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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                          CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

         THIS CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is being executed and entered into
as of the 28th day of February, 1996, by and among BOYD BROTHERS TRANSPORTATION
COMPANY, INC., an Alabama corporation, which conducts its business at Route 1,
Box 40, Clayton, Alabama 36016 ("BORROWER", whether one or more) and COMPASS
BANK, an Alabama state banking corporation, 223 E. Broad Street, Eufaula,
Alabama 36027 ("BANK").

                                    PREAMBLE

         BORROWER has applied to BANK for, and BANK has agreed, upon the terms
and subject to the conditions herein set forth, to extend to BORROWER, a loan in
the amount of up to FIVE MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($5,000,000.00) (the "LOAN")
the proceeds of which are to be made available to Borrower for use between the
date hereof and February 28, 1997 (the "ADVANCE PERIOD") for BORROWER to finance
the purchase of tractors and flatbed trailers to be used in BORROWER'S trucking
business (collectively, the "TRUCK EQUIPMENT"), including sixty-eight
(68) tractors and _______________________ (_____) new 1996 Utility 45 foot 
flatbed trailers to be purchased with the initial advance hereunder.

                                    AGREEMENT

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual
obligations of the parties as contained herein, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:



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                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

         Section 1.01 "BORROWER'S LOAN ACCOUNT" means the account on the books
of BANK in which will be recorded loans and advances made by BANK to BORROWER
pursuant to this Agreement, payments made on such loans and other appropriate
debits and credits as provided by this Agreement.

         Section 1.02 "COLLATERAL" means any and all property of BORROWER in
which BANK now has, by this Agreement, or by any other Loan Document acquires,
or hereafter acquires, a security interest.

         Section 1.03 "EQUIPMENT" means all tangible personal property
including, without limitation, machinery, furniture and furnishings now owned or
hereafter acquired for use primarily in the business of BORROWER.

         Section 1.04 "INDEBTEDNESS" means all indebtedness, liabilities and
obligations, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, direct or
indirect, primary, secondary, absolute or contingent, and whether arising by
contract, operation of law or otherwise, including without limitation,
obligations to creditors (including without limitation BANK), for borrowed money
or the deferred purchase price of property or services, and all obligations
under real property leases and under leases of personal property.

         Section 1.05 "INSOLVENCY" of BORROWER or any other person means that
there shall have occurred with respect to that person one or more of the
following events: dissolution, termination of existence, insolvency, business
failure, appointment of a





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receiver of any part of the property of, assignment for the benefit of creditors
by, or the filing of a petition in bankruptcy or the commencement of any
proceedings under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws, or any laws relating to the
relief of debtors, readjustment of indebtedness, reorganization, composition or
extension, by or against such person, or if any action shall be taken for the
purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.

         Section 1.06 "LIABILITIES" means any and all liabilities of BORROWER to
BANK of every kind and description, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent,
due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, regardless of how they
arise or by what agreement or instrument they may be evidenced or whether
evidenced by any agreement or instrument. "Liabilities" includes obligations to
perform acts and refrain from taking action as well as obligations to pay money.

         Section 1.07 "LOAN DOCUMENTS" means this Agreement, the Note (as
defined in Section 2.04 hereof), the Security Agreement from BORROWER to BANK
dated as of the date hereof, and all other documents and instruments evidencing,
securing, guaranteeing, relating to, or executed or delivered in connection with
the Loan.

         Section 1.08 UNDEFINED TERMS. Except as otherwise defined in this
Agreement, whether in this Article I, or in a parenthetical or other reference
in this Agreement, accounting terms used herein shall have the meanings given to
them under generally accepted accounting principles, and terms defined in the
Alabama Uniform Commercial Code, as the same may be amended from time to time,
shall have the meanings given them in the Code.




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                                   ARTICLE II

                                    THE LOAN

         Section 2.01 LOAN. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, from and
after the date hereof and until February 28, 1997, and so long as BANK has not
demanded payment in full under the Note and BORROWER shall not be in default
hereunder or with respect to any other Liability to BANK, the BANK will make
advances under the Loan to BORROWER, or directly to BORROWER'S suppliers, up to
a maximum aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 to pay for BORROWER'S
purchase of the Truck Equipment to be used as Equipment in BORROWER'S business
("ADVANCES"). BANK may, but shall not have any obligation to, make any Advances
hereunder at any time after or during which an Event of Default (as defined
herein) shall have occurred or exists.

         Section 2.02 BORROWER'S LOAN ACCOUNT. All such Advances shall be
entered as debits in the BORROWER'S Loan Account. BANK may, if it so elects,
require each request for any Advance pursuant to this Agreement to be
accompanied by certification of the number, identity and continued use of Truck
Equipment purchased with the proceeds of the Loan, in form and substance
satisfactory to BANK. BANK shall also record in the BORROWER'S Loan Account, in
accordance with customary accounting practice, all other charges, expenses and
other items properly chargeable to BORROWER; all payments made by BORROWER on
account of indebtedness evidenced by BORROWER'S Loan Account; and other
appropriate debits and credits.




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The debit balance of BORROWER'S Loan Account shall reflect the amount of
BORROWER'S Indebtedness to BANK from time to time by reason of Advances and
other appropriate charges hereunder.

         Section 2.03 USE OF LOAN PROCEEDS. The Loan proceeds shall be used by 
BORROWER to finance its purchase of the Truck Equipment.

         Section 2.04 NOTE. Each Advance under the loan shall be evidenced by a
separate promissory note (collectively, the "NOTE"), in form and substance
acceptable to BANK. Each Note shall bear interest from the date of the Advance
thereunder at the rate and calculated in the manner provided therein, and shall
be otherwise payable as set forth therein; provided, however, that in the event
that Borrower's demand deposit balances at Bank shall be less than $200,000.00
at any time, the applicable rate under each Note shall be increased by
one-fourth of one percentage point (1/4%) over the applicable rate stated
therein. Dates and amounts of Advances, and payments received by BANK, shall be
evidenced by entries upon the books and records of BANK, and shall be reflected
in monthly statements, which shall be conclusive evidence of such dates and
amounts of Advances, and payments.

         Section 2.05 DURATION; EXTENSION. Availability of funds under the Loan
shall terminate on February 28, 1997; provided, however, that the parties
recognize that they may wish to extend the expiration date by mutual agreement
to be negotiated prior to such expiration date. It is understood that any
extension may require a revision of certain provisions of this Agreement.




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                                   ARTICLE III

                                SECURITY FOR LOAN

         Section 3.01 SECURITY INTEREST OF BANK IN COLLATERAL. As security for
the payment and performance of all Liabilities, BANK shall have, and is hereby
granted a continuing security interest in the following Collateral, whether now
owned or existing or hereafter created, acquired or arising and wheresoever
located:

              (a) (i) The Truck Equipment described on Exhibit "A" hereto and
(ii) all Truck Equipment or other Equipment and other personal property of
BORROWER purchased with the proceeds of the Loan;

              (b) All goods, instruments, certificates or other documents of
title, policies and certificates of insurance, securities, chattel paper,
deposits, cash or other property owned by BORROWER or in which BORROWER has an
interest which are now or may hereafter be in the possession of BANK or as to
which BANK may now or hereafter control possession by documents of title or
otherwise;

              (c) Proceeds and products (including tort and insurance claims) of
all of the foregoing.

