A Maine trucking company is closing in long-haul trucking operation because it’s been unable to recruit additional owner-operators.

Auburn, Maine-based Bisson Transportation is shutting down its long-haul operation and truck center, laying off mechanics and office workers, according to a story in the Auburn Sun Journal. The carrier has been operating with 38 owner-operators, who will need to find other positions. The company’s website said it had 70 contractors at one time.

Bisson President Bob Cooper said the company would need about 60 operators to be “reasonably profitable.” 

Cooper said he had heard from competitors looking to hire Bisson’s truck drivers and mechanics.

“We are a relatively small company and we can’t offer the sorts of bonuses and other incentives that some of the big national companies are offering to hire these guys,” Cooper said.

Bisson also owns Bisson Moving & Storage, Bisson Document Security and Bisson-I&R Commercial Services, which handles office moving and office furniture installation. Those divisions will remain open. Bisson also offers freight brokerage, yard services for Maine paper mills and shuttle hauling between Maine paper mills and warehouses. Those operations are doing well, Cooper said.