An Illinois-based transportation and supply chain company that previously had a contract with the U.S. Postal Service for mail transportation has informed its workforce of over 650 employees, including more than 480 drivers, about its decision to shut down operations. This abrupt closure was confirmed by former truck drivers for Midwest Transport Inc. (MTI), based in Robinson, Illinois, who received notifications from their regional managers late Thursday.
While MTI has not yet released an official statement regarding the closure, some former senior managers and truck drivers familiar with the situation have verified the company’s decision to cease operations. In an email sent to MTI employees and drivers, it was mentioned that postal operations will continue until Sunday, September 8th. Additionally, freight operations should heed instructions from load planners on returning goods.
Founded in 1980, MTI operated key terminals in several states including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Florida. Despite having a sizable fleet with over 480 drivers and 428 power units as per data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the company faced challenges reflected in its inspection rates.
Over a two-year period prior to its closure announcement, MTI’s trucks were inspected 244 times with a high out-of-service rate of around 27%, exceeding industry standards. Meanwhile,the company’s driver inspection rate stood at nearly half of average industry rates at just under 3%.
According to FMCSA data showcased on SAFER database,sMTI garnered multiple citations for violations related to controlled substances/alcohol and driver fitness which may have contributed to their current situation.
As news of this unexpected halt in operations spread among former MTI drivers expressed surprise as they had been receiving notices over recent months regarding keeping log books certified after each run. Interestingly,a long-tenured former the MTI driver also noted receiving instructions about monitoring speed records, and enhancing on-time performances before this sudden announcement occurred.d
Despite serving numerous postal contracts across US states, sound crippling closure left many wondering about then pending fate of mail deliveries. A request for comments or further details provided little information as even a media spokesperson with The Postal Service did not immediately return Freight Waves’ request.
