
Trucking companies have been facing significant challenges in recent years, leading to a rise in bankruptcies. According to the article, between 2019 and 2020, the number of trucking company bankruptcies increased by 25%.
This surge in bankruptcies can be attributed to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains and led to a decline in demand for trucking services. The pandemic caused a significant decrease in the number of goods being transported, resulting in a sharp decline in revenue for many trucking companies.
Many trucking companies were already struggling financially before the pandemic, with high debt levels and decreasing profit margins. The pandemic simply accelerated this decline, making it difficult for some companies to stay afloat.
The statistics on trucking company bankruptcies are alarming, with over 100 trucking companies filing for bankruptcy in 2020 alone. This number is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the trucking industry.
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Recent Trucking Company Bankruptcies
Recent trucking company bankruptcies are on the rise, with several firms filing for Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. Two Miami-based trucking companies, A1 Transport Network and AB Brothers USA, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
In total, at least five freight-related companies in California, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and Texas have laid off a total of 1,234 employees. This is just a small part of the larger issue, as firms in the U.S. have announced supply chain-related layoffs totaling 9,746 workers since the beginning of September.
A 92-year-old trucking company, Arnold Transportation Services of Grand Prairie, Texas, ceased operations and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation.
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Reports: Michigan Halts Operations
Equity Transportation, a 51-year-old Michigan trucking company, has halted its operations. This is a stark reminder that even long-established carriers are not immune to the economic downturn.
The company's closure is a significant blow to the freight market, highlighting the challenges faced by trucking companies across the US. This is not an isolated incident, as other trucking companies have also been affected by the economic downturn.
The sudden halt in operations leaves many truck drivers and employees without a job or pay. This is a harsh reality that many workers face when a company ceases operations suddenly.
Consolidated — 8,840 Drivers
Consolidated Freightways, a trucking company, had a massive impact on the industry when it ceased operations in September 2002, leaving over 7,000 trucks in its fleet idle. It was the nation's third-biggest less-than-truckload carrier at the time.
The company's demise was a result of increased competition and deregulation in the industry. This is similar to what happened with Transcon Lines, which also filed for bankruptcy in 1990 due to increased competition.
Transcon Lines, which was the 12th largest motor carrier in the US at the time, laid off most of its 3,000 truck drivers in May 1990. The company ended the year with a loss of about $31.6 million.
The trucking industry has experienced a significant number of bankruptcies and layoffs in recent years, with over 9,746 workers laid off since September. This includes companies like Celadon Group, which declared bankruptcy in December and left 2,880 drivers unemployed.
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Indiana Seeks Financing
An Indiana trucking company has filed for bankruptcy protection and is seeking a financing deal with a factoring company to continue operations.
This financing deal is considered critical to the company's survival, highlighting the importance of alternative financing options for struggling trucking companies.
The factoring company provides services that help trucking companies manage cash flow and stay afloat during difficult times.
In this case, the Indiana trucking company is counting on the financing deal to keep its business running.
Factors That Contribute
Economic downturns and market volatility can be a major contributor to bankruptcy in the trucking industry. The COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and elections have made economic forecasts unpredictable, making it essential to plan for the good and the bad.
Rising fuel costs and operating expenses are another significant factor. The American Trucking Research Institute reported that the cost of trucking increased to $1.855 per mile in 2021 and is expected to reach $1.88 by the end of 2023. This can consume a business if not managed carefully.
Regulatory changes and compliance issues can also lead to financial strain. There are at least 10 unique compliance laws that every trucking company needs to understand to avoid hefty fines. Compliance is a challenge for small businesses, and failure to comply can damage a company's reputation.
Inefficient operations and mismanaged finances can quickly lead to debt and financial difficulties. High overhead costs can take a toll on a business, and mismanaged finances can wear a business down over time.
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Types of
Bankruptcy for trucking companies can be a complex and stressful process, but understanding the types of bankruptcy available can help navigate the situation.
There are two types of bankruptcy for trucking companies: Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows a business to liquidate its assets and pay off debts to creditors, but it can have long-term consequences for the business.
Bankruptcy doesn't always mean closing your doors and shuttering your business, as it can provide alternatives in times of struggle.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy, on the other hand, allows a business to reorganize its debts and create a plan to pay off creditors over time, potentially saving the business from liquidation.
