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                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                          Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-3 Nos. 333-88568, 333-31414, and 333-34411); the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-85606) pertaining to the 1995 Stock Option Plan, the 1996
Director Stock Option Plan, the 2000 Stock Option Plan, and certain
1999/2000/2001 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements; the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-40230) pertaining to the 2000 Stock Option Plan; and the
Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-30228 and 333-06269) pertaining to
the 1996 Director Stock Option Plan and the 1995 Stock Option Plan, of our
report dated October 8, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Velocity Express Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended June 28, 2003.

                                            /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                            Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
October 8, 2003

