Continued Job Cuts in the Freight Sector
Recent layoffs are profoundly affecting the freight industry, with businesses across the U.S. and Mexico announcing a total of 8,794 job cuts in recent weeks.
Affected Sectors
These workforce reductions are primarily attributed to companies in sectors including trucking, warehousing, logistics, food supply, and manufacturing.
Major Layoff Announcements in the U.S.
In the United States, several notable companies have reported mass layoffs. These include Lacroix Electronics, FedEx, Frito-Lay, Blue Diamond Growers, Michaels Stores, Kohl’s, Target, JCPenney, Bilfinger Inc., Globe Motors, and Geodis Inc., based on media coverage and Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act filings.
States Most Affected
The states experiencing the highest number of freight-related layoffs include Arizona, Alabama, California, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas.
Significant Layoff Announcements in Mexico
In Mexico, freight-related businesses are also facing substantial workforce reductions. Steel product manufacturers Arcomex and Schneider Electric are reportedly laying off nearly 1,000 workers in factories located in Queretaro and Tlaxcala, as reported by El Sol De Tlaxcala.
Company Closures and Job Losses
Tire manufacturer Michelin has also declared the closure of a plant in Queretaro, resulting in the loss of 480 jobs, according to Reuters.
Summary of Recent Layoffs
| Company | City | Type | Reason | Layoff Date | Number of Layoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacroix Electronics | Grand Rapids, Michigan; El Paso, Texas; Juarez, Mexico | Electronics manufacturer | Closure of plants | June | 1,250 |
| Pixelle Specialty Solutions | Chillicothe, Ohio | Specialty papers | Restructuring | Aug. | 780 |
| Kohl’s | Middletown, Ohio | Retailer | Closure of e-fulfillment center | Sept. | 768 |
| Blue Diamond Growers | Sacramento, California | Almond growers | Closure of operations | Sept. | 632 |
| Michelin | Querétaro, Mexico | Tire manufacturer | Plant closure | Dec. | 480 |
| Frito-Lay | Rancho Cucamonga, California | Food and beverage | Facility closure | June | 432 |
