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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.6

                             MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT
                     dated as of JULY 1, 1998 ("AGREEMENT")

THIS AGREEMENT, is between GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION its successors
and assigns, if any ("LESSOR") and ROADWAY EXPRESS, INC. ("LESSEE"). Lessor has
an office at 1787 SENTRY PARKWAY/WEST 16 SENTRY PARK/WEST, SUITE 200, BLUE BELL,
PA 19422. Lessee is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Delaware. Lessee's mailing address and chief place of business is 1077
GORGE BLVD., AKRON, OH 44310. This Agreement contains the general terms that
apply to the leasing of Equipment from Lessor to Lessee. Additional terms that
apply to the Equipment (term, rent, options, etc.) shall be contained on a
schedule ("SCHEDULE"). A form of the Schedule is attached.

1. LEASING

(a) Lessor agrees to lease to Lessee, and Lessee agrees to lease from Lessor,
the equipment ("EQUIPMENT") described in any Schedule signed by both parties.

(b) Lessor shall purchase Equipment from the manufacturer or supplier
("SUPPLIER") and lease it to Lessee when Lessor receives (i) a Schedule for the
Equipment, (ii) evidence of insurance which complies with the requirements of
Section 9, and (iii) such other documents as Lessor may reasonably request. Each
of the documents required above must be in form and substance satisfactory to
Lessor. Lessor hereby appoints Lessee its agent for inspection and acceptance of
the Equipment from the Supplier. Once the Schedule is signed, the Lessee may not
cancel the Schedule.

2. TERM, RENT AND PAYMENT

(a) The rent payable for the Equipment and Lessee's right to use the Equipment
shall begin on the earlier of (i) the date when the Lessee signs the Schedule
and accepts the Equipment or (ii) when Lessee has accepted the Equipment under a
Certificate of Acceptance ("LEASE COMMENCEMENT DATE"). The term of this
Agreement shall be the period specified in the applicable Schedule. The word
"term" shall include all basic and any renewal terms.

(b) Lessee shall pay rent to Lessor at its address stated above, except as
otherwise directed by Lessor. Rent payments shall be in the amount set forth in,
and due as stated in the applicable Schedule. If any Advance Rent (as stated in
the Schedule) is payable, it shall be due when the Lessee signs the Schedule.
Advance Rent shall be applied to the first rent payment and the balance, if any,
to the final rent payment(s) under such Schedule. In no event shall any Advance
Rent or any other rent payments be refunded to Lessee. If rent is not paid
within ten (10) days of its due date, Lessee agrees to pay a late charge of five
cents ($.05) per dollar on, and in addition to, the amount of such rent but not
exceeding the lawful maximum, if any.

(c) Lessor shall not disturb Lessee's quiet enjoyment of the Equipment during
the term of the Agreement unless a default has occurred and is continuing under
this Agreement.

3. RENT ADJUSTMENT

(a) If, solely as a result of Congressional enactment of any law (including,
without limitation, any modification of, or amendment or addition to, the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, ("CODE")), the maximum effective
corporate income tax rate (exclusive of any minimum tax rate) for calendar-year
taxpayers ("EFFECTIVE RATE") is higher than thirty-five percent (35%) for any
year during the lease term, then Lessor shall have the right to increase such
rent payments by requiring payment of a single additional sum. The additional
sum shall be equal to the product of (i) the Effective Rate (expressed as a
decimal) for such year less .35 (or, in the event that any adjustment has been
made hereunder for any previous year, the Effective Rate (expressed as a
decimal) used in calculating the next previous adjustment) times (ii) the
adjusted Termination Value (defined below), divided by (iii) the difference
between the new Effective Tax Rate (expressed as a decimal) and one (1). The
adjusted Termination

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Value shall be the Termination Value (calculated as of the first rent due in the
year for which the adjustment is being made) minus the Tax Benefits that would
be allowable under Section 168 of the Code (as of the first day of the year for
which such adjustment is being made and all future years of the lease term). The
Termination Values and Tax Benefits are defined on the Schedule. Lessee shall
pay to Lessor the full amount of the additional rent payment on the later of (i)
receipt of notice or (ii) the first day of the year for which such adjustment is
being made.

(b) Lessee's obligations under this Section 3 shall survive any expiration or
termination of this Agreement.

4. TAXES. If permitted by law, Lessee shall report and pay promptly all taxes,
fees and assessments due, imposed, assessed or levied against any Equipment (or
purchase, ownership, delivery, leasing, possession, use or operation thereof),
this Agreement (or any rents or receipts hereunder), any Schedule, Lessor or
Lessee by any governmental entity or taxing authority during or related to the
term of this Agreement, including, without limitation, all license and
registration fees, and all sales, use, personal property, excise, gross
receipts, franchise, stamp or other taxes, imposts, duties and charges, together
with any penalties, fines or interest thereon (collectively "TAXES"). Lessee
shall have no liability for Taxes imposed by the United States of America or any
state or political subdivision thereof which are on or measured by the net
income of Lessor except as provided in Sections 3 and 14(c). Lessee shall
promptly reimburse Lessor (on an after tax basis) for any Taxes charged to or
assessed against Lessor. Lessee shall show Lessor as the owner of the Equipment
on all tax reports or returns, and send Lessor a copy of each report or return
and evidence of Lessee's payment of Taxes upon request.

5. REPORTS

(a) If any tax or other lien shall attach to any Equipment, Lessee will notify
Lessor in writing, within ten (10) days after Lessee becomes aware of the tax or
lien. The notice shall include the full particulars of the tax or lien and the
location of such Equipment on the date of the notice.