         Section 3.02 AFTER-ACQUIRED PROPERTY. No submission by BORROWER is
necessary to vest in BANK a security interest in hereafter created or acquired
Collateral, but, rather such title and security interest shall vest in BANK
immediately upon the creation or acquisition of any item of Collateral, without
the necessity for any other or further action by BORROWER or BANK.




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         Section 3.03 OTHER APPLICABLE LAW. If, by reason of location of
Collateral or otherwise, the creation, validity or perfection of security
interests provided for herein are governed by the law of a jurisdiction other
than Alabama, BORROWER shall take such steps and execute and deliver such papers
as BANK may from time to time request to comply with the Uniform Commercial
Code, the Uniform Trust Receipts Act, the Factors Lien Act or other laws of
another state or states.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         To induce BANK to enter into this Agreement, BORROWER represents and
warrants as follows:

         Section 4.01 ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY. Each BORROWER (a) is an
Alabama corporation which is duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Alabama; (b) has all necessary corporate
power and authority, and possesses all licenses and permits as are required for
BORROWER to own its assets and conduct its business as now conducted or
presently proposed to be conducted; (c) has no subsidiaries other than Boyd
Brothers Truck and Tractor; and (d) is duly qualified and in good standing in
the State of Alabama and in every other jurisdiction wherein its ownership or
leasing of assets or conduct of its business makes such qualification necessary.

         Section 4.02 BORROWER'S AUTHORIZATION. The execution, delivery and 
performance of this Agreement, the Note, the Security Agreement, and the other
Loan




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Documents, the granting of the power of attorney under Section 8.03 hereof, and
the borrowing hereunder and under the Note, are within BORROWER'S corporate
powers and authority, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
corporate and other action including, without limitation, any necessary
shareholder action, are not in contravention of law or the terms of BORROWER'S
Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws or other incorporation documents, or of any
indenture, agreement or undertaking or any law, regulation, or order to which
BORROWER is a party or by which it is bound.

         Section 4.03 ENFORCEABILITY. Upon execution and delivery hereof and
thereof, this Agreement, the Note, the Security Agreement, and the other Loan
Documents will constitute valid and binding obligations of the respective
parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

         Section 4.04 OWNERSHIP OF COLLATERAL. Except for the security interests
granted in connection herewith, or heretofore granted to BANK, BORROWER is, and
as to assets to be acquired after the date hereof, shall be, the owner of all
Collateral with respect to which it grants a security interest hereunder, free
from any lien, security interest or encumbrance, and BORROWER shall defend its
assets against all claims and demands of all persons at any time claiming the
same or any interest therein.

         Section 4.05 OTHER COLLATERAL. At the time BORROWER pledges, sells,
assigns, or transfers to BANK any instrument, document of title, security,
chattel paper or other property or any interest therein, BORROWER shall be the
lawful owner thereof and shall have good right to pledge, sell, assign or
transfer the same; none of such




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property shall have been pledged, sold, assigned or transferred to any person
other than BANK or in any way encumbered; and BORROWER shall defend the same
against the lawful claims and demands of all persons.

         Section 4.06 FINANCIAL INFORMATION. Subject to any limitations stated
therein or in connection therewith, all financial statements which have been or
may hereafter be furnished to BANK to induce it to enter into this Agreement, to
extend credit from time to time hereunder, or otherwise in connection herewith,
do or shall fairly represent the financial condition of BORROWER or other person
or entity reported on therein, as of the dates and, in the case of BORROWER, the
results of its operations for the periods for which the same are furnished, in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied,
and all other information, reports and other papers and dates furnished to BANK
are or shall be, at the time the same are so furnished, accurate and correct in
all material respects and complete insofar as completeness may be necessary to
give BANK a true and accurate knowledge of the subject matter. There has been no
material adverse change in the business, properties, prospects, or condition
(financial or otherwise) of the BORROWER since the dates of the most recent
financial statements provided to the BANK. BORROWER has good and marketable
title to all the properties and assets reflected on its balance sheet furnished
to BANK, free and clear of mortgages, pledges, liens, charges and other
encumbrances, other than encumbrances in favor of BANK and encumbrances securing
indebtedness reflected on such balance sheet.




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         Section 4.07 NO VIOLATIONS. BORROWER is not now in default under any
agreement evidencing an obligation for the payment of money, performance of a
service or delivery of goods, the demand for performance under which, or
acceleration of the maturity of which, would render BORROWER insolvent or unable
to meet its other debts as they become due or conduct its business as usual.

         Section 4.08 LITIGATION. There is no action, suit, or proceeding at law
or in equity or by or before any governmental instrumentality or other agency
now pending, or, to the knowledge of the BORROWER, threatened or in prospect
against or affecting the BORROWER or any properties or rights of the BORROWER,
which, if adversely determined, would (i) materially impair the right of the
BORROWER to carry on business substantially as now conducted or (ii) materially
and adversely affect the financial condition of the BORROWER. BORROWER is not
currently affected by any strike or other labor disturbance nor is BORROWER in
default in any material respect under any judgment, order, injunction, rule,
ruling, of any court or governmental commission, agency, or instrumentality.

                                    ARTICLE V

                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         Section 5.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. BORROWER shall furnish or cause to
be furnished to BANK, (a) on a quarterly basis, within sixty (60) days after the
end of each quarter, internally prepared profit and loss statements for
BORROWER; and (b) on an annual basis, audited year-end financial statements
prepared by a certified public




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accountant acceptable to BANK. Statements required under Section 5.01(b)
immediately preceding shall be provided as soon as available after the end of
the fiscal period reported on therein, but no later than ninety (90) days after
the end of such period. In addition, BORROWER shall furnish BANK, on an annual
basis, year-end financial statements on any guarantor of the Loan in a form
acceptable to BANK, as soon as available, but no later than 60 days after the
end of each year.

         Section 5.02 CERTIFICATIONS. All statements and reports required by
this Article V shall be certified as true and correct by the President or a
Vice-President of BORROWER, or in the case of Guarantor, by or on behalf of the
Guarantor.

         Section 5.03 EXPENSES. BORROWER shall pay any and all taxes, charges
and expenses of every kind or description paid or incurred by BANK under or with
respect to the Loan or any Collateral therefor or the collection of or
realization upon the same. BORROWER hereby authorizes BANK to charge interest,
charges, taxes and expenses provided for herein to BORROWER'S Loan Account.

         Section 5.04 INSURANCE. BORROWER shall have and maintain at all times
liability insurance and, with respect to the Collateral and other assets of
BORROWER, insurance against risks of fire, so-called extended coverage, and
other risks customarily insured against by companies engaged in similar business
to that of BORROWER, in amounts, containing such terms, in such form, for such
periods and written by such companies as may be satisfactory to BANK. Where
insurance covers Collateral for loans to BORROWER from BANK, such insurance
shall be payable to BANK and to BORROWER as their interests may appear, pursuant
to a long-form New




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York standard non-contributory mortgagee clause or endorsement. All policies of
insurance shall provide for ten (10) days' written minimum cancellation notice
to BANK. In the event of BORROWER'S failure to provide and maintain insurance as
herein provided, BANK may, at its option, provide such insurance and charge the
amount thereof to the BORROWER'S Loan Account or add the same to the principal
balance of the Loan. BORROWER shall furnish to BANK certificates or other
evidence satisfactory to BANK of compliance with the foregoing insurance
provisions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained or implied
herein, BORROWER may self-insure its fleet of vehicles (including the
Collateral) as to physical damage, but shall obtain insurance against
catastrophic loss (in excess of an aggregate of $500,000) of Collateral and
other assets. BORROWER shall provide BANK evidence satisfactory to BANK the
existence of such catastrophic insurance, which policy of insurance shall name
BANK as loss payee pursuant to a New York standard non-contributory endorsement
or clause. In the event of any loss with respect to any item of Collateral,
BORROWER will make an additional payment under the Loan in an amount equal to
the portion of the outstanding Loan balance representing the purchase money
advanced against the Collateral with respect to which such loss has occurred.

