FreightWaves reported on August 19, 2026 that more than 7,000 jobs are affected by a fresh round of layoffs and facility closures across United States freight, warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing networks. The publication tracked 21 companies and counted more than 15 affected states.
Several actions fall in the Southeast. Ryder is closing an operation on Gillespie Street in Fayetteville, North Carolina, cutting 73 positions effective October 12, though the company said it will keep working in the area while another logistics provider assumes the site. Daimler Truck plans to shift truck manufacturing from Portland, Oregon to plants in North Carolina and South Carolina before year end, a move affecting roughly 375 workers in Oregon. Carlex Glass America will permanently close its Vonore, Tennessee plant, cutting 325 jobs starting September 7 as production moves toward Nashville. Wholesale distributor Essendant filed WARN notices covering more than 1,200 employees in six states, including 192 in Georgia and 136 in Texas, with reductions beginning October 3. Dylan Logistics filed notices covering 167 employees at sites in Lewisville and Fort Worth, Texas.
The largest single reduction came from Tyson Foods, which is reportedly eliminating more than 3,000 positions while closing plants in Illinois and Utah and consolidating beef operations toward Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. FedEx is cutting 173 parcel jobs in Southern California under its Network 2.0 consolidation. CJ Logistics America, Saddle Creek, and Postal Center International also reported cuts. FreightWaves noted that facility closures redirect freight volumes and alter trucking lanes even when carriers are not the employers making the reductions.
Source: FreightWaves - https://www.freightwaves.com/news/freight-distress-report-more-than-7000-jobs-cut-in-new-wave-of-closures