Big Carriers Falling: What’s Going On and Why It Matters to You
The freight market is shifting fast and not in a good way for a lot of fleets. Rates are soft, fuel and insurance are high, and more major carriers are closing their doors across the United States, Canada, and even overseas. The reality is simple: too much capacity, not enough freight, and not enough margin to keep big iron moving.
Major U.S. carrier shutdowns
Montgomery Transport in Alabama operated around 450 tractors and 800 employees. The company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October 2025 and shut down immediately.
Carroll Fulmer Logistics in Florida ran about 400 trucks and 1,700 trailers. It ceased operations in late July 2025 after more than 70 years in business.
TGS Transportation in California closed at the end of July 2025 after 40 years in the port drayage and logistics sector, operating about 150 trucks.
Epic Lightning Fast Service in California issued a WARN notice for 116 layoffs and permanently closed on October 31, 2025.
GSC Enterprises in California, a Port of Oakland drayage and warehouse operator, closed in July 2025, affecting roughly 200 employees.
Recent Canadian closures and enforcement
Panjaab Transport in Ontario operated about 30 to 35 trucks and 70 trailers before entering receivership in October 2025.
Tyson in Ontario operated about 30 to 35 trucks and 70 trailers before being placed into receivership in September 2025.
A.S.K. Courier Express in Alberta, a regional carrier with about 40 units, declared bankruptcy in August 2025.
SHR Carrier in Ontario, a group of smaller logistics firms under one umbrella with around 30 trucks combined, entered receivership in May 2025.
Tung Air Transport and R. Lessard Trucking in Ontario and Quebec had a combined 70 trucks and 200 trailers before entering receivership in April 2025.
Beyond financial collapses, enforcement is tightening. In Alberta, regulators recently shut down 13 trucking companies and five truck driver training schools over safety and compliance failures. Several were identified as “chameleon carriers,” changing names to avoid oversight. Canadian regulators are sending a clear message that unsafe and non-compliant operations will be removed from the road.
Why it matters
When big carriers disappear, the market reshuffles. Cross-border lanes tighten, rates become volatile, and shippers look for reliable and compliant partners who can deliver when others can’t. For those running clean and disciplined operations, there is opportunity, but this is not the time to get sloppy. Inspections, paperwork, and safety audits are increasing everywhere.
What to do now
Audit your operation. Review your driver files, insurance, maintenance records, and financials before someone else does.
Stay inspection ready. Organized paperwork and clean equipment save time and money.
Protect your margins. Avoid running cheap freight just to stay busy.
Use this moment. When weaker carriers fail, strong ones grow.
My take
This market is tough, but opportunity always shows up during a shakeout. Strong carriers are built in the hard times, not in the easy years. Keep your compliance tight, your reputation clean, and your systems consistent. The ones who stay steady now will own the lanes when the dust settles.
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