         Section 5.05 INFORMATION REGARDING COLLATERAL. BORROWER shall furnish 
to BANK information adequate to identify and evaluate the Collateral at times 
and in form and substance as may be requested by BANK.




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         Section 5.06 REGISTRATION AND TITLING. BORROWER shall cause all
Collateral that is required to be registered, to be properly registered in
BORROWER'S name, and will cause the title certificates for all Collateral to
reflect BORROWER'S ownership and BANK'S lien.

         Section 5.07 RECORDS REGARDING COLLATERAL. BORROWER shall give BANK
written notice of each location at which Collateral and records regarding
Collateral are or will be kept other than for temporary processing, storage or
like purposes. Except as such notice is given, and except as Collateral is moved
from place to place in the ordinary course of BORROWER'S trucking business, all
Collateral and records are and shall be kept at BORROWER'S address as it appears
in Section 10.04 of this Agreement.

         Section 5.08 INSPECTION. BORROWER shall at all reasonable times and
from time to time allow BANK, by or through any of its officers, agents,
attorneys, or accountants, to examine, inspect or make extracts from BORROWER'S
books and records and to arrange for verification of Collateral, under
reasonable procedures and by reasonable methods, and shall do, make, execute and
deliver all such additional and further acts, things, deeds, assurances and
instruments as the BANK may require more completely to vest in and assure to the
BANK its rights hereunder or in any Collateral.

         Section 5.09 TAXES. BORROWER will promptly pay or cause to be paid all
taxes, customs fees, and freight charges on the Collateral and will at all times
keep the Collateral free and clear of all liens and claims whatsoever, other
than the security



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interests granted hereby. BORROWER agrees to do and cause to be done all things
that the BANK may request to establish and maintain a valid title and security
interest in the Collateral, free of all other liens and claims whatsoever, to
secure the payment of the Liabilities. If such taxes or other assessments remain
unpaid after the date fixed for the payment of the same, or if any lien shall be
claimed which, in the opinion of the BANK, could create a valid obligation
having priority over the rights of the BANK in the Collateral, the BANK may,
without notice to the BORROWER, pay such taxes, assessments, charges or claims,
and the BORROWER unconditionally promises to reimburse BANK for any amounts so
paid upon demand.

         Section 5.10 CONTINUED EXISTENCE, PROTECTION OF PROPERTY, INSURANCE.
BORROWER shall do or cause to be done all that is necessary (a) to preserve its
existence and in keep in full force and effect all of its governmental permits,
licenses, charters, consents and franchises, and to comply with all applicable
laws; (b) to conduct and operate its business in a prudent and careful manner;
(c) to preserve its properties; and (d) subject to the limitation regarding
self-insurance in Section 6.04 hereof, to maintain adequate insurance with
insurance companies of recognized responsibility, including without limitation,
(i) insurance coverage to such extent and against such risks, including fire,
casualty, and theft, as is customary in BORROWER'S business, (ii) necessary
workmen's compensation insurance; (iii) such other insurance or bonds as may be
required by law or reasonably requested in writing by BANK; and (iv) pay all
taxes applicable to it or levied against any of its properties as and when the
same shall become due and payable.




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         Section 5.11 RECORDS. BORROWER shall keep or cause to be kept accurate
records concerning its business and shall maintain or cause to be maintained a
system of accounting and proper books of record and account in accordance with
general accepted accounting principles applicable to the particular entity, and
will set aside on its books all proper and adequate reserves for taxes,
depreciation, depletion, obsolescence, loan losses, amortization, contract
cancellations, defaults, or other breaches of contract, and otherwise as may be
appropriate in accordance with said principles.

         Section 5.12 CERTIFICATES. On a quarterly basis, and at such other
times as BANK shall request, BORROWER shall supply to BANK a written certificate
as to the following:

                  (i) that there does not exist any default or Event of Default,
         or any condition or event which, with the giving of notice or the
         passage of time, or both, would constitute such an Event of Default,
         under the Agreement, the Note, or any other Loan Documents;

                  (ii) that all representations, warranties and covenants
         contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents remain true
         and accurate through the date of such certificate, except as may be
         noted and acceptable to BANK;

                  (iii) that all conditions precedent to BANK'S obligation to
         make advances under the Loan have been and remain fully satisfied; and



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                  (iv) that all of the Collateral is in good repair and useful
         in BORROWER'S business. 

         Section 5.13 NOTICE OF ADVERSE EVENTS. BORROWER shall promptly notify 
BANK of the filing of any notice, suit, claim, action, proceeding, or
investigation in or by any court or by any governmental authority in which an
adverse decision reasonably could be expected to have a material adverse effect
upon the BORROWER, and shall promptly notify BANK of the occurrence of any
material adverse order, judgment, settlement, determination, or other adverse
event, or of any default or Event of Default or any condition or event which,
with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute such
an Event of Default, under this Agreement or under any of the other Loan
Documents. BORROWER also shall promptly notify BANK of the occurrence of any
other condition or event which could have a material adverse effect upon it.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         BORROWER covenants and agrees that from the date hereof until payment
in full of the Loan, and any other indebtedness and Liabilities, and the
termination of this Agreement, unless BANK shall otherwise consent in writing,
BORROWER will not either directly or indirectly:

         Section 6.01 CASH FLOWS-TO-CURRENT MATURITIES OF LONG-TERM DEBT. Cause 
or allow the ratio of BORROWER'S cash flows-to-current maturities of long-term
debt to




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be less than 1.3:1 at any time after December 31, 1996. As used in this Section,
"CASH FLOWS" means net profits less dividends, plus lease expense and
depreciation and any other expenses which would be classified as non-cash
expenses in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
"CURRENT MATURITIES OF LONG TERM DEBT" means the outstanding principal balance
of indebtedness and lease expense due within twelve (12) months.

         Section 6.02 CONSOLIDATED NET WORTH. Cause or allow BORROWER'S
Consolidated Tangible Net Worth to be less than $14,800,000. As used herein,
"CONSOLIDATED TANGIBLE NET WORTH" means an amount equal to the Shareholders'
equity of the BORROWER (including capital stock, capital surplus and retained
earnings, but excluding any unpaid amounts due for sale of stock) less (i) the
book value of any shares of common stock of the BORROWER held by the BORROWER
and treated as an asset in computing such stockholder's equity, (ii) all
unamortized debt costs, patents, tradenames, licenses, franchises, good will and
other intangible assets, (iii) the aggregate balance of loans, notes receivable,
accounts receivable and other advances to and or owing from BORROWER'S
affiliates, subsidiaries, shareholders, employees officers, directors or any
other related entity, and (iv) taxes, the payment of which has been deferred.
All financial ratios in this Agreement shall be determined on a combined basis
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis.



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         Section 6.03 NO ENCUMBRANCES ON COLLATERAL. BORROWER shall not pledge,
mortgage, sell, assign or create, or suffer to exist a security interest in
Collateral in favor of any person other than BANK.

