Layoffs and facility closures spread across US freight, distribution, and manufacturing networks in August 2026, with more than 7,000 jobs affected by recently announced workforce reductions. FreightWaves tracked 21 companies in its latest distress report, including Tyson Foods, FedEx, Ryder, CJ Logistics America, and Daimler Truck.
The largest single reduction came from Tyson Foods, which is eliminating more than 3,000 positions as it closes plants in Joslin, Illinois, and Eagle Mountain, Utah. The company said it is shifting beef operations toward Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas in response to a cattle shortage.
Wholesale distributor Essendant produced the largest freight and logistics cut, warning of reductions affecting more than 1,200 employees across six states. WARN notices filed by the company show roughly 644 jobs affected in Illinois, 192 in Georgia, 150 in Pennsylvania, 136 in Texas, 103 in California, and 53 in Arizona. Those reductions are scheduled to begin October 3. Essendant has warned that it could cease operations and liquidate if it cannot secure additional capital or find a buyer.
Postal Center International is eliminating about 457 positions across Florida, Texas, and Massachusetts, including 181 at its Weston, Florida, headquarters, 164 in San Antonio, and 112 in Franklin, Massachusetts. The affected roles include delivery drivers, barcode sweepers, supervisors, and managers. FedEx is cutting 173 jobs across three Southern California operations under its Network 2.0 redesign.
FreightWaves counted approximately 7,058 confirmed jobs affected, with another 115 positions at risk, across at least 15 states.
Source: FreightWaves - https://www.freightwaves.com/news/freight-distress-report-more-than-7000-jobs-cut-in-new-wave-of-closures