Hundreds of Workers Face Job Loss as Transportation Contractor Shuts Florida Terminals Amid Crisis

Tampa, FL – Midwest Transport, Inc., a major transportation contractor for the United States Postal Service (USPS), is closing two of its Florida facilities, leading to the layoff of more than 500 employees as the trucking industry faces continued turbulence.

The company, known for its large-scale postal logistics operations, will shut down its terminals in Tampa and Jacksonville, impacting truck drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and support staff. According to a notice filed under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, Midwest Transport cited an unexpected financial strain as the cause of the closures. The layoffs, which will also extend to other states, including Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, are set to affect 504 workers overall.

The trucking industry has been reeling in recent years, with thousands of companies forced to close shop. Midwest Transport's shutdown follows a wider trend in the sector, where over 80,000 trucking businesses shuttered in 2023, according to industry data. The ripple effects continued into 2024, with multiple companies filing for bankruptcy throughout the summer.

Despite being one of USPS’s largest contractors, Midwest Transport's troubles underscore the mounting pressures on transportation firms, especially those dealing with high operational costs and fluctuating demand. The company employs a workforce of around 600 and manages a fleet of over 450 trucks. But for many, the working conditions were far from ideal, with some former employees describing equipment and management issues.

One former worker from Tampa, who spoke anonymously, said: "The equipment was barely kept up, and a lot of drivers were frustrated. It’s not surprising they’re shutting down, but it’s still tough for everyone involved."

Adding to the company’s legal woes, a former Tampa-based employee, Anthony Ballog, has filed a lawsuit against Midwest Transport, accusing the company of violating the WARN Act by failing to provide the required 60-day notice for mass layoffs. The company, however, claims it was unable to give advance notice due to sudden financial demands from a key creditor.

The layoffs come as another blow to Florida’s trucking sector, where multiple companies have collapsed under the weight of economic challenges. As more transportation firms struggle to stay afloat, the industry is bracing for further disruptions and potential job losses in the months ahead.

Midwest Transport’s closure marks yet another chapter in the ongoing turmoil for logistics companies navigating an increasingly difficult market.