         Section 6.04 MANAGEMENT; OWNERSHIP. Cause or allow any material change
in the ownership or senior management of BORROWER, including without limitation
any change in the officers of the BORROWER at or above the level of its vice
president.

         Section 6.05 DEBT-TO-TANGIBLE NET WORTH. Cause or allow the BORROWER'S
ratio of total debt (defined as all of BORROWER'S Indebtedness and Liabilities
to whomsoever the same may be owing, whether now or hereafter existing, created
or arising, absolute or contingent, direct or indirect, joint or several,
including without limitation, all indebtedness under the Loan)-to- Consolidated
Tangible Net Worth (as defined in Section 6.02 hereof) to be greater than 2:1.

         Section 6.06 LOANS TO RELATED PARTIES. Cause or allow BORROWER'S loans
or other advances to BORROWER'S shareholders, officers, partnerships,
subsidiaries, affiliates, directors or other related entities to exceed
$2,000,000 at any time outstanding.




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                                   ARTICLE VII

                                   CONDITIONS

         BANK'S obligation to make the Loan available to BORROWER, and to make
any advance thereunder, is subject to the full satisfaction of the following
conditions precedent:

         Section 7.01 NO DEFAULT. There shall not exist any default or Event of
Default, or any condition or event which, after notice or lapse of time or both,
would constitute such an Event of Default hereunder or under any other Loan
Documents.

         Section 7.02 OPINION OF COUNSEL. BANK shall have received from counsel
to BORROWER a favorable opinion in satisfactory scope and form as to all matters
reasonably requested by BANK.

         Section 7.03 DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS. Delivery to BANK of the purchase
orders and Certificates of Title for the Collateral to be purchased with the
proceeds of the requested advance, the duly-executed Note and Guaranty, and all
other documents or instruments which BANK shall require in connection with
making the Loan.

         Section 7.04 TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Continued fulfillment and
satisfaction through the date hereof and as of the date of any requested advance
of all the terms, representations, warranties, conditions and covenants hereof.

         Section 7.05 OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE. BANK shall have received a
certificate of the President or other officer authorized by resolution of
BORROWER stating that all representations and warranties contained in this
Agreement and all other Loan Documents are and remain true and accurate as of
the date of such advance and that


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there exists no default or Event of Default hereunder or under any other Loan
Document, or any condition or event which, with the giving of notice or the
passage of time, or both, would become an Event of Default hereunder or under
any other Loan Document.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                         DEFAULT AND REMEDIES ON DEFAULT

         Section 8.01 EVENTS OF DEFAULT; ACCELERATION. At the option of BANK and
notwithstanding any time or credit allowed by any instrument evidencing any of
the Liabilities, any or all of the Liabilities of BORROWER or any other person
to BANK hereunder shall immediately become due and payable upon the occurrence
of any of the following events of default ("EVENTS OF DEFAULT"), without notice
or demand to BORROWER, Guarantor, or any other person: (a) default in the
payment or performance, when due or payable, of any of the Liabilities of
BORROWER or any other person or entity, or of any endorser or Guarantor for any
of the Liabilities of BORROWER or any other person or entity to BANK or the
occurrence of any Event of Default under any Loan Document; (b) failure of
BORROWER to pay any tax; (c) if any representation or warranty contained herein
is or becomes inaccurate or if BORROWER or Guarantor have made, or hereafter
make any misrepresentation to BANK for the purpose of obtaining credit or an
extension of credit, (d) failure of BORROWER to furnish or cause to be furnished
financial information or to permit or cause to be permitted the inspection of
books or records; (e) issuance of an injunction or



                                       20

<PAGE>   21


attachment against property of BORROWER or any Guarantor; (f) calling of a
meeting of creditors, appointment of a committee of creditors or liquidating
agents, or offering of a composition or extension to creditors by, for or of
BORROWER or any endorser or Guarantor of any of the Liabilities of BORROWER to
BANK; (g) insolvency of BORROWER or any endorser or Guarantor of any of the
Liabilities of BORROWER to BANK; (h) such a material change in the condition or
affairs (financial or otherwise) of BORROWER or of any endorser or Guarantor of
any of the Liabilities of BORROWER to BANK as in the opinion of BANK impairs
BANK'S security or increases its risk; (i) failure by BORROWER or any Guarantor
to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement; (j) failure to make any
payments required by this Agreement; (k) default shall be made with respect to
any Indebtedness (other than the Note) of the BORROWER or the Guarantor, when
due, or the performance of the other obligation incurred in connection with any
Indebtedness for borrowed money of the BORROWER, or the Guarantor, if the effect
of such default is to accelerate the maturity of such Indebtedness or to permit
the holder thereof to cause such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated
maturity, or any such Indebtedness shall not be paid when due; or (l) if there
shall occur any default or Event of Default, or any condition or event which
with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would become an Event
of Default, under, pursuant to or with respect to any Indebtedness or loan
transaction or any document or instrument evidencing, securing, guaranteeing, or
relating to any Indebtedness or loan transaction of BORROWER.




                                       21
<PAGE>   22



         Section 8.02 RIGHTS UPON DEFAULT. Upon the occurrence of any one or
more of the above Events of Default and at any time thereafter, such default not
having previously been cured, BANK shall have, in addition to all other rights
and remedies, the remedies of a secured party under the Alabama Uniform
Commercial Code, regardless whether the Code has been enacted in the
jurisdiction where rights or remedies are asserted, including without
limitation, the right to take possession of the Collateral, and for that purpose
BANK may, so far as BORROWER or Guarantor can give authority therefor, enter
upon any premises on which the Collateral may be situated and remove the same
therefrom or store the same on the premises pending disposition. Unless the
Collateral is perishable or threatens to decline speedily in value or is of a
type customarily sold on a recognized market, BANK shall give to BORROWER at
least five (5) days' prior written notice of the time and place of any public
sale of Collateral or of the time after which any private sale or any other
intended disposition is to be made. Upon fifteen (15) days' prior written notice
to BORROWER, BANK may at any time in its discretion transfer any securities or
other property constituting Collateral into its own name or that of its nominee
and receive the income thereon and hold the same as security for Liabilities or
apply it on principal or interest due on Liabilities. Insofar as Collateral
shall consist of insurance policies, instruments, chattel paper, choses in
action or the like, BANK may demand, collect, receipt for, settle, compromise,
adjust, sue for, foreclose or realize upon Collateral, as BANK may determine,
whether or not Liabilities or Collateral are then due, and for the purpose of
realizing BANK'S rights therein, BANK may receive, open and dispose of




                                       22
<PAGE>   23



mail addressed to BORROWER and endorse notes, checks, drafts, money orders,
documents of title or other evidences of payment, shipment or storage or any
form of Collateral on behalf of and in the name of BORROWER. The enumeration of
the foregoing rights is not intended to be exhaustive, and the exercise of any
right shall not preclude the exercise of any other rights, all of which shall be
cumulative. As against the obligations secured hereby, BORROWER hereby expressly
waives all claims and all rights to claim any exemptions, both as to personal
and real property, allowed or allowable under the Constitution or laws of the
United States, the State of Alabama or any other jurisdiction. Any notice to
BORROWER of sale, disposition or other intended action by BANK, required by law
to be given to BORROWER, sent to BORROWER at the address of BORROWER shown
hereinabove or at such other address of BORROWER as may from time to time be
shown on BANK'S records, at least five days prior to such action, shall
constitute reasonable notice to BORROWER.