(b) Lessee will deliver to Lessor, Lessee's complete financial statements,
certified by a recognized firm of certified public accountants within ninety
(90) days of the close of each fiscal year of Lessee. Lessee will deliver to
Lessor copies of Lessee's quarterly financial report certified by the chief
financial officer of Lessee, within ninety (90) days of the close of each fiscal
quarter of Lessee. Lessee will deliver to Lessor all Forms 10-K and 10-Q, if
any, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within thirty (30) days
after the date on which they are filed.

(c) Lessor may inspect any Equipment during normal business hours after giving
Lessee reasonable prior notice.

(d) Lessee will keep the Equipment at the Equipment Location (specified in the
applicable Schedule) and will give Lessor prior written notice of any relocation
of Equipment. If Lessor asks, Lessee will promptly notify Lessor in writing of
the location of any Equipment.

(e) If any Equipment is lost or damaged (where the estimated repair costs would
exceed the greater of ten percent (10%) of the original Equipment cost or ten
thousand and 00/100 dollars ($10,000)), or is otherwise involved in an accident
causing personal injury or property damage, Lessee will promptly and fully
report the event to Lessor in writing.

(f) Lessee will furnish a certificate of an authorized officer of Lessee stating
that he has reviewed the activities of Lessee and that, to the best of his
knowledge, there exists no default or event which with notice or lapse of time
(or both) would become such a default within thirty (30) days after any request
by Lessor.

6. DELIVERY, USE AND OPERATION

(a) All Equipment shall be shipped directly from the Supplier to Lessee.

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(b) Lessee agrees that the Equipment will be used by Lessee solely in the
conduct of its business and in a manner complying with all applicable laws,
regulations and insurance policies and Lessee shall not discontinue use of the
Equipment.

(c) Lessee will not move any equipment from the location specified on the
Schedule, without the prior written consent of Lessor.

(d) Lessee will keep the Equipment free and clear of all liens and encumbrances
other than those which result from acts of Lessor.

7. MAINTENANCE

(a) Lessee will, at its sole expense, maintain each unit of Equipment in good
operating order and repair, normal wear and tear excepted. The Lessee shall also
maintain the Equipment in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Lessee
shall make all alterations or modifications required to comply with any
applicable law, rule or regulation during the term of this Agreement. If Lessor
requests, Lessee shall affix plates, tags or other identifying labels showing
ownership thereof by Lessor. The tags or labels shall be placed in a prominent
position on each unit of Equipment.

(b) Lessee will not attach or install anything on any Equipment that will impair
the originally intended function or use of such Equipment without the prior
consent of Lessor. All additions, parts, supplies, accessories, and equipment
("Additions") furnished or attached to any Equipment that are not readily
removable shall become the property of Lessor. All Additions shall be made only
in compliance with applicable law. Lessee will not attach or install any
Equipment to or in any other personal or real property without the prior written
consent of Lessor.

8. STIPULATED LOSS VALUE

If for any reason any unit of Equipment becomes worn out, lost, stolen,
destroyed, irreparably damaged or unusable ("CASUALTY OCCURRENCES") Lessee shall
promptly and fully notify Lessor in writing. Lessee shall pay Lessor the sum of
(x) the Stipulated Loss Value (see Schedule) of the affected unit determined as
of the rent payment date prior to the Casualty Occurrence; and (y) all rent and
other amounts which are then due under this Agreement on the Payment Date
(defined below) for the affected unit. The Payment Date shall be the next rent
payment date after the Casualty Occurrence. Upon Payment of all sums due
hereunder, the term of this lease as to such unit shall terminate.

9. INSURANCE

(a) Lessee shall bear the entire risk of any loss, theft, damage to, or
destruction of, any unit of Equipment from any cause whatsoever from the time
the Equipment is shipped to Lessee.

(b) Lessee agrees, at its own expense, to keep all Equipment insured for such
amounts and against such hazards as Lessor may reasonably require. All such
policies shall be with companies, and on terms, reasonably satisfactory to
Lessor. The insurance shall include coverage for damage to or loss of the
Equipment, liability for personal injuries, death or property damage. Lessor
shall be named as additional insured with a loss payable clause in favor of
Lessor, as its interest may appear, irrespective of any breach of warranty or
other act or omission of Lessee. The insurance shall provide for liability
coverage in an amount equal to at least ONE MILLION U.S. DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00)
total liability per occurrence, unless otherwise stated in any Schedule. The
casualty/property damage coverage shall be in an amount equal to the higher of
the Stipulated Loss Value or the full replacement cost of the Equipment. No
insurance shall be subject to any co-insurance clause. The insurance policies
may not be altered or canceled by the insurer until after thirty (30) days
written notice to Lessor. Lessee agrees to deliver to Lessor evidence of
insurance reasonably satisfactory to Lessor.

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(c) Lessee hereby appoints Lessor as Lessee's attorney-in-fact to make proof of
loss and claim for insurance, and to make adjustments with insurers and to
receive payment of and execute or endorse all documents, checks or drafts in
connection with insurance payments. Lessor shall not act as Lessee's
attorney-in-fact unless Lessee is in default. Lessee shall pay any reasonable
expenses of Lessor in adjusting or collecting insurance. Lessee will not make
adjustments with insurers except with respect to claims for damage to any unit
of Equipment where the repair costs are less than the lesser of ten percent
(10%) of the original Equipment cost or ten thousand and 00/100 dollars
($10,000). Lessor may, at its option, apply proceeds of insurance, in whole or
in part, to (i) repair or replace Equipment or any portion thereof, or (ii)
satisfy any obligation of Lessee to Lessor under this Agreement.

