration of the time within which the judgment may be appealed.

     10.8 EXPENSES.  Seller and Buyer will each pay their respective expenses
(including fees and expenses of legal counsel, accountants, brokers or other
representatives or consultants) incurred in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby (whether consummated or not).  Seller will pay all state,
county or municipal transfer, sales, use and similar taxes, fees and charges of
whatever nature due any governmental authority as a result of the sale of the
Purchased Assets.

     10.9 CONSTRUCTION.  The parties have jointly participated in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement.  In the event of an ambiguity or
question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed
as if drafted jointly by the parties and no presumptions or burdens of proof
shall arise favoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the
provisions of this Agreement.  Any reference to any federal, state, local, or
foreign statute or law shall be deemed also 


                                      15
<PAGE>   20

to refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the        
context requires otherwise.  The parties intend that each representation,
warranty and covenant contained herein shall have independent significance.  If
any party has breached any representation, warranty or covenant contained
herein in any respect, the fact that there exists another representation,
warranty or covenant relating to the same subject matter (regardless of the
relative levels of specificity) which the party has not breached shall not
detract from or mitigate the fact that the party is in breach of the first
representation, warranty, or covenant.  Each defined term used in this
Agreement has a comparable meaning when used in its plural or singular form. 
Each gender-specific term used herein has a comparable meaning whether used in
a masculine, feminine or gender-neutral form.  The term "include" and its
derivatives shall have the same construction as the phrase "include, without
limitation," and its derivatives.  The section headings contained in this
Agreement are inserted for convenience or reference only and shall not affect
in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

     10.10 INCORPORATION OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES.  The Exhibits and Schedules
identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and made a
part hereof.

     10.11 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.  Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that
the rights of each other party to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement are special, unique and of extraordinary character and that, in
the event that a party violates or fails and refuses to perform any covenant or
agreement made by it in this Agreement, then each other party may be without an
adequate remedy at law.  Each party agrees, therefore, that in the event it
violates or fails and refuses to perform any covenant or agreement made by it
in this Agreement, each other party may, in addition to any remedies hereunder
for damages or other relief, institute and prosecute an action in any court of
competent jurisdiction to enforce specific performance of such covenant or
agreement or seek any other equitable relief.

     10.12 REMEDIES CUMULATIVE.  Except as otherwise provided herein, no remedy
or election hereunder shall be deemed exclusive but shall, wherever possible,
be cumulative with all other remedies at law or in equity.

                                    ARTICLE
                                       11
                                  TERMINATION

     11.1 TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.  This Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing, as
follows:

           (a) By mutual consent of the parties hereto.

           (b) By Buyer on the one hand or by Seller on the other hand by 
     reason of the breach by the other in any material respect of any of its
     or their representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained
     in this Agreement.


                                      16
<PAGE>   21


           (c) By either party if, through no fault of the terminating party,
      the Closing does not occur by January 2, 1998.

           (d) By Seller, if Buyer has not demonstrated to Seller's reasonable
      satisfaction on or prior to November 30, 1997, that Buyer has the
      financial resources to effect the transactions contemplated hereby and
      Seller has entered, or will enter simultaneous with the termination of
      this Agreement, into a written agreement with respect to the sale of all
      of the Purchased Assets after November 30, 1997 and before January 2,
      1998.

                                    * * * *
      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Asset Purchase
Agreement as of the date first above written.

                                             JACK GRAY TRANSPORT, INC.



/s/ Gary I. Goldberg                               By: s/s John S. Gray
---------------------------                           --------------------------
Gary I. Goldberg                                       John S. Gray, President







                                      17