         Section 8.03 POWER OF ATTORNEY. BORROWER hereby requests, authorizes
and empowers Billy V. Houston, or any other officer or employee of BANK who may
be designated by BANK for that purpose to make, execute and file, any financing
statements, documents or certificates of title, or other documents, and to take
any and all such other steps as BANK deems necessary or desirable to perfect and
continue the perfection of BANK'S security interest in the Collateral. No
failure by BANK to exercise for any period the powers herein granted shall
operate or be construed as a waiver of BANK'S rights thereafter to exercise such
authorizations and powers. The foregoing power of attorney is coupled with an
interest and shall be irrevocable so



                                       23

<PAGE>   24



long as any Liabilities or Indebtedness hereunder, under the Note, or under the
other Loan Documents remain outstanding.

         Section 8.04 SET OFF. BANK hereby is given a continuing lien as
security for BORROWER'S obligations hereunder upon any and all moneys,
securities and other property of BORROWER, and the proceeds thereof, now or
hereafter held or received by or in transit to BANK from or for BORROWER,
whether for safekeeping, custody, pledge, transmission, collection or otherwise,
and also upon any and all deposit balances, general or special, and credits of
BORROWER with, and any and all claims of BORROWER against BANK at any time
existing, and upon an Event of Default hereunder, BANK may apply or set off the
same against the Liabilities hereby secured.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

          Section 9.01 WAIVERS. BORROWER hereby waives demand, notice, protest,
notice of acceptance of this Agreement, notice of loans made, credit extended,
Collateral received or delivered or other action taken in reliance hereon and
all other demands and notices of any description. With respect both to
Liabilities and Collateral, BORROWER assents to any extension or postponement of
the time of payment or any other indulgence, to any substitution, exchange or
release of any Collateral which may now or hereafter secure Liabilities, to the
addition or release of any party or person primarily or secondarily liable, to
the acceptance of partial payments hereon and to the settlement, compromise or
adjustment of any thereof, all



                                       24

<PAGE>   25



in such manner and at such time or times as BANK may in its sole discretion deem
advisable. BANK shall have no duty as to the collection or protection of any
Collateral or any income thereon, nor as to the preservation of rights against
prior parties, nor as to the preservation of any rights pertaining thereto
beyond the safe custody thereof. BANK may exercise its rights with respect to
any Collateral without resorting or regard to other Collateral or sources of
reimbursement for Liabilities. BANK shall not be deemed to have waived any of
its rights upon or under Liabilities or Collateral unless such waiver is in
writing and signed by BANK. No delay or omission on the part of BANK in
exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right.
A waiver on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to or waiver of any
right on any future occasion. All rights and remedies of BANK with respect to
Liabilities or Collateral, whether evidenced hereby or by any other instrument,
shall be cumulative and may be exercised separately or concurrently.

         Section 9.02 EXPENSES; PROCEEDS OF COLLATERAL. BORROWER shall pay to
BANK on demand any and all expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees,
incurred or paid by BANK in collecting or otherwise protecting or enforcing or
attempting to collect, protect or enforce its rights upon or under Liabilities
or Collateral. After deducting all of said expenses, the residue of any proceeds
of collection or sale of Liabilities or Collateral shall be applied to the
payment of principal or interest on Liabilities, in such order of preference as
BANK may determine with proper allowance for interest on Liabilities not then
due being made, and any excess shall be returned to BORROWER and BORROWER shall
remain liable for any deficiency.



                                       25

<PAGE>   26



         Section 9.03 AMENDMENT. No modification or amendment of this Agreement
shall be effective unless placed in writing and duly executed by the BORROWER
and the BANK. By guaranteeing the Liabilities described herein, Guarantor
expressly agrees that BORROWER and BANK may, without notice to or consent by
Guarantor, modify or amend this Agreement. Neither party shall be obligated in
any respect to extend the termination date hereof.

         Section 9.04 GENERAL. Any demand upon or notice that BANK may elect to
give to BORROWER and any notice required to be given to BANK shall be effective
three (3) days after the same has been deposited in the United States mail,
first class with postage prepaid and addressed to such party at the following
addresses, as applicable, if such party has notified BANK in writing of a change
of address, to the last address so notified:

         IF TO BORROWER:             Boyd Brothers Transportation
                                     Company, Inc.
                                     Route 1, Box 40
                                     Clayton, Alabama 36016

         IF TO BANK:                 Compass Bank
                                     223 E. Broad Street
                                     Eufaula, Alabama 36027
                                     Attention: City Executive

         with a copy to:             Don Owens
                                     Vice President - Loan Administration
                                     Compass Bank
                                     P. O. Box 10566
                                     Birmingham, Alabama 35296

Demands or notices addressed to BORROWER'S address at which BANK customarily
communicates with BORROWER, shall also be effective. If at any time or times by





                                       26
<PAGE>   27



assignment or otherwise BANK transfers any of the Liabilities or Collateral
therefor, such transfer shall include BANK'S power and rights under this
Agreement with respect to the Liabilities or Collateral transferred, and the
transferee shall become vested with said powers and rights whether or not they
are specifically referred to in the transfer. If and to the extent BANK retains
any of the Liabilities or Collateral, BANK will continue to have the rights and
powers herein set forth with respect thereto. This Agreement shall bind and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors,
assigns, heirs, personal representatives, and estates; provided, however, that
BORROWER shall not assign or delegate any of its rights or obligations hereunder
without the express written consent of BANK. This Agreement may be executed in
two or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but when
taken together shall constitute one agreement. This Agreement is being executed
under the seal of the parties hereto and is intended to constitute and have
effect as a sealed instrument according to law.

         Section 9.05 GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION. This Agreement, the Note, the
Security Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the rights and the
obligations of the parties hereunder and thereunder, shall be governed by and be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama. BORROWER
acknowledges that the negotiation of the provisions of the Note, this Agreement,
the Security Agreement, and all other Loan Documents took place in the State of
Alabama; that all of such documents were executed in Jefferson County, Alabama,
or if executed elsewhere, will be or were delivered to BANK in said county and
state subject to BANK'S




                                       27
<PAGE>   28



acceptance thereof in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all of
such documents were or will be executed and delivered to BANK to induce BANK to
extend the Loan to BORROWER. BANK shall be under no obligation to give BORROWER
notice of acceptance of any Loan Documents for said documents and instruments to
become effective. BORROWER acknowledges further that the negotiation, execution
and delivery of this Agreement, the Note, the Security Agreement and the other
Loan Documents constitutes the transaction of business within the State of
Alabama and that any cause of action arising under any of said documents will be
a cause of action arising from such transaction of business. BORROWER hereby
submits itself to jurisdiction in the State of Alabama for any cause of action
or action arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the Note, or any
of the other Loan Documents, and agrees that venue for any such action shall be
in Jefferson County, Alabama, and waives any and all rights under the laws of
any state to object to jurisdiction or venue within Jefferson County, Alabama.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 9.05 shall
prevent BANK from bringing any action or exercising any rights against BORROWER,
any security for the Loan or against any of BORROWER'S properties in any other
state or jurisdiction. Initiating any such action or proceeding or taking any
such action in any other state shall in no event constitute a waiver by BANK of
any of the foregoing.