10. RETURN OF EQUIPMENT

(a) At the expiration or termination of this Agreement or any Schedule, Lessee
shall perform any testing and repairs required to place the units of Equipment
in the same condition and appearance as when received by Lessee (reasonable wear
and tear excepted) and in good working order for the original intended purpose
of the Equipment. If required the units of Equipment shall be deinstalled,
disassembled and crated by an authorized manufacturer's representative or such
other service person as is reasonably satisfactory to Lessor. Lessee shall
remove installed markings that are not necessary for the operation, maintenance
or repair of the Equipment. All Equipment will be cleaned, cosmetically
acceptable, and in such condition as to be immediately installed into use in a
similar environment for which the Equipment was originally intended to be used.
All waste material and fluid must be removed from the Equipment and disposed of
in accordance with then current waste disposal laws. Lessee shall return the
units of Equipment to a location within the continental United States as Lessor
shall direct. Lessee shall obtain and pay for a policy of transit insurance for
the redelivery period in an amount equal to the replacement value of the
Equipment. The transit insurance must name Lessor as the loss payee. The Lessee
shall pay for all costs to comply with this section (a).

(b) Until Lessee has fully complied with the requirements of Section 10(a)
above, Lessee's rent payment obligation and all other obligations under this
Agreement shall continue from month to month notwithstanding any expiration or
termination of the lease term. Lessor may terminate the Lessee's right to use
the Equipment upon ten (10) days notice to Lessee.

(c) Lessee shall provide to Lessor a detailed inventory of all components of the
Equipment including model and serial numbers. Lessee shall also provide an
up-to-date copy of all other documentation pertaining to the Equipment. All
service manuals, blue prints, process flow diagrams, operating manuals,
inventory and maintenance records shall be given to Lessor at least ninety (90)
days and not more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to lease termination.

(d) Lessee shall make the Equipment available for on-site operational
inspections by potential purchasers at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior
to and continuing up to lease termination. Lessor shall provide Lessee with
reasonable notice prior to any inspection. Lessee shall provide personnel, power
and other requirements necessary to demonstrate electrical, hydraulic and
mechanical systems for each item of Equipment.

11. DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

(a) Lessor may in writing declare this Agreement in default if: (1) Lessee
breaches its obligation to pay rent or any other sum when due and fails to cure
the breach within ten (10) days; (2) Lessee breaches any of its insurance
obligations under Section 9; (3) Lessee breaches any of its other obligations
and fails to cure that breach within thirty (30) days after written notice from
Lessor; (4) any representation or warranty made by Lessee in connection with
this Agreement shall be false or misleading in any material respect; (5) Lessee
becomes insolvent or ceases to do business as a going concern; (6) any Equipment
is illegally used; or (7) a petition is filed by or against Lessee or any
Guarantor of Lessee's obligations to Lessor under any bankruptcy or insolvency
laws and in the event of an involuntary petition, the petition is not dismissed
within forty-five (45) days of the filing date. The default declaration shall
apply to all Schedules unless specifically excepted by Lessor.

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(b) After a default, at the request of Lessor, Lessee shall comply with the
provisions of Section 10(a). Lessee hereby authorizes Lessor to peacefully enter
any premises where any Equipment may be and take possession of the Equipment.
Lessee shall immediately pay to Lessor without further demand as liquidated
damages for loss of a bargain and not as a penalty, the Stipulated Loss Value of
the Equipment (calculated as of the rent date next preceding the declaration of
default), and all rents and other sums then due under this Agreement and all
Schedules. Lessor may terminate this Agreement as to any or all of the
Equipment. A termination shall occur only upon written notice by Lessor to
Lessee and only as to the units of Equipment specified in any such notice.
Lessor may, but shall not be required to, sell Equipment at private or public
sale, in bulk or in parcels, with or without notice, and without having the
Equipment present at the place of sale. Lessor may also, but shall not be
required to, lease, otherwise dispose of or keep idle all or part of the
Equipment. Lessor may use Lessee's premises for a reasonable period of time for
any or all of the purposes stated above without liability for rent, costs,
damages or otherwise. The proceeds of sale, lease or other disposition, if any,
shall be applied in the following order of priorities: (1) to pay all of
Lessor's costs, charges and expenses incurred in taking, removing, holding,
repairing and selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of Equipment; then, (2) to
the extent not previously paid by Lessee, to pay Lessor all sums due from Lessee
under this Agreement; then (3) to reimburse to Lessee any sums previously paid
by Lessee as liquidated damages; and (4) any surplus shall be retained by
Lessor. Lessee shall immediately pay any deficiency in (1) and (2) above .

(c) The foregoing remedies are cumulative, and any or all thereof may be
exercised instead of or in addition to each other or any remedies at law, in
equity, or under statute. Lessee waives notice of sale or other disposition (and
the time and place thereof), and the manner and place of any advertising. Lessee
shall pay Lessor's actual attorney's fees incurred in connection with the
enforcement, assertion, defense or preservation of Lessor's rights and remedies
under this Agreement, or if prohibited by law, such lesser sum as may be
permitted. Waiver of any default shall not be a waiver of any other or
subsequent default.

(d) Any default under the terms of this or any other agreement between Lessor
and Lessee may be declared by Lessor a default under this and any such other
agreement.