Yellow Transportation Issues
Yellow's bankruptcy plan has hit a roadblock, with its final plan not garnering the needed support from creditors.
A competing plan from the estate's unsecured creditors is now on the table, which could potentially change the course of Yellow's bankruptcy proceedings.
This competing plan is worth $550M-plus, a significant amount that could impact Yellow's future.
The details of Yellow's new bankruptcy plan have been revealed, but the company's largest shareholder may not be on board with the final distributions to creditors.
Yellow's New Plan Revealed
Yellow Corp.'s new bankruptcy plan has been revealed, but the next steps are still uncertain. This plan outlines the final distributions to Yellow Corp.'s creditors.
The details around these final distributions are now out, giving creditors a clearer picture of what to expect.
Yellow Corp.'s largest shareholder may not be on board with the plan, which could lead to further complications and uncertainty.
Yellow Creditors Battle Over Massive Carcass Heats Up
The battle between Yellow's creditors is getting intense. Yellow's final bankruptcy plan didn't get the support it needed, and now a competing plan from the estate's unsecured creditors is in the mix.
The stakes are high, with over $550 million at play. This is a massive carcass that creditors are fighting over.
The competing plan from the unsecured creditors is looking to take control of the situation. They're not happy with Yellow's final bankruptcy plan and are pushing for an alternative.
The outcome of this battle will have a significant impact on the creditors involved. It's a critical moment in the Yellow Transportation saga.
Teamsters' Claims Against Yellow Fall Short
The Teamsters' claims against Yellow Transportation didn't quite go as planned. A federal bankruptcy court in Delaware sided with Yellow's rationale for shortening the layoff notification period to union employees.
The court's decision was a significant blow to the Teamsters, who had argued that Yellow was not meeting the necessary requirements for WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) claims.
Yellow's strategy to shorten the layoff notification period was deemed valid by the court. This means that the company can provide less notice to union employees before implementing layoffs.
The outcome of this case has significant implications for labor unions and companies like Yellow Transportation. It sets a precedent for how bankruptcy courts view WARN claims in the future.
Nikola and Other Companies
Nikola's financial struggles are a stark reminder of the challenges facing the industry. Recent filings estimate Nikola's liabilities range from $1 billion to $10 billion.
Their assets are valued between $500 million and $1 billion, a significant disparity that highlights the company's financial woes.

The writing was on the wall for Nikola, and it's a cautionary tale for other companies in the industry.
The bankruptcy of Nikola and other companies serves as a reminder that even the most promising ventures can falter.
Their financial struggles are a testament to the importance of careful financial planning and management.
Mass Layoffs and Closures
Mass layoffs and closures are a harsh reality for many trucking companies facing bankruptcy. American Freight laid off 19 top executives after its parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November.
The impact on drivers is significant, with some companies laying off hundreds of employees. A California-based less-than-truckload carrier ceased operations, leaving over 200 truck drivers, warehouse workers, and office personnel without jobs or paychecks.
In some cases, entire fleets are being shut down, leaving drivers without a livelihood. Refrigerated carrier A&A Express closed its South Dakota facility, cutting 111 jobs, including 85 truck drivers.
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Mass Layoffs
A staggering 1,234 employees have been laid off by freight-related companies in California, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and Texas.
The Illinois trucking company that recently laid off most of its company drivers cited "current market conditions" as the reason for the terminations.
Over 200 truck drivers, warehouse workers, and office personnel lost their jobs when a California-based less-than-truckload carrier ceased operations.
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, a truck brokerage giant, laid off around 80 members of its remaining 150 sales representatives in the U.S.
The number of layoffs in the freight industry is alarming, with companies in California, Florida, Ohio, and Texas laying off a total of 218 employees.
The largest ever bankruptcy filing in the trucking industry was possibly that of Consolidated Freightways, which had over 7,000 trucks in its fleet at the time of its demise.
Freight-related companies are struggling to stay afloat due to capacity oversupply and underwhelming demand for trucks, as seen in the case of Pride Group's bankruptcy filing.
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Florida Shuts Down Fleets, Lays Off 57 Employees
Florida-based Raven Transport is shutting down its over-the-road and dedicated fleets and laying off 83 employees, including 57 drivers. This is a stark reminder of the struggles many trucking companies are facing in today's volatile economy.