         Section 9.06 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, ETC. All
covenants, agreements, representations, and warranties made herein and in the
certificates delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the making by the BANK of
the Loan herein



                                       28

<PAGE>   29



contemplated and the execution and delivery to the BANK of the Note evidencing
such Loan and shall continue in full force and effect so long as the Note is
outstanding and unpaid. Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is
referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the successors and
assigns of such party; and all covenants, promises, and agreements by or on
behalf of the BORROWER which are contained in this Agreement shall bind the
successors and assigns of BORROWER and inure to the benefit of the successors
and assigns of the BANK; provided, however, that BORROWER shall not assign or
delegate this Agreement, the Loan, or its rights, duties, or obligations
hereunder without the written consent of BANK.

         Section 9.07 NO CONFLICT, ETC. No provision of this Agreement or of the
Note or the other Loan Documents shall be deemed in conflict with any other
provision thereof, and the BORROWER acknowledges that no such provisions or any
interpretation thereof shall be deemed to diminish the rights of the BANK, any
assignee, or the holder or holders of the Note under the terms and conditions or
any other provisions thereof. BANK may at its option exhaust its remedies
hereunder, under the Note, and under the other Loan Documents, either
concurrently or independently, and in such order as it may determine.

         Section 9.08 HEADINGS; UNDER SEAL; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; NO THIRD PARTY,
BENEFICIARY. Article and section headings in this Agreement are included herein
for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this
Agreement or be used to construe any provision hereof or for any other purpose.
This Agreement is intended to be under the seal of all parties hereto and to
have the effect of a sealed



                                       29

<PAGE>   30



instrument in accordance with the law. This Agreement, together with the other
Loan Documents, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the
parties, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings related to the Loan,
and may not be amended except by written agreement between BORROWER and BANK.
This Agreement shall not benefit, and may not be relied upon by, any person
other than the persons who sign this Agreement. There are no third party
beneficiaries to this Agreement or any negotiations, statements, or
representations related to this Agreement.

         Section 9.09 NO PARTNERSHIP OR JOINT VENTURE. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary herein contained or implied, BANK, by this Agreement, or by any
action pursuant thereto or hereto, shall not be deemed a partner, joint
venturer, or participant in the venture with BORROWER, and BORROWER hereby
indemnifies and agrees to defend and hold BANK harmless (including the payment
of reasonable attorneys' fees) from any and all damages resulting from such a
construction of the parties' relationship. The requirements herein, and the
restrictions imposed in this Agreement, are for the sole protection and benefit
of BANK.

         Section 9.10 INDEMNIFICATION. BORROWER shall indemnify and hold
harmless BANK from and against any and all claims, charges, losses, expenses and
costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, resulting from any claims, actions
or proceedings in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement, the Note, and other Loan Documents. The indemnification provided
in this section shall survive the payment in full of the Loan.



                                       30
<PAGE>   31



         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed or caused this
Agreement to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers as of the date
first set forth above.



                                       BORROWER:

WITNESS:                               BOYD BROTHERS TRANSPORTATION 
                                       COMPANY, INC.


/s/ Jeanette Wilson                    By: /s/ Richard Bailey
--------------------------------          -----------------------------------   
                                          Its: CFO
                                              -------------------------------



WITNESS:                               BANK:

                                       COMPASS BANK 


/s/ Jeanette Wilson                    By: /s/ Billy V. Houston
--------------------------------          -----------------------------------   
                                          Its: Billy V. Houston - CEO
                                              -------------------------------



                                       31
<PAGE>   32



                                  COMPASS BANK
                               SECURITY AGREEMENT


         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That

         WHEREAS, BOYD BROTHERS TRANSPORTATION COMPANY, INC., an Alabama
corporation ("DEBTOR") is, contemporaneously with the execution hereof, becoming
indebted to COMPASS BANK (the "BANK"), on loan in the principal amount of FIVE
MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($5,000,000.00), or so much thereof as may be
advanced under the Note as hereafter defined (the "LOAN"), as evidenced by a
Promissory Note of even date herewith and by additional Promissory Notes
executed subsequent to the date hereof, payable to Bank with interest thereon
and as provided therein (each a "NOTE" and collectively, the "NOTES"), and as
secured by a Credit and Security Agreement from Debtor to Bank (the "LOAN
AGREEMENT") and the other Loan Documents defined therein (the "LOAN DOCUMENTS");
and

         WHEREAS, Debtor may hereafter become indebted to Bank or a subsequent
holder of this Security Agreement on loans or otherwise (said Bank and any
subsequent holder of this Security Agreement being referred to herein as
"SECURED PARTY"); and

         WHEREAS, Debtor agrees to make this Security Agreement (the
"AGREEMENT") to further secure said Notes and any and all other future or
additional Liabilities of Debtor to Secured Party (said Liabilities, as defined
in paragraph 5, being referred to herein as "LIABILITIES").

         NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned Debtor, in consideration of making the
Loan, and to secure the prompt payment of same, with the interest thereon, and
any extensions, modifications, or renewals of same, and any and all Liabilities
of Debtor to Secured Party, and further to secure the performance of the
covenants, conditions, and agreements hereinafter set forth and set forth in the
Note, and as may be set forth in the Loan Agreement and other Loan Documents or
other instruments evidencing or securing other Liabilities of Debtor to Secured
Party, and further to secure any and all charges incurred by Secured Party on
account of Debtor, including but not limited to attorney's fees, does hereby
agree as follows:

         1. DEFINITIONS. All terms used herein which are defined in the Alabama
Uniform Commercial Code (the "CODE") shall have the same meaning herein as in
the Code unless otherwise indicated herein.

         2. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE. All of the terms and provisions of the
Note are hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth in full herein.


<PAGE>   33



         3. SECURITY INTERESTS. Debtor hereby grants to Secured Party title to
and a security interest in the Collateral described in paragraph 4 hereof to
secure the performance and payment of the Liabilities described in paragraph 5
hereof.

         4. COLLATERAL. As security for the payment and performance of all
Liabilities of the Debtor, Debtor grants Secured Party title to and a security
interest in the following described property of the Debtor (herein collectively
referred to as the "COLLATERAL"):

            4.01 EQUIPMENT. The items of personal property described on
         Exhibit "A" hereto and all equipment and other personal property of
         every nature whatsoever now or hereafter owned by the Debtor and
         purchased with the proceeds of the Loan, wheresoever the same may be
         located.

            4.02 PROCEEDS. Proceeds (including insurance, contract and tort
         claims) and products of all of the foregoing Collateral.

         5. LIABILITIES: "LIABILITIES" of Debtor, as used herein, shall mean:

            5.01 NOTES. The Notes, with interest as therein provided, and
         all extensions, modifications, or renewals thereof.

            5.02 OTHER INDEBTEDNESS. Any and all other obligations,
         indebtedness, and liabilities of the Debtor to the Secured Party,
         whether joint or several, due or to become due, liquidated or
         unliquidated, now existing or hereafter arising, absolute or
         contingent, direct or indirect, and all extensions, modifications, and
         renewals thereof, and whether incurred or given as maker, endorser,
         guarantor, surety, or otherwise. 

         6. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND COVENANTS. The Debtor hereby 
represents, warrants, and covenants as follows:

            6.01 NO ADVERSE LIENS. Except for any security interest
specifically set forth on an addendum attached hereto, and except for the
security interest granted hereby, the Debtor is or (with respect to Collateral
not presently owned by Debtor will be) the lawful owner of all Collateral free
from any adverse lien, security interest, or encumbrance, and shall have full
right to pledge, sell, assign, or transfer the same to Secured Party. Debtor
will defend the Collateral against all claims and demands of all persons at any
time claiming the same or any interest therein.