12. ASSIGNMENT: LESSEE SHALL NOT SELL, TRANSFER, ASSIGN, ENCUMBER OR SUBLET ANY
EQUIPMENT OR THE INTEREST OF LESSEE IN THE EQUIPMENT WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN
CONSENT OF LESSOR. Lessor may, without the consent of Lessee, assign this
Agreement, any Schedule or the right to enter into a Schedule. Lessee agrees
that if Lessee receives written notice of an assignment from Lessor, Lessee will
pay all rent and all other amounts payable under any assigned Schedule to such
assignee or as instructed by Lessor. Lessee also agrees to confirm in writing
receipt of the notice of assignment as may be reasonably requested by assignee.
Lessee hereby waives and agrees not to assert against any such assignee any
defense, set-off, recoupment claim or counterclaim which Lessee has or may at
any time have against Lessor for any reason whatsoever.

13. NET LEASE Lessee is unconditionally obligated to pay all rent and other
amounts due for the entire lease term no matter what happens, even if the
Equipment is damaged or destroyed, if it is defective or if Lessee no longer can
use it. Lessee is not entitled to reduce or set-off against rent or other
amounts due to Lessor or to anyone to whom Lessor assigns this Agreement or any
Schedule whether Lessee's claim arises out of this Agreement, any Schedule, any
statement by Lessor, Lessor's liability or any manufacturer's liability, strict
liability, negligence or otherwise.

14. INDEMNIFICATION

(a) Lessee hereby agrees to indemnify Lessor, its agents, employees, successors
and assigns (on an after tax basis) from and against any and all losses,
damages, penalties, injuries, claims, actions and suits, including legal
expenses, of whatsoever kind and nature arising out of or relating to the
Equipment or this Agreement, except to the extent the losses, damages,
penalties, injuries, claims, actions, suits or expenses result from Lessor's
gross negligence or willful misconduct ("Claims"). This indemnity shall include,
but is not limited to, Lessor's strict liability in tort and Claims, arising out
of (i) the selection, manufacture, purchase, acceptance or rejection of
Equipment, the ownership of Equipment during the term of this Agreement, and the
delivery, lease, possession, maintenance, uses, condition, return or operation
of Equipment (including, without limitation, latent and other defects, whether
or not discoverable by Lessor or Lessee and any claim for patent, trademark or
copyright infringement or environmental damage) or (ii)

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the condition of Equipment sold or disposed of after use by Lessee, any
sublessee or employees of Lessee. Lessee shall, upon request, defend any actions
based on, or arising out of, any of the foregoing.

(b) Lessee hereby represents, warrants and covenants that (i) on the Lease
Commencement Date for any unit of Equipment, such unit will qualify for all of
the items of deduction and credit specified in Section C of the applicable
Schedule ("TAX BENEFITS") in the hands of Lessor, and (ii) at no time during the
term of this Agreement will Lessee take or omit to take, nor will it permit any
sublessee or assignee to take or omit to take, any action (whether or not such
act or omission is otherwise permitted by Lessor or by this Agreement), which
will result in the disqualification of any Equipment for, or recapture of, all
or any portion of such Tax Benefits.

(c) If as a result of a breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of
the Lessee contained in this Agreement or any Schedule (1) tax counsel of Lessor
shall determine that Lessor is not entitled to claim on its Federal income tax
return all or any portion of the Tax Benefits with respect to any Equipment, or
(2) any Tax Benefit claimed on the Federal income tax return of Lessor is
disallowed or adjusted by the Internal Revenue Service, or (3) any Tax Benefit
is recalculated or recaptured (any determination, disallowance, adjustment,
recalculation or recapture being a "LOSS"), then Lessee shall pay to Lessor, as
an indemnity and as additional rent, an amount that shall, in the reasonable
opinion of Lessor, cause Lessor's after-tax economic yields and cash flows to
equal the Net Economic Return that would have been realized by Lessor if such
Loss had not occurred. Such amount shall be payable upon demand accompanied by a
statement describing in reasonable detail such Loss and the computation of such
amount. The economic yields and cash flows shall be computed on the same
assumptions, including tax rates as were used by Lessor in originally evaluating
the transaction ("NET ECONOMIC RETURN"). If an adjustment has been made under
Section 3 then the Effective Rate used in the next preceding adjustment shall be
substituted.

(d) All references to Lessor in this Section 14 include Lessor and the
consolidated taxpayer group of which Lessor is a member. All of Lessor's rights,
privileges and indemnities contained in this Section 14 shall survive the
expiration or other termination of this Agreement. The rights, privileges and
indemnities contained herein are expressly made for the benefit of, and shall be
enforceable by Lessor, its successors and assigns.

15. DISCLAIMER: LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS SELECTED THE EQUIPMENT WITHOUT
ANY ASSISTANCE FROM LESSOR, ITS AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES. LESSOR DOES NOT MAKE, HAS
NOT MADE, NOR SHALL BE DEEMED TO MAKE OR HAVE MADE, ANY WARRANTY OR
REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, WITH RESPECT TO THE
EQUIPMENT LEASED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY COMPONENT THEREOF, INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY AS TO DESIGN, COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATIONS,
QUALITY OF MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE,
USE OR OPERATION, SAFETY, PATENT, TRADEMARK OR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT, OR TITLE.
All such risks, as between Lessor and Lessee, are to be borne by Lessee. Without
limiting the foregoing, Lessor shall have no responsibility or liability to
Lessee or any other person with respect to any of the following (1) any
liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly
by any Equipment, any inadequacy thereof, any deficiency or defect (latent or
otherwise) of the Equipment, or any other circumstance in connection with the
Equipment; (2) the use, operation or performance of any Equipment or any risks
relating to it; (3) any interruption of service, loss of business or anticipated
profits or consequential damages; or (4) the delivery, operation, servicing,
maintenance, repair, improvement or replacement of any Equipment. If, and so
long as, no default exists under this Lease, Lessee shall be, and hereby is,
authorized during the term of this Lease to assert and enforce whatever claims
and rights Lessor may have against any Supplier of the Equipment at Lessee's
sole cost and expense, in the name of and for the account of Lessor and/or
Lessee, as their interests may appear.

16. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LESSEE Lessee makes each of the following
representations and warranties to Lessor on the date hereof and on the date of
execution of each Schedule.

(a) Lessee has adequate power and capacity to enter into, and perform under,
this Agreement and all related documents (together, the "DOCUMENTS"). Lessee is
duly qualified to do business wherever necessary to carry on its present
business and operations, including the jurisdiction(s) where the Equipment is or
is to be located.

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(b) The Documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Lessee
and constitute valid, legal and binding agreements, enforceable in accordance
with their terms, except to the extent that the enforcement of remedies may be
limited under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws.

(c) No approval, consent or withholding of objections is required from any
governmental authority or entity with respect to the entry into or performance
by Lessee of the Documents except such as have already been obtained.

(d) The entry into and performance by Lessee of the Documents will not: (i)
violate any judgment, order, law or regulation applicable to Lessee or any
provision of Lessee's Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws; or (ii) result in
any breach of, constitute a default under or result in the creation of any lien,
charge, security interest or other encumbrance upon any Equipment pursuant to
any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, bank loan or credit agreement or other
instrument (other than this Agreement) to which Lessee is a party.

(e) There are no suits or proceedings pending or threatened in court or before
any commission, board or other administrative agency against or affecting
Lessee, which if decided against Lessee will have a material adverse effect on
the ability of Lessee to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

(f) The Equipment accepted under any Certificate of Acceptance is and will
remain tangible personal property.

(g) Each financial statement delivered to Lessor has been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. Since the
date of the most recent financial statement, there has been no material adverse
change.

(h) Lessee is and will be at all times validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of its incorporation (specified in the first
sentence of this Agreement).

(i) The Equipment will at all times be used for commercial or business purposes.

17. EARLY TERMINATION

(a) On or after the First Termination Date (specified in the applicable
Schedule), Lessee may, so long as no default exists hereunder, terminate this
Agreement as to all (but not less than all) of the Equipment on such Schedule as
of a rent payment date ("TERMINATION DATE"). Lessee must give Lessor at least
ninety (90) days prior written notice of the termination.

(b) Lessee shall, and Lessor may, solicit cash bids for the Equipment on an AS
IS, WHERE IS BASIS without recourse to or warranty from Lessor, express or
implied ("AS IS BASIS"). Prior to the Termination Date, Lessee shall (i) certify
to Lessor any bids received by Lessee and (ii) pay to Lessor (A) the Termination
Value (calculated as of the rent due on the Termination Date) for the Equipment,
and (B) all rent and other sums due and unpaid as of the Termination Date.

(c) If all amounts due hereunder have been paid on the Termination Date, Lessor
shall (i) sell the Equipment on an AS IS BASIS for cash to the highest bidder
and (ii) refund the proceeds of such sale (net of any related expenses) to
Lessee up to the amount of the Termination Value. If such sale is not
consummated, no termination shall occur and Lessor shall refund the Termination
Value (less any expenses incurred by Lessor) to Lessee.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessor may elect by written notice, at any
time prior to the Termination Date, not to sell the Equipment. In that event, on
the Termination Date Lessee shall (i) return the Equipment (in accordance with
Section 10) and (ii) pay to Lessor all amounts required under Section 17(b) less
the amount of the highest bid certified by Lessee to Lessor.

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18. PURCHASE OPTION

(a) Lessee may at lease expiration purchase all (but not less than all) of the
Equipment in any Schedule on an AS IS BASIS for cash equal to its then Fair
Market Value (plus all applicable sales taxes). Lessee must notify Lessor of its
intent to purchase the Equipment in writing at least one hundred eighty (180)
days in advance. If Lessee is in default or if the Lease has already been
terminated Lessee may not purchase the Equipment.

(b) "Fair Market Value" shall mean the price that a willing buyer (who is
neither a lessee in possession nor a used equipment dealer) would pay for the
Equipment in an arm's-length transaction to a willing seller under no compulsion
to sell. In determining the Fair Market Value the Equipment shall be assumed to
be in the condition in which it is required to be maintained and returned under
this Agreement. If the Equipment is installed it shall be valued on an installed
basis. The costs of removal from current location shall not be a deduction from
the value of the Equipment. If Lessor and Lessee are unable to agree on the Fair
Market Value at least one hundred thirty-five (135) days before lease
expiration, Lessor shall appoint an independent appraiser (reasonably acceptable
to Lessee) to determine Fair Market Value. The independent appraiser's
determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. Lessee shall bear all
costs associated with any such appraisal.

(c) Lessee shall be deemed to have waived this option unless it provides Lessor
with written notice of its irrevocable election to exercise the same within
fifteen (15) days after Fair Market Value is told to Lessee.