The layoffs and closures in the trucking industry are a symptom of a larger problem. Companies are having to navigate complex market conditions, making it essential to choose a factoring partner that can offer the financial support and expertise needed to stay afloat.
In some cases, mismanagement by new owners or executives has led to the collapse of trucking companies. For example, former Tony's Express employees and truck drivers say financial mismanagement by new owner John Ohle led to the trucking company's collapse.
The impact of these closures and layoffs can be far-reaching, affecting not only the employees but also the entire trucking industry. The decision to liquidate trucking giant Pride Group could have ripple effects across the industry, an industry observer says.
In the midst of these challenges, it's essential for companies to explore all possible options to restructure and stay operational. Celadon Group, for instance, diligently explored all possible options to restructure, but ultimately declared bankruptcy due to legacy and market headwinds.
US Freight Companies in Trouble
C & C Freight Network, Best Choice Trucking, and Best Logistics Inc. each filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday.
Freight-related companies in California, Florida, Ohio, and Texas are laying off a total of 218 employees, a significant blow to the industry.
A 92-year-old Texas trucking company, Arnold Transportation Services, ceased operations and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation, bringing an end to nearly a century of service.
Firms in the U.S. have announced supply chain-related layoffs totaling 9,746 workers since the beginning of September, a staggering number that highlights the struggles of the industry.
A Texas trucking company and its affiliated companies have shuttered operations and filed for bankruptcy liquidation, citing serious financial conditions as the main reason.
US Logistics Updates
Across the US, several freight companies are facing financial difficulties. C & C Freight Network, Best Choice Trucking, and Best Logistics Inc. each filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday.
The logistics industry is feeling the strain of a tough market. A California logistics company filed for bankruptcy protection, citing the loss of its largest "anchor" customers as a major reason.
In Texas, two trucking companies are shutting down operations. Texas-based U.S. Logistics Solutions filed for Chapter 7, stating that its lender pulled the plug on its funding. A Texas trucking company and its affiliated companies have also filed for bankruptcy liquidation, citing serious financial conditions.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation is a more serious step than Chapter 11, which allows companies to reorganize and continue operating. The loss of funding is a significant blow to any business, and it's unclear how these companies will recover.
US Firms Hit
Trucking and logistics bankruptcies have been reported across the US, with companies like C & C Freight Network, Best Choice Trucking, and Best Logistics Inc. filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
In California, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and Texas, freight-related companies are laying off a total of 1,234 employees, leaving many workers without jobs.
A 92-year-old Texas trucking company, Arnold Transportation Services, has ceased operations and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation, marking the end of an era.
Two Miami-based trucking companies, A1 Transport Network and AB Brothers USA, have also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, adding to the growing list of struggling freight companies.
A Texas logistics company, U.S. Logistics Solutions, has abruptly ceased operations, leaving about 2,000 workers without pay or jobs.
The economic downturn has hit even long-established carriers, with Equity Transportation, a 51-year-old Michigan trucking company, reportedly halting operations due to financial difficulties.
In addition to these closures, freight-related companies in California, Florida, Ohio, and Texas have laid off a total of 218 employees, further exacerbating the issue.
Brokerage Halts Operations Blames AB5
More than 4,500 freight-related layoffs have been slated for firms nationwide since the beginning of September. Firms have announced supply chain-related layoffs totaling 9,746 workers.
Trucking and logistics bankruptcies have been reported across the US. C & C Freight Network, Best Choice Trucking, and Best Logistics Inc. each filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday.
A 92-year-old Texas trucking company, Arnold Transportation Services, ceased operations and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation. The company was a well-established business in the state.
In California, a family-owned trucking company and brokerage, California Intermodal Associates Inc., is ceasing operations after nearly 25 years. The company blames the state's independent contractor law, AB5, for its demise.
An Illinois-based trucking and logistics company, which contracted with the US Postal Service to haul mail, ceased operations abruptly Thursday. The company had more than 480 drivers.
Texas-based U.S. Logistics Solutions filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, stating that its lender pulled the plug on its funding. This forced the company to shutter operations and leave 2,000 workers without pay.
