A 93-year-old California-based reefer carrier is the latest trucking company to cease operations.
Santa Maria-based Certified Freight Logistics notified employees Aug. 22 it was closing, and ceased operations Oct. 21. The company told the Pacific Coast Business Times it would complete its shutdown Nov. 18.
CFL employed 120 truck drivers and operated 112 trucks, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s SAFER website. It had the majority of its operations at its headquarters in Santa Maria about 150 miles northwest of Los Angles.
The company specialized in hauling fresh produce.
"We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our employees, clients, and partners past and present. for a wonderful 93 years of business," the company posted on its website with a collection of photographs.
CFL's demise comes as the trucking industry suffers through a period of increasing costs, declining rates, and a decrease in freight volume.
J.B. Hunt awards scholarships
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. recently announced it awarded scholarships to 100 new recipients of the J.B. Hunt Scholarship for Families program. Since launching the program in 2022, J.B. Hunt has provided a total of $687,500 in educational financial assistance for the families of J.B. Hunt employees.
Based on the success of the first two years, J.B. Hunt said it will renew the program in 2024, with applications expected to open in the first quarter of next year. The scholarships provide $2,500 in financial aid each school year and are renewable for up to four years.
In the second year of the program, J.B. Hunt awarded a total of $437,500 in new and renewed scholarships. This year’s class of recipients represents more than 50 locations throughout the country.
"We really love this program because it provides an opportunity to help our employees support the dreams of their children and grandchildren,” said Brad Hicks, president of highway services and executive vice president of people at J.B. Hunt. "We are very proud of this year's class and excited to see the future they create as part of the J.B. Hunt family."
ICYMI
Traffic congestion cost trucking industry $94.6 billion in 2021
Part of I-94 in Detroit closed this weekend for bridge demolition
Driver Poll: Do you think the trucking industry should make more efforts to recruit younger drivers?
