A 44-year-old, family-owned refrigerated carrier based in Florida is closing.
Jimmy Davis, owner of Starke, Florida-based Davis Express, Inc. Wednesday announced in a Facebook post the company would cease deliveries April 23. Davis blamed rising costs coupled with lowered rates as part of the reason for closing the company.
Davis said the company has not been profitable for several years.
He also cited the increase in potential lawsuits as part of the reason for the closing.
Davis employs 140 drivers and has 160 power units, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's SAFER website. It delivers refrigerated goods across the Southeast.
"After 50 years in the trucking industry, I am ready to retire and do not wish to wait any longer for things to improve or to try to find a buyer for the company," said Davis.
He said drivers will return all trucks and trailers to the company's Starke terminal by the end of the month. Mechanics will mechanics and operate the company's maintenance shop as the company prepares equipment to be sold.
