Exclusive: Central Freight Lines to shut down after 96 years
Central Freight Lines is shutting down after 96 years in business, bringing an end to one of the industry’s long-running less-than-truckload carriers.
No additional details were provided in the information available, including the timing of the closure, the reasons behind the decision, how many drivers and dockworkers may be affected, or what steps the company is taking for freight already in its network.
For working drivers, a carrier shutdown matters immediately because it can disrupt ongoing loads, delay pay and reimbursements, and create uncertainty around terminals, equipment, and final settlements. It can also force customers and other carriers to absorb freight on short notice, which can change lane pricing and capacity in certain regions.
In the broader context, the closure underscores how quickly conditions can change in trucking, especially for established operations with fixed terminal networks and higher overhead. When a long-standing carrier exits, it can reshape local freight patterns, affect available driving jobs in certain markets, and shift volume to competing carriers.
More information will be needed to understand the full impact on Central Freight Lines employees, shippers, and day-to-day freight movement.