Freight Handlers LLC to Exit Five Publix Locations, Cut 168 Jobs in Florida
Freight Handlers LLC (FHI), a 35-year-old freight company, will cease third-party unloading services at five Publix distribution centers in Lakeland and Sarasota, Florida, resulting in 168 permanent job losses effective September 19, 2026. The largest cuts affect 151 employees across four Lakeland locations, including 115 warehouse handlers, 14 leads, and management staff. Another 17 jobs are eliminated in Sarasota. The WARN filings do not specify why FHI is ending operations or if Publix will replace the contractor. The layoffs occur despite growing distribution center activity nationwide, as Placer.ai data shows 16-20% year-over-year traffic increases. Similar contract-related cuts have recently hit other logistics firms, highlighting the vulnerability of outsourced labor to specific customer agreements.
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