19. MISCELLANEOUS

(a) LESSEE AND LESSOR UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE THEIR RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY
CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE
RELATED DOCUMENTS, ANY DEALINGS BETWEEN LESSEE AND LESSOR RELATING TO THE
SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION OR ANY RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND/OR THE
RELATIONSHIP THAT IS BEING ESTABLISHED BETWEEN LESSEE AND LESSOR. THE SCOPE OF
THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY
BE FILED IN ANY COURT. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE. THIS WAIVER MAY NOT BE
MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING. THE WAIVER ALSO SHALL APPLY TO ANY
SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS AGREEMENT,
ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS, OR TO ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THIS
TRANSACTION OR ANY RELATED TRANSACTION. THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN
CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

(b) The Equipment shall remain Lessor's property unless Lessee purchases the
Equipment from Lessor and until such time Lessee shall only have the right to
use the Equipment as a lessee. Any cancellation or termination by Lessor of this
Agreement, any Schedule, supplement or amendment hereto, or the lease of any
Equipment hereunder shall not release Lessee from any then outstanding
obligations to Lessor hereunder. All Equipment shall at all times remain
personal property of Lessor even though it may be attached to real property. The
Equipment shall not become part of any other property by reason of any
installation in, or attachment to, other real or personal property.

(c) Time is of the essence of this Agreement. Lessor's failure at any time to
require strict performance by Lessee of any of the provisions hereof shall not
waive or diminish Lessor's right at any other time to demand strict compliance
with this Agreement. Lessee agrees, upon Lessor's request, to execute any
instrument necessary or expedient for filing, recording or perfecting the
interest of Lessor. All notices required to be given hereunder shall be deemed
adequately given if sent by registered or certified mail to the addressee at its
address stated herein, or at such other place as such addressee may have
specified in writing. This Agreement and any Schedule and Annexes thereto
constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof. NO VARIATION OR MODIFICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY WAIVER OF
ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS OR CONDITIONS, SHALL BE VALID UNLESS IN WRITING AND SIGNED
BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PARTIES HERETO.

(d) If Lessee does not comply with any provision of this Agreement, Lessor shall
have the right, but shall not be obligated, to effect such compliance, in whole
or in part. All reasonable amounts spent and obligations incurred or

                                       8
<PAGE>

assumed by Lessor in effecting such compliance shall constitute additional rent
due to Lessor. Lessee shall pay the additional rent within five days after the
date Lessor sends notice to Lessee requesting payment. Lessor's effecting such
compliance shall not be a waiver of Lessee's default.

(e) Any rent or other amount not paid to Lessor when due shall bear interest,
from the due date until paid, at the lesser of eighteen percent (18%) per annum
or the maximum rate allowed by law. Any provisions in this Agreement and any
Schedule that are in conflict with any statute, law or applicable rule shall be
deemed omitted, modified or altered to conform thereto.

(f) Adjustment to Capitalized Lessor's Cost. Lessee hereby irrevocably
authorizes Lessor to adjust the Capitalized Lessor's Cost up or down by no more
than ten percent (10%) within each Schedule to account for equipment change
orders, equipment returns, invoicing errors, and similar matters. Lessee
acknowledges and agrees that the rent shall be adjusted as a result of the
change in the Capitalized Lessor's Cost. Lessor shall send Lessee a written
notice stating the final Capitalized Lessor's Cost, if it has changed.

(g) THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL
IN ALL RESPECTS BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL
LAWS OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT (WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS
PRINCIPLES OF SUCH STATE), INCLUDING ALL MATTERS OF CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY AND
PERFORMANCE, REGARDLESS OF THE LOCATION OF THE EQUIPMENT.

(h) Any cancellation or termination by Lessor, pursuant to the provision of this
Agreement, any Schedule, supplement or amendment hereto, of the lease of any
Equipment hereunder, shall not release Lessee from any then outstanding
obligations to Lessor hereunder.

(i) To the extent that any Schedule would constitute chattel paper, as such term
is defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in any applicable
jurisdiction, no security interest therein may be created through the transfer
or possession of this Agreement in and of itself without the transfer or
possession of the original of a Schedule executed pursuant to this Agreement and
incorporating this Agreement by reference; and no security interest in this
Agreement and a Schedule may be created by the transfer or possession of any
counterpart of the Schedule other than the original thereof, which shall be
identified as the document marked "Original" and all other counterparts shall be
marked "Duplicate".

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessee and Lessor have caused this Agreement to be executed
by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first above written.

LESSOR:                                      LESSEE:

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION         ROADWAY EXPRESS, INC.

By:_________________________________         By:____________________________

Name:_______________________________         Name:__________________________

Title:______________________________         Title:_________________________

                                       9
<PAGE>

                        (OVER THE ROAD) TRACTOR SCHEDULE
                                SCHEDULE NO. 001
                            DATED THIS JULY 24, 1998
                            TO MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT
                             DATED AS OF JULY 1,1998

LESSOR & MAILING ADDRESS:                    LESSEE & MAILING ADDRESS:

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION         ROADWAY EXPRESS, INC.
1787 SENTRY PARKWAY/WEST                     1077 GORGE BLVD.
16 SENTRY PARK/WEST, SUITE 200               AKRON, OH 44310
BLUE BELL, PA 19422

Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in
the Master Lease Agreement identified above ("AGREEMENT"; the Agreement as it
relates to this Schedule, together with this Schedule being collectively
referred to as "LEASE").

A. EQUIPMENT: Subject to the terms and conditions of the Lease, Lessor agrees to
Lease to Lessee the Equipment described below (the "EQUIPMENT").

