A third-generation family-owned trucking company and brokerage — Certified Freight Logistics, headquartered in Santa Maria, California — is ceasing operations on Saturday after 95 years.
Scott Cramer, president of Certified Freight Logistics (CFL), said he notified employees on Aug. 22 that the trucking company and freight brokerage, which employs 157 workers, including 101 linehaul and local truck drivers, would begin layoffs on Saturday with the wind down of the company concluding on or about Nov. 18.
CFL, which hauled refrigerated food and fresh produce for major retailers throughout the western U.S., also filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notification in August with the California Employment Development Department of the company’s impending closure.
Cramer told FreightWaves he is working with truck dealers about early lease terminations, adding that the “current freight conditions have been pretty difficult.”
“Management has been attempting to maintain profitable operations but current market conditions have made it difficult to operate without a loss,” said Cramer in a statement to FreightWaves. “Pandemic volume demand, equipment availability issues, increased costs followed by falling freight rates and reduced volume put us in a place to have to make this difficult decision.”
Cramer said the company has arranged transition services for its employees, including many who have been with the company for more than 20 years.
Besides closing its headquarters in Santa Maria, CFL will close its yards in Stockton, California, and Sumner, Washington.
“The company delayed any decision for some time while trying to resolve the fundamental operating issues and is no longer able to viably operate,” Cramer said.
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Kelvin Torrence
Cally just sucks now more then ever,I lived out there in the 90s,and would not waste piss on that socalled state,ab5,high fuel taxes,bad outbound freight, why would any 1 want to do business out there,ab5 was about uber lytf drivers not about truckers,but some how we got put in thar crap
Scott
Everyone likes to blame California for everything, it’s easy. As a state, we do have some issues. That said, it’s also a state with huge opportunity. Really can’t say why this company decided to close down without doing an indepth review of the financials.
Hopefully, the employees are able to find new opportunities, I’ve been there, worked 20 years for a company that went out of business, it hurt, made me realize that your always self employed, even when working for someone. Your skills are your self employed product. Keep working on your skills, keep improving your knowledge and skill base and you’ll usually be able to earn a good living. Best of luck to those effected
Cori
California state taxes, highway patrol fees and AB5 bill are driving good companies and good truck drivers to leave the state. Plus out of state companies do not want to higher california drivers because of all the tape
A Plus Mobile Maintenance
A Plus Mobile Maintenance has had the distinct privilege of serving Certified Freight Logistics for a decade and a half, and it has been an absolute pleasure to do so. Our partnership has been marked by trust, reliability, and a shared commitment to excellence.
It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the decision to conclude the operations of Certified Freight Logistics. Certified Freight Logistics has been a shining example of integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to the highest standards. Seeing such a stand-up and well-run company come to an end is a poignant moment.
Christopher~
James Dasilva
It is so sad to see another American family business fold, It has become a American hobby for America to help others around the world as WE ALL FAIL RIGHT HERE FOR OUR OWN .
Erl
It’s sad to see this happen to anyone or number of people.
However it is good the owner did this the right way rather than doing like so many in the past distant and recently that just shuttered all operations overnight with no warnings.
JustanotherOTR_O/O
I stopped running anywhere near California, between the fuel prices and the hostile traffic it’s not a good place to be anymore. The main reason I stopped is you can’t get out of California at a rate that even covers fuel, the Hindu brokers have taken over, they own the trucks, the produce sheds and the California outbound industry and you aren’t one of them, you aren’t getting the frieght. If you think this sounds racist, you’re right it is, and will continue to be. You can also blame the rush on used trucks that drove prices so high, now all these guys with huge truck payments are hauling anything they can to slow their going out of business, that will take care of itself in the long run, but in the mean time brokers are enjoying the ability to move loads at rates that don’t even pay the fuel.
mev
Bidenomics is a complete disaster while he spends recklessly. Restore American energy independence and remove traitor joe from office along with the rest of his corrupt administration. Powell and Yellen are clueless on economics. Yellen give 3.5B to Iran before the 6B was unfrozen. traitors.