                                       2
<PAGE>   34



             6.02 FINANCING STATEMENTS. No financing statement covering any
      Collateral or any proceeds thereof is on file in any public office, except
      for financing statements specifically set forth on an addendum attached
      hereto, if any, and except for the financing statements executed by Debtor
      and Secured Party. At the Secured Party's request, the Debtor will join
      with Secured Party in executing one or more financing statements pursuant
      to the Code in form satisfactory to the Secured Party, and will pay the
      cost of filing the same in all public offices wherever filing is deemed by
      the Secured Party to be necessary or desirable. The Debtor authorizes the
      Secured Party to prepare and to file financing statements covering the
      Collateral signed only by the Secured Party and to sign the Debtor's
      signature to such financing statements in jurisdictions where Debtor's
      signature is required. The Debtor promises to pay the Secured Party the
      fees incurred in filing the financing statements, which fees shall become
      part of the Liabilities secured by this Agreement.

              6.03 INSPECTION OF COLLATERAL AND RECORDS. The Secured Party may
      examine and inspect the Collateral and records and documents related to
      the Collateral at any time, wherever located.

              6.04 ASSIGNMENT OR SALE. Debtor, its agents, servants, or
      employees will not sell, assign, or offer to sell or assign or otherwise
      transfer the Collateral, either in whole or in part, or any interest 
      therein without the written consent of the Secured Party.

              6.05 PAYMENT OF TAXES AND INSURANCE. Debtor will pay promptly all
      taxes and assessments upon or with respect to the Collateral. Debtor
      hereby authorizes Secured Party to discharge taxes, assessments, liens,
      security interests, or other encumbrances at any time levied or placed on
      the Collateral, to pay for any insurance on the Collateral required to be
      maintained by Debtor hereunder, and to pay for, make, or provide for any
      maintenance, repair, or preservation of the Collateral as the Secured
      Party shall deem reasonably necessary to preserve its interests; provided,
      however, that Secured Party shall be under no obligation to do so. Debtor
      agrees to reimburse Secured Party on demand with interest at the rate set
      forth in the Note for any payment made or any expense incurred by Secured
      Party pursuant to the foregoing authorization. Payments made or expenses
      incurred by Secured Party pursuant to the foregoing authorization shall be
      included in the Liabilities secured hereunder.





                                       3
<PAGE>   35



              6.06  ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS OF DEBTOR (COLLATERAL). With 
     respect to all of the Collateral:

                    6.06(a) Such Collateral is used or bought primarily for
              business purposes.

                    6.06(b) Such Collateral is being acquired with the proceeds 
              of the Note.

                    6.06(c) All such Collateral will be kept at the address of 
              Debtor shown below Debtor's signature. Debtor will promptly
              notify Secured Party of any change in the location of the
              Collateral. Except for transactions in the ordinary course of
              Debtor's trucking business, Debtor, its agents or employees will
              not remove such Collateral from said location without the prior
              written consent of the Secured Party.

                    6.06(d) If certificates of title are issued or outstanding
              with respect to such Collateral, the Debtor will cause the Secured
              Party's interest to be properly noted thereon.

                    6.06(e) Debtor has and will maintain insurance on such
              Collateral to the extent and against such hazards and liabilities
              as is commonly done by companies of like nature, similarly
              situated, including but not limited to public liability, theft,
              fire (with extended coverage) insurance, and in the case of motor
              vehicles, collision insurance, all containing such terms and for
              such periods as may be reasonably satisfactory to the Secured
              Party; provided, however, that Debtor may self-insure the
              Collateral against physical damage up to an aggregate of $500,000
              and provide insurance against catastrophic loss thereof in excess
              of such self-insurance amount. All such insurance will be
              maintained with insurance companies reasonably acceptable to the
              Secured Party and will be payable to the Secured Party and to the
              Debtor as their interests may appear. All insurance policies shall
              provide for a minimum of ten (10) days' written cancellation
              notice to the Secured Party and, at the Secured Party's request,
              all policies shall be delivered to and held by the Secured Party.
              If at any time the Secured Party is of the opinion that the
              Debtor's insurance coverage is inadequate, the Debtor will, within
              ten (10)




                                       4
<PAGE>   36



              days after written request by the Second Party, obtain such
              insurance as the Secured Party shall reasonably request. Secured
              Party is hereby made attorney-in-fact for Debtor to obtain,
              adjust, and settle, in its sole discretion, such insurance and to
              endorse any drafts or checks issued in connection with such
              insurance.

                      6.06(f) Debtor agrees to prevent and protect against any
              waste, damage, or destruction of such Collateral, and Debtor will
              maintain the same in as good condition as it now is in, ordinary
              and reasonable wear and tear excepted. 

              6.07 NAME OF DEBTOR. Debtor's name has always been as set forth on
      the first page of this Agreement, except as otherwise disclosed in writing
      to the Secured Party. Debtor will promptly advise the Secured Party in
      writing of any change in Debtor's name.

      7. SET OFF. The Secured Party is hereby given a continuing lien as
additional security for the Liabilities hereunder upon any and all monies,
securities, and other property of Debtor, and the proceeds thereof, now or
hereafter held or received by or in transit to the Secured Party from or for
Debtor, whether for safekeeping, custody, pledge, transmission, collection, or
otherwise, and also upon any and all deposit balances (general or special) and
credits of Debtor with, and any and all claims of Debtor against, the Secured
Party at any time existing, and upon an event of default hereunder, the Secured
Party may apply or set off the same against the Liabilities hereby secured.

      8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Debtor shall be in default under this Agreement upon
the happening of any of the following events or conditions which is not
completely cured within any specific time period provided in any Loan Document:

         8.01 Any Event of Default or failure to perform any obligation,
      covenant, or liability contained or referred to herein, in the Notes, the
      Loan Agreement, or any other Loan Document.

         8.02 Assignment, transfer, or encumbrance or any unreimbursed loss, 
      theft, damage or destruction to or of any part of the Collateral (except 
      for sales or encumbrances of Collateral expressly authorized by the terms 
      of this Agreement), or any levy, seizure, injunction, or attachment 
      thereon. 

      9. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT. Upon occurrence of any of the above
events of default, the Secured Party shall have the following rights which shall
be cumulative with all other rights and remedies of Secured Party:





                                       5
<PAGE>   37



              9.01    ACCELERATION AND OTHER RIGHTS. The right to declare all
      Liabilities secured hereby to be immediately due and payable without
      notice to or demand upon the Debtor or any other person. The Secured
      Party, in addition to any remedies it may exercise under this Security
      Agreement, the Note, under other documents executed in connection with the
      Liabilities secured hereby, or under applicable law, may immediately and
      without demand, exercise any and all of the rights of a secured party upon
      default under the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code, all of which shall be
      cumulative. Such rights shall include, without limitation:

                      9.01(a) The right to take possession of the Collateral
              without judicial process and to enter upon any premises where the
              Collateral may be located for the purposes of taking possession
              of, securing, removing, and/or disposing of the Collateral without
              interference from the Debtor and without any liability for rent,
              storage, utilities or other sums.

