A “stagnant economy, increasing federal regulations and a tightening market for drivers” are the reasons Utah-based reefer carrier C.R. England found it necessary to lay off 81 workers on Aug. 30.
“Scaling back our cost structure is a responsible business strategy in difficult times,” CEO Chad England said in a memo obtained by the Deseret News. “Unfortunately, we found that the size of our non-driver workforce must be adjusted to be consistent with the amount of freight we are able to haul in this environment.”
The reduction represents less than 1% of 8,245 employees and independent contractors employed by the fleet and that laid off employees were offered severance packages.
“We regret that recent conditions have forced this reduction,” England said. “We hope that you understand that protecting the financial viability of C.R. England is of fundamental importance to employees and independent contractors who work hard every day.”
“We have doubled in size since 2007, and we plan on doing it again,” England said. “As we fight our way through this, we will become a stronger company. During difficult times, it is critical that we focus on the principles that have been a big part of our company for almost a century: hard work, cost control, teamwork, fantastic service, safety and innovation.”
