AM I NEXT> NO LOVE AT CRST

Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based CRST, a transportation and logistics company, has announced a restructuring and optimization of its logistics business, including fleet adjustments with the removal and reallocation of 300 trucks.

The restructuring will impact 300+ employees, primarily in the company's Over-The-Road (OTR) division. Separations are expected to begin in February 2026.

A company statement noted, “In response to the challenging over-the-road market, CRST announced plans today to redistribute much of its Capacity Solutions OTR fleet operations to other business units. This will result in a reduction of nearly 200 trucks from this fleet, and a redeployment of approximately 100 to other growing areas of the business. The Capacity Solutions brokerage service, customers and assets remain unchanged. This decision is intended to strengthen our ability to serve customers through the solutions that drive the most value, reliability and long-term stability. Regrettably, this will result in headcount reductions. Nationwide, over 300 employees are impacted, and yesterday we provided a 60-day notice to those affected, a large portion of whom are our drivers."

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT ALSTOM

Saint-Ouen, France-based Alstrom, a provider of integrated light rail solutions, from engineering and manufacturing to operational management, has announced layoffs associated with the loss of a contract to operate and maintain the New Jersey River Line light rail system.

The contract loss will impact 121 employees as NJ Transit will assume operations and maintenance activities.

According to a company spokesperson, “We expect it to be invisible to our customers. NJ Transit and Alstom are working collaboratively to make this a seamless transition. The transition of this service in-house will be supported by funds currently allocated to the existing contract. We must continue to make the necessary investments to upgrade the existing 20-year-old-plus vehicles and infrastructure, and ultimately plan for the purchase of new vehicles, to ensure the long-term reliability and efficiency of the River Line service."

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT RUAN TRANSPORT

Des Moines, Iowa-based Ruan Transport, a transportation and logistics company that provides dedicated contract transportation, managed transportation, value-added warehousing, and brokerage support services, has announced a reduction in its workforce after losing a contract with The Kroger Co.

The reduction will affect 144 employees, including 130 truck drivers, as well as mechanics and administrative staff, in Tolleson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by the end of August 2025.

Ruan will be replaced by Knight-Swift Transportation, a Phoenix, Arizona-based company that is not unionized.

It appears that the Teamsters are unhappy with the decision and may attempt to pressure Kroger directly. “For over 26 years, Teamsters Local 104 members at Ruan have safely and reliably delivered products for Kroger. Now, the company is attempting to replace them with Swift, a move that threatens the hard-won standards Teamsters have built over decades.”

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?