Bankruptcies and Closures Statistics
A total of at least three trucking companies have filed for bankruptcy liquidation in recent times.
Two of these companies are based in California, with one hauling intermodal containers out of the Port of Oakland and the other shuttering operations in November after its operating authority was revoked.
One Illinois-based trucking company has also filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation, hauling a variety of goods including general freight, liquids, and gases.
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Shuttered

Shuttered trucking companies have been making headlines lately. A shuttered Illinois-based trucking company that once hauled general freight, liquids, and gases, beverages, and paper products recently filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation.
The decision to liquidate a trucking company can have ripple effects across the industry, as seen with the Pride Group closing. A shuttered California-based trucking company that once pulled intermodal containers out of the Port of Oakland has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation.
In some cases, trucking companies shut down operations due to involuntary revocation of their operating authority. A California-based trucking company, which shuttered operations in November after its operating authority was involuntarily revoked, recently filed for bankruptcy liquidation.
The number of jobs lost can be significant, as seen with A&A Express. The refrigerated carrier closed its Brandon, South Dakota, facility, laying off 111 employees, including 85 truck drivers.
A Second Chance in Business
Bankruptcy is not the end of the road for a business, as shown by Pacific 9 Transportation, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2016 and was back on track with over 100 drivers by 2021.

Experience shows that it is possible to come back from bankruptcy with a successful business, especially if mistakes from the past are corrected.
Financial and operational restructuring is key to turning your company around after bankruptcy. Hiring an accountant or implementing accounting software can help keep your business on track.
Negotiating with creditors and suppliers is also crucial. An attorney can negotiate rates and payment plans with creditors so payments are made on time and in full every month.
Improving fleet efficiency and maintenance can help cut costs and increase profitability. Keeping fuel consumption, truck maintenance, time management, and fraud protection front and center will directly affect your bottom line.
Embracing technology and automation can also help. Use technology to your advantage by upgrading your Transportation Management Systems (TMS), utilizing load boards more effectively, or even the technology you use to track your expenses.
Here are some key strategies to turning your company around after bankruptcy:
- Financial and operational restructuring
- Negotiating with creditors and suppliers
- Improving fleet efficiency and maintenance
- Embracing technology and automation
Protecting Owner-Operators

Non-recourse factoring can protect owner-operators from customer bankruptcy. This means that if a customer files for bankruptcy, the factoring company won't ask the owner-operator to pay back the funds advanced on invoices.
Non-recourse factoring requires credit approval, so it may not be available to all businesses. Credit approval can be a hurdle for some owner-operators.
Nikola for Protection
Nikola, a Phoenix-based manufacturer of zero-emissions trucks, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
This move is a sign that even companies with innovative products can struggle financially. Nikola will pursue an auction and sale process for its assets as it grapples with ongoing financial difficulties.
The company is considering a possible sale or partnership as it attempts to raise capital to stay afloat. This is a common strategy for companies in financial trouble.
Nikola's situation serves as a reminder that even with a good product, financial difficulties can still arise.
Protecting Owner-Operators
Non-recourse factoring protects you from customer bankruptcy, which can be devastating for a small business.

This means that if your customer files for bankruptcy, you are not responsible for paying back the factoring company for the funds advanced on invoices that they have purchased from you.
Non-recourse factoring is a major advantage and one of the main reasons why many businesses choose to use it.
It requires credit approval, so it may not be available to all businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trucking companies have gone out of business in the last year?
According to recent data, approximately 98,000 trucking companies and carriers have ceased operating in the last two years. This significant decline has left the industry with a substantial loss of capacity and market share.
What trucking company is filing Chapter 11?
Kal Freight and several other major trucking companies, including Star Transportation, Mighty Move Transportation, and Sunset Logistics, have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2024. This move aims to restructure their finances and stay in business.
Sources
- https://www.freightwaves.com/news/category/news/business/layoffs-and-bankruptcies
- https://www.financierworldwide.com/fw-news/2024/12/10/trucking-company-kal-feight-files-for-chapter-11
- https://truckstop.com/blog/navigating-bankruptcy-for-trucking-companies/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/10-largest-trucking-bankruptcies-in-recent-history-2019-12
- https://www.rivierafinance.com/finance-blog/trucking-industry-bankruptcies-and-revenue-instability/
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