Freight Handlers LLC to Cut 168 Jobs Across Five Publix Distribution Centers
Freight Handlers LLC (FHI), a third-party logistics provider with over three decades in operation, is set to eliminate 168 jobs across five distribution centers it services for Publix Super Markets in Florida. The layoffs are scheduled to take effect on September 19 and will impact employees at locations in Lakeland and Sarasota. WARN filings indicate that the affected workforce includes warehouse handlers, leads, managers, and coordinators, though no union representation or bumping rights exist among them. The decision comes amid a period of growth for distribution activity nationwide, as evidenced by Placer.ai's E-Commerce Distribution Index showing increased traffic to facilities in March and April 2026. Despite the industry’s expansion, workers at third-party logistics firms like FHI remain vulnerable due to their reliance on specific customer contracts rather than broader market demand. Similar job cuts have occurred elsewhere in the logistics sector recently, including layoffs by Humano LLC and SIMOS Insourcing Solutions affecting over 1,000 jobs. These developments highlight a trend where rising e-commerce activity does not necessarily translate into stable employment for contract workers.
Topics: job cuts logistics retail supply chain