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER         CAPITALIZED                                                          MODEL AND
OF UNITS      LESSORS COST          MANUFACTURER            SERIAL NUMBER       TYPE OF EQUIPMENT
<S>           <C>                   <C>                     <C>                 <C>
</TABLE>

                              SEE ATTACHED ANNEX Z

Equipment immediately listed above is located at: 1077 Gorge Blvd., Akron,
SUMMIT County, OH 44310

B. FINANCIAL TERMS (FINANCIAL TERMS ARE DEFINED ON ANNEX Z ATTACHED HERETO AND
FORMING A PART HEREOF)

1. Advance Rent (if any): COLUMN A OF ANNEX Z

2. Capitalized Lessor's Cost: COLUMN B OF ANNEX Z

3. Basic Term (No. of Months): 42 Months.

4. Basic Term Lease Rate Factor: COLUMN D OF ANNEX Z

5. Basic Term Commencement Date: COLUMN F OF ANNEX Z

6. Lessee Federal Tax ID No.: 34-0492670

7. Last Delivery Date: JULY 24, 1998

8. Daily Lease Rate Factor: COLUMN E OF ANNEX Z

9. First Termination Date: THIRTY-SIX (36) months after the Basic Term
Commencement Date.

10. Interim Rent: For the period from and including the Lease Commencement Date
to but not including the Basic Term Commencement Date ("Interim Period"), Lessee
shall pay as rent ("Interim Rent") for each unit of Equipment, the product of
the Daily Lease Rate Factor times the Capitalized Lessor's Cost of such unit
times the number of days in the Interim Period. Interim Rent shall be due on
AUGUST 5, 1998.

11. Basic Term Rent. Commencing on AUGUST 5, 1998 and on the same day of each
month thereafter (each, a "Rent Payment Date") during the Basic Term, Lessee
shall pay as rent ("Basic Term Rent") the product of the Basic Term Lease Rate
Factor times the Capitalized Lessor's Cost of all Equipment on this Schedule.

                                        1
<PAGE>

C. TAX BENEFITS Depreciation Deductions:

1. Depreciation method is the 200% declining balance method, switching to
straight line method for the 1st taxable year for which using the straight line
method with respect to the adjusted basis as of the beginning of such year will
yield a larger allowance.

2. Recovery Period: THREE (3) YEARS.

3. Basis: 100% of Capitalized Lessors Cost.

D. PROPERTY TAX

PROPERTY TAX NOT APPLICABLE ON EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN AKRON OH.

Lessor may notify Lessee (and Lessee agrees to follow such notification)
regarding any changes in property tax reporting and payment responsibilities.

E. ARTICLE 2A NOTICE

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARTICLE 2A OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE
AS ADOPTED IN THE APPLICABLE STATE, LESSOR HEREBY MAKES THE FOLLOWING
DISCLOSURES TO LESSEE PRIOR TO EXECUTION OF THE LEASE, (A) THE PERSON(S)
SUPPLYING THE EQUIPMENT IS VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC. (THE "SUPPLIER(S)"),
(B) LESSEE IS ENTITLED TO THE PROMISES AND WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF ANY
THIRD PARTY, PROVIDED TO THE LESSOR BY SUPPLIER(S), WHICH IS SUPPLYING THE
EQUIPMENT IN CONNECTION WITH OR AS

         PART OF THE CONTRACT BY WHICH LESSOR ACQUIRED THE EQUIPMENT AND (C)
WITH RESPECT TO SUCH EQUIPMENT, LESSEE MAY COMMUNICATE WITH SUPPLIER(S) AND
RECEIVE AN ACCURATE AND COMPLETE STATEMENT OF SUCH PROMISES AND WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING ANY DISCLAIMERS AND LIMITATIONS OF THEM OR OF REMEDIES. TO THE EXTENT
PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, LESSEE HEREBY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND
REMEDIES CONFERRED UPON A LESSEE IN ARTICLE 2A AND ANY RIGHTS NOW OR HEREAFTER
CONFERRED BY STATUTE OR OTHERWISE WHICH MAY LIMIT OR MODIFY ANY OF LESSOR'S
RIGHTS OR REMEDIES UNDER THE DEFAULT AND REMEDIES SECTION OF THE AGREEMENT.

F. STIPULATED LOSS AND TERMINATION VALUE TABLE*

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RENTAL     TERMINATION         STIPULATED LOSS    RENTAL   TERMINATION     STIPULATED LOSS
NUMBER       VALUE %               VALUE %        NUMBER     VALUE %           VALUE %
------       -------               -------        ------     -------           -------
<S>        <C>                 <C>                <C>      <C>             <C>
1            103.587               100.000          22       74.285            71.964
2            102.342                99.431          23       72.746            70.455
3            101.079                98.197          24       71.198            68.937
4             99.805                 96.95          25       69.640            67.408
5             98.513                95.690          26       68.072            65.870
6             97.203                94.410          27       66.496            64.324
7             95.883                93.120          28       64.909            62.766
8             94.552                91.818          29       63.314            61.200
9             93.204                90.500          30       61.709            59.625
10            91.839                89.164          31       60.094            58.040
11            90.456                87.811          32       58.468            56.443
12            89.056                86.440          33       56.835            54.839
13            87.646                85.059          34       55.195            53.229
</TABLE>

                                        2
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>           <C>                   <C>             <C>      <C>               <C>
14            86.217                83.661          35       53.549            51.613
15            84.772                82.245          36       51.897            49.990
16            83.316                80.818          37       50.233            48.356
17            81.842                79.374          38       48.563            46.715
18            80.351                77.912          39       46.886            45.068
19            78.849                76.440          40       45.198            43.409
20            77.336                74.957          41       43.503            41.744
21            75.815                73.465          42       41.802            40.073
</TABLE>

*The Stipulated Loss Value or Termination Value for any unit of Equipment shall
be the Capitalized Lessor's Cost of such unit multiplied by the appropriate
percentage derived from the above table. In the event that the Lease is for any
reason extended, then the last percentage figure shown above shall control
throughout any such extended term.

G. MODIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONS FOR THIS SCHEDULE ONLY

For purposes of this Schedule only, Section 8 of the Agreement is amended as
follows:

The phrase "prior to" located after the phrase "as of the rent payment date" and
before the phrase "the Casualty Occurrence" is deleted and the phrase
"succeeding" is substituted in its place.

                          EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

The first sentence of the REPORTS Section subsection (d) of the Lease shall be
deleted in its entirety and the following substituted in its stead:

For purposes of this Schedule only, the Agreement is amended as follows:

1. Section V shall be amended by adding the following as subsection (g) thereof:

(g) Lessee shall make available to Lessor, upon Lessor's request, Lessee's
computer mileage tracking reports.

2. Section VI(b) shall be amended to add the following sentence at the end
thereof:

Lessee will allow only qualified, properly-licensed personnel selected, employed
or controlled by Lessee to operate the Equipment.

3. Section XI(a) shall be amended by adding the following at the end thereof:

Without limiting the foregoing, upon return, each unit of Equipment must be
clean, in good appearance and in roadworthy condition and, in order to comply
with the requirements of clause (i) hereof, shall meet all of the following
conditions:

(a) Tires: All tires shall be of the same type (not necessarily the same brand
name), tread and design as on the Basic Term Commencement Date, have an average
remaining depth of 10/32 inches with no tire less than DOT minimum requirements
and shall not be out of round. All front tires shall be original casings with no
cross lugs. Rear tires may be either casings or recapped casings.

(b) Mileage: Average annual mileage for all units shall not exceed 150,000
miles. Should mileage exceed this limit, Lessee agrees to pay a mileage
surcharge of Four Cents ($0.04) per mile, times the number of units of Equipment
redelivered for each excess mile. All mileage determinations shall be based upon
Lessee's computer tracking reports.

                                       3
<PAGE>

(c) Mechanical Power Train: (i) Lessee shall repair to Lessor's reasonable
satisfaction any Unit of Equipment which has engine knock, is smoking, is
misfiring, has abnormal engine vibration, or leakage, (ii) there shall be no
cracked cylinder heads or engine blocks, (iii) Excess blow-by, exhaust system
leakage or oil leakage, (iv) the transmission and rear axles shall be capable of
pulling loads to their full rated capacity, (v) there shall be no transmission,
drive axle or wheel hub oil leaks and (vi) there shall be no slipping or
grabbing clutch.

(d) General Condition: With respect to each unit, no glass shall be broken, or
cracked, no upholstery shall have any cut, or burn, there shall be no physical
damage as a result of an accident to exterior or interior materials that exceeds
$250, all decals, numbers, customer identification, glue and adhesives shall
have been removed from Equipment. Cooling and lubrication systems shall not be
contaminated and there shall be no leaking between systems, no battery shall
have any dead cell, cracked case or be inoperative, all brake lining shall have
an average of 10/32 inches remaining wear with no brake less than DOT minimum
requirements and no brake drum shall be cracked.

(e) Documents and Records: Upon return of a unit or units of Equipment, each
such unit shall meet applicable ICC requirements, and, shall have passed
applicable DOT inspections and shall have a current DOT certificate, shall have
proof of payment of any applicable ad valorem tax, shall have all tax receipts
including Federal Highway Use Tax Form 2290 and Schedule I, and shall have a
copy of the vehicle maintenance records, and make such records available upon
Lessor's request.

(f) Inspections:

(i) Not more than 90 days prior to return of Equipment, during regular working
hours, Lessee must make the Equipment available to Lessor or Lessors agent so
walk-around appraisals can be conducted.

(ii) Determination for testing and appraisal with necessary reconditioning to
meet acceptable surrender conditions shall be done by Lessor (or its agent) and
Lessee jointly.

(g) Redelivery: Units shall be redelivered to WINSTON-SALEM NC, MEMPHIS TN,
CINCINNATI OH, DALLAS TX, ADELANTO CA, ATLANTA GA, CHICAGO IL, with not more
than 60 unit(s) delivered to any one location.

H. PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION

You are hereby irrevocably authorized and directed to deliver and apply the
proceeds due under this Schedule as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY NAME                                    ADDRESS                  AMOUNT
------------                                    -------                  ------
<S>                                   <C>                             <C>
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.      7900 National Service Road      $3,418,979.00
                                      Greensboro, NC 27402-6115
</TABLE>

This authorization and direction is given pursuant to the same authority
authorizing the above-mentioned financing.

I. MODIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONS FOR ALL SCHEDULES

For the purposes of this Schedule, and for every other Schedule executed and
delivered by Lessee pursuant to the Agreement, including those entered into by
Lessee and Lessor after this date, the Agreement is amended as follows:

Section III of Master Lease Agreement has been deleted in its entirety.

                                       4
<PAGE>

Except as expressly modified hereby, all terms and provisions of the Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect. This Schedule is not binding or effective
with respect to the Agreement or Equipment until executed on behalf of Lessor
and Lessee by authorized representatives of Lessor and Lessee, respectively.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessee and Lessor have caused this Schedule to be executed
by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first above written.

LESSOR:                                   LESSEE:

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION      ROADWAY EXPRESS, INC.

By:_________________________________      By:___________________________________

Name:_______________________________      Name:_________________________________

Title:______________________________      Title:________________________________

                                          ATTEST

                                          By:___________________________________

                                          Name: ________________________________

                                        5