Teamsters reveal TP Freight’s sudden shutdown

Teamsters-serviced less-than-truckload carrier TP Freight Lines announced a shutdown on August 4. The union released a statement informing employees to cease reporting to work, with the company's main phone line going unanswered. TP Freight failed to pay employees and was delayed in covering health insurance premiums for over a month.

Additionally, the company was behind on retirement contributions. Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, TP Freight specialized in LTL and expedited shipments in the Pacific Northwest and nationwide via interline partnerships. However, the company struggled financially, selling a terminal in Tillamook, Oregon, and LTL operations to Z-10/Team Shippers.

TP Freight's largest customer was the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. Despite the Teamsters' efforts, mismanagement proved too much for the company, which has been in operation since 1922. Other LTL carriers have also shut down recently, with Mountain Valley Express in California and Standard Forwarding Freight in Illinois following suit.

National carriers, however, have shown improved financial results due to better cost structures and contractual rate increases.