Layoffs continue across the freight and logistics industry, with companies in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan and Texas announcing job reductions and facility closures over the past two weeks.
Universal Logistics
Warren, Michigan-based Universal Logistics is laying off a total of 677 employees at two of its subsidiaries in Detroit, according to notices recently filed with the state.
The layoffs are at Logistics Insights Corp. and Universal Dedicated of Detroit, an auto parts warehousing and logistics facility.
Universal Dedicated of Detroit’s job cuts will affect 230 truck drivers who worked from the facility. Logistics Insights Corp.’s layoffs includes 164 warehouse workers, 212 forklift operators, 26 dockworkers and 45 clerical employees.
Universal Logistics (NASDAQ: ULH) is a truckload transportation, intermodal and logistics provider across the U.S, Mexico, Canada and Colombia. The company has more than 10,000 employees.
It did not provide a reason for the layoffs in state filings.
Officials for Universal Logistics said one facility in which both subsidiaries operate out of are being impacted by layoffs. However, both subsidiaries are still active operating entities of Universal Logistics Holdings Inc.
Swissport Cargo Services
Global cargo handler Swissport Cargo Services recently announced it is laying off 235 workers at a cargo handling operation in Atlanta.
The layoffs, which are related to losing a contract with e-commerce giant Amazon, are expected to be finalized by May 22.
“We’re always evaluating our operations to better serve our customers and have made the decision to change vendors at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport,” Sam Stephenson, Amazon spokesperson, told FreightWaves. “This will not impact customer deliveries in the Atlanta area.”
Amazon is working with incoming vendors to identify opportunities for impacted workers.
On Feb. 19, Swissport announced it was laying off 378 workers at a cargo handling operation at Newark Liberty International Airport. The job reduction was also related to losing a customer contract, officials said.
“Our customer has decided to change its service provider and to terminate the contract,” Swissport officials told FreightWaves. “To our great regret and as a result of this decision, all 378 Swissport employees at Newark airport will no longer be employed by Swissport.”
The Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) recently announced it is cutting over 230 jobs and permanently closing delivery hubs in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, as well as Miami.
The facilities operated as part of the Kroger Fulfillment Network, an e-commerce grocery delivery service for residential customers. The layoffs include 198 delivery drivers.
“Despite our best efforts, including the support from new customers, learnings from other locations, and the incredible work of our associates, these facilities did not meet the benchmarks we set for success,” Kroger officials said in a statement to the media.
The facilities will permanently close by the end of May.
RXO Logistics
Transportation solutions provider RXO (NYSE: RXO) recently announced it is laying off 114 employees at a facility in Warren, Michigan.
The layoffs are from RXO Managed Transport, a subsidiary operating at 29755 Chevrolet Road. Company officials did not give a reason for the layoffs in a notice filed with the state.
Officials for Charlotte, North Carolina-based RXO told Crain’s Detroit Business that the layoffs were related to the loss of a customer contract.
The layoffs are expected to be finalized by May 31.
Nosco Inc.
Packaging solutions provider Nosco Inc. is closing a facility in Carrollton, Texas, and laying off 51 workers.
Company officials said the facility’s closure is related to the relocation of some operations to company headquarters in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
The Carrollton facility will close permanently by Oct. 2.
Ryder Integrated Logistics
Ryder Integrated Logistics is laying off 29 workers from a trucking facility in Romeoville, Illinois.
The job cuts, which are scheduled to be finalized by April 30, are due to the loss of a customer, according to state filings.
Ryder Integrated Logistics is a subsidiary of Ryder System Inc. (NYSE: R), a Miami-based leasing, fleet management, transportation and supply chain solutions provider.
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Francis
@Bryan Saylor, Biden is not keeping us out of a recession. We are in one. Your side just changed the definition because you people are dumdums
kate
When are people going to realize they ALL play for the same team – and it’s not the peoples’ team???
Nadia Obregon
All I know from being an owner my self is that we are all indeed down sizing majorly right now ! The simple truth is there is no freight and too many drivers ?! This has never been a problem in our industry until Bidens go green push that has and keep inflating ! Just look at our gas prices again today higher again ??? What the heck ? Bidens administration wants all of us to go bust ! This overhead is insane and getting worse not better ! We need change and now not 8 months from now !
Sean
This just shows that supply side economics thinking is wrong. Demand rules and supply drools. Demand side economics thinking is better.
jackie
how’s Bidenomics working out now with layoffs around the states n prices of food going up. How’s the economy going strong as Biden claims it to be..lol
Bryan Saylor
That’s short sighted thinking I meant dang typos! Well Johnny it’s possible I pulled the political trigger too soon there or I’m on the wrong thread altogether Lol.
johnny freight
@Bryan Saylor – Nobody even mentioned politics lol. You brought up Biden/Trump. Sounds like someone has a case of TDS.
Bryan Saylor
Hey Bobby do you honestly believe big Orange could’ve done a better job steering us out of the COVID economic nightmare with his non existent government experience and short sighting thinking. Better than Biden? Sure Biden’s energy and border policies suck but you’ve gotta give credit to the guy for keeping us out of a full on recession that was utilized from years of experience and knowledge of how the economy works. You think a sleazy hotel / casino operator could’ve done a better job I think not my friend. It truly is sad to see so many people in our country become brainwashed by big Orange it’s just sad especially since he constantly lies to his supporters who give him their hearts and souls. Someday you’re going to realize the one thing big Orange has ever really cared about..the only thing.. is big Orange!
Peace out