                      9.01(b) The right to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of
              any or all of the Collateral, whether in its then condition or
              after further processing or preparation, at public or private
              sale. Unless the Collateral is perishable or threatens to decline
              speedily in value or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized
              market, the Secured Party shall give the Debtor at least five (5)
              days' prior notice of the time and place of any public sale of the
              Collateral or of the time after which any private sale or other
              intended disposition of the Collateral is to be made, all of which
              the Debtor agrees shall be reasonable notice of any sale or
              disposition of the Collateral.

                      9.01(c) Upon request of Secured Party, Debtor shall
              assemble and make the Collateral available to Secured Party at a
              place reasonably convenient to Debtor and Secured Party.

              9.02    ATTORNEY-IN-FACT . To effectuate the rights and remedies 
      of the Secured Party upon default, Debtor does hereby irrevocably appoint
      Secured Party attorney-in-fact for the Debtor, with full power of
      substitution to, after default of Debtor, sign, execute, and deliver any
      and all instruments and documents and do all acts and things to the same
      extent as Debtor could do, and to sell, assign, and transfer any
      Collateral to Secured Party or any other party.




                                       6
<PAGE>   38



              9.03 RECEIVER. Secured Party shall have the right to apply for and
      have a receiver appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction, in
      connection with any action taken by the Secured Party to enforce its
      rights and remedies hereunder, to manage, protect, and preserve the
      Collateral and continue the business of the Debtor, to collect all
      revenues and profits thereof, and to apply the same to the payment of all
      expenses and other charges of such receivership, including but not limited
      to the compensation of the receiver, and to the payment of Liabilities
      secured hereby, until a sale or other disposition of such Collateral shall
      be finally made and consummated, or until all Liabilities secured hereby
      shall have been paid.

              9.04 PROCEEDS OF SALE; DEFICIENCY. The proceeds of any sale or
      other disposition of Collateral by the Secured Party shall be applied
      first to the expenses (including, but not limited to legal expenses and
      reasonable attorneys' fees) of retaking, holding, storing, and processing
      the Collateral and preparing the Collateral for sale, selling and the like
      and collecting or attempting to collect the Liabilities secured by this
      Agreement; then to the satisfaction of the Liabilities secured hereby with
      the application of such proceeds to particular Liabilities or to interest
      or principal as the Secured Party, in its sole discretion, shall
      determine; and the balance, if any, to be paid to Debtor or to be paid as
      otherwise provided by Law. The enumeration of the foregoing rights is not
      intended to be exhaustive, and the exercise of any right shall not
      preclude the exercise of any other rights, all of which shall be
      cumulative. Debtor agrees that any delay by the Secured Party in
      exercising any right or remedy hereby granted shall not be construed as a
      waiver by the Secured Party of any of its rights or remedies hereunder.
      Secured Party may permit the Debtor to remedy any default, but such shall
      not be a waiver of the default so remedied, and Secured Party's waiver of
      any default shall not be a waiver of any subsequent or prior defaults. 

      10. WAIVERS. In addition to any other waivers, as set forth herein or in 
the Note, against the Liabilities secured hereby, Debtor expressly waives, to
the extent allowed by law, all claims and rights to claim any exemptions allowed
or allowable under the Constitution or laws of the United States, the State of
Alabama, or any other jurisdiction. All rights and remedies of Secured Party
hereunder or with respect to Liabilities or Collateral shall be cumulative, and
in addition to any other right available to Secured Party by statute or at law
or in equity, and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. In the event that
any one or more of the terms or provisions of this Agreement or of the Note
shall be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the validity of the
remaining terms or provisions shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or
disturbed thereby.





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<PAGE>   39



      11. ASSIGNMENT OF LIABILITIES. If at any time or times by sale,
assignment, negotiation, pledge, or otherwise, Secured Party transfers any or
all of the Liabilities, such transfer shall, unless otherwise specified in
writing, carry with it Secured Party's rights and remedies under this Agreement
with respect to such Liabilities transferred, and the transferee shall become
vested with such rights and remedies whether or not they are specifically
referred to in the transfer. If and to the extent Secured Party retains any of
the Liabilities, Secured Party shall continue to have the rights and remedies
herein set forth with respect thereto.

      12. NOTICES. Any demand upon or notice to Debtor that the Secured Party
may elect to give shall be effective if hand delivered to Debtor, deposited in
the United States mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or delivered
to a telegraph company addressed to Debtor at the address shown below Debtor's
signature, or if Debtor has notified the Secured Party in writing of a change of
address, to Debtor's last address so notified. Demands or notices addressed to
Debtor's address at which the Secured Party customarily communicates with Debtor
shall also be effective.

      13. AGREEMENT UNDER SEAL. This Agreement is given under the seal of all
persons signing as and for the Debtor. It is intended by Debtor and all persons
signing for Debtor that this instrument is and shall constitute a sealed
instrument according to law.

      14. HEADINGS. The headings of the sections, paragraphs, and subdivisions
of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, are not to be
considered a part hereof, and shall not limit or otherwise affect any of the
terms hereof.

      15. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The provisions of this Agreement shall inure
to and bind not only the parties hereto, but also their respective heirs,
executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.

      16. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement, the Note, and the Loan Documents,
except as may otherwise be provided therein, shall be construed and governed,
and their validity determined, according to the laws of the State of Alabama.





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<PAGE>   40



      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Debtor and Secured Party have caused
this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered effective on the 28 day of
February ___, 1996.



                                       DEBTOR:

ATTEST:                                BOYD BROTHERS TRANSPORTATION 
                                       COMPANY, INC.


By: /s/ Gail Cooper                    By: /s/ Richard Bailey
--------------------------------          -----------------------------------   
   Its: Secretary                         Its: CFO
       -------------------------              -------------------------------

Debtor's address:  Route 1, Box 40
                   Clayton, Alabama 36016 



WITNESS:                               SECURED PARTY:

                                       COMPASS BANK

/s/ Jeanette Wilson                    By: /s/ Billy V. Houston
--------------------------------          -----------------------------------   
Mary Williams                             Its: Billy V. Houston - CEO
                                              -------------------------------

Secured Party's address: 223 E. Broad Street
                         Eufaula, Alabama 36027







                                       9
<PAGE>   41



STATE OF ALABAMA   )
COUNTY OF Barbour  )

              I, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said County in said
State, hereby certify that Richard Bailey, whose name as CFO of BOYD BROTHERS
TRANSPORTATION COMPANY, INC., an Alabama corporation, is signed to the foregoing
instrument, and who is known to me, acknowledged before me on this day that,
being informed of the contents of the above and foregoing instrument, he, as
such officer and with full authority, executed the same voluntarily for and as
the act of said corporation.

              Given under my hand and official seal of office this 28 day of
February, 1996.
                                       /s/ Elaine Gray
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Notary Public
[NOTARIAL SEAL]                        My commission expires: 4-27-98
                                                              -----------
STATE OF ALABAMA   )
COUNTY OF Barbour  )

              I, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said County in said
State, hereby certify that Billy V. Houston, whose name as CEO of COMPASS BANK,
an Alabama banking corporation, is signed to the foregoing instrument, and who
is known to me, acknowledged before me on this day that, being informed of the
contents of the above and foregoing instrument, he, as such officer and with
full authority, executed the same voluntarily for and as the act of said
corporation.

              Given under my hand and official seal of office this 28 day of
February, 1996.

                                       /s/ Jeanette Wilson
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Notary Public
[NOTARIAL SEAL]                        My commission expires: 7-23-96
                                                              -------






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