Industry Overview - The trucking and logistics sector has experienced significant economic challenges over the past three years, leading to the permanent shutdown of thousands of shipping companies [1] - The number of motor carriers with operating authority decreased by 3.7% in 2024, resulting in 339,220 carriers, which is 13,000 fewer than in 2023 [1][9] - Despite the challenges, the industry saw a 13% increase in newly registered carriers, totaling 148,485 in 2024, which is over 25,000 more than in 2023 [2] Economic Challenges - The industry is still grappling with the Great Freight Recession, which has persisted for three years, and experts indicate that the situation is not yet resolved [2][3] - At least 20 trucking and logistics companies filed for bankruptcy in the second quarter of 2025, with the third quarter on track to match these results, as 16 firms had filed by mid-September [4] Company Actions - Major trucking companies have managed to navigate the economic difficulties by closing unprofitable facilities while maintaining operations at profitable locations [5] - J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. announced the closure of its facility at the Home Depot Distribution Center in Lithonia, Georgia, effective October 27, 2025, notifying 74 employees [6][7] - Epic Lightning Fast Service LLC, a smaller trucking operation, plans to shut down all operations permanently on October 31, 2025, resulting in the layoff of all